In June, we welcomed Brendan Kelly, herbalist and author of The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis, as the guest speaker of our events centered on the startling correlation between Lyme disease and climate change.
The series kicked off with an evening lecture on Thursday, June 1 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The event was well attended, particularly by many people who later indicated that they had never been to a Connector Series event before. They certainly chose the right event as an introduction to our thought-provoking programming. Brendan gave an informative and enlightening presentation centered on the Chinese medicine philosophy of Yin (water/cold/cool) and Yang (fire/hot/heat) and how the imbalance of our environment (both global and local) mirrors a similar overheating within us and within our culture. The audience participated eagerly in the Q&A portion of the lecture and many purchased copies of his book, which was available for signing at a post-event meet-and-greet.
Bright and early the following day, Brendan led a sold-out eco-medicinal herb walk at the Slocum’s River Reserve in Dartmouth, MA. The diverse group was joined by board members from the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT), co-sponsor of this event and the subsequent luncheon. On the educational foraging excursion, 4 main local herbs were discussed (Dandelion, Burdock, Stinging Nettles, and Plantain Leaf) and most were in plentiful supply at this time in the season. to begin foraging more regularly? How are these skills useful in a survival context?
The group then traveled down the road to the rustic modern DNRT Center at Helfand Farm for an informal “trail to table” luncheon prepared and presented by Chef Edward Roszak of How on Earth in Mattapoisett. The locally sourced 3-course meal featured the herssert was herb-infused, with Dandelion Gluten Free Muffins as th a How on Earth tote bag filled with a host of items, including a reusable water bottle, a robust bundle of fresh, herbs, a card with the Dandelion Muffin recipe, and a signed copy of Brendan’s book.
The events were so well received that we hope to be able to bring Brendan back for more Connector Series events in the future. If you missed these events, don’t despair! You can access the June 1 lecture in its entirety on SoundCloud by clicking here.
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