Wildwood Institute of Herbalism

Herbal Apprenticeship and Education

Bringing the Plants to the People and the People to the Earth™ since 1996.

For May 2025, only 6 spots left!
Apply now!

Herbal Apprenticeships

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Herbalist Apprenticeship Program. Students are accepted only once a year. The session runs from May 2024 to April  2025. Classes are held one weekend per month. Last year there was a waiting list, and we recommend that you apply early in order to secure your place.

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Classes and Events

Visit Wildwood Institute and our medicinal gardens for an on-site workshop or herb walk. We offer introductory classes, and make-and-take workshops with materials included! Or, find Kathleen lecturing off-site, whether it’s at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a national conference, or online.

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What is Wildwood Institute of Herbalism?

Wildwood Institute is a woman-owned business dedicated to educating people to heal themselves, their families, their communities, and the Earth. We offer a comprehensive Herbalist Apprenticeship Program, herb walks, workshops, holistic health consultations, and speaking events.

woman smiles digging a burdock plant
herbalists walk through a field
gina processing herbs

At Wildwood Institute we teach from the Four Directions of Information, with Nature at the center.

Intuition • Herbal Traditions • Science and the Intellect • Personal Experience

 

What Apprentices are Saying

“My experience at Wildwood Institute will always be a part of me. It is an experience that will cleanse your soul and open your mind. Kathleen will take you on a learning journey that you weren’t expecting.

~ Dallas G.

“I look forward to my weekends at The Wildwood Institute. A lovely community of eager learners show up and Kathleen shares her knowledge and experience with us in a relaxed and nurturing way. Every session I have learned something that I take home and immediately integrate into our lives. What an incredible way to learn about herbalism!”

~ Darla P.

“I really like the way you teach, Kathleen. It is structured and relaxed at the same time. Though I do not feel pressured, your assignments are stimulating and challenging. You encourage me to excel, I desire to work and learn more. You make me very comfortable and at the same time, you keep things on track, on task.”


~ Anonymous

I cherish my education at Wildwood. Kathleen is a thoughtful and thorough teacher. Learning to use plants as healers and allies helped me get off of some medications and improve my mental and physical health (I even avoided a surgery). I now share what I have learned by making formulas for friends and family. I never knew that I can use so many plants that grow in my own backyard. I especially love heading out into the woods and finding my own foods and medicines. I’m amazed at how much I learned. I highly recommend this school!

~ Laura H.

“Kathleen has an amazing cornucopia of knowledge that shines forth. It is clear that
the plants are her very good friends and she really knows how to work them. That appeals
to me immensely!”

~ Anonymous

“You are an incredibly talented teacher and I would recommend this apprenticeship to anyone, no matter what their level, learning style, or personal preferences. The heart you put into what you do is so special and affected me in such a positive way.”

~ Jenny M.

“I have a lot of balance in my life right now and I contribute it to the work I did while in the loving and supportive community at Wildwood. Thank you for encouraging me to find peace and for all of the awesome Sunday morning spiritual activities you did with us. I learned so much from you. Last week, my friends and I hosted a pop-up spa and I led a new moon/equinox ceremony and we all sent out blessings to Mother Earth.”

~ Anonymous

I was an herbal apprentice for 2 years and I would have stayed forever if I could! Kathleen makes sure you are listened to and validated. The information I have in my notebooks, notes, assignments, tests, emails, articles and books that will follow me forever are some of the most important items I own! This apprenticeship has helped me learn to research, to ask questions, and to honor my own needs and well-being. This apprenticeship brought more healing than I ever could have imagined and Kathleen and Michael have really created a beautiful space for healing and learning. An absolutely profound experience that was truly an honor and priceless. Thank you!

~ Gina O.

“I came here with bits of knowledge about herbs and the human body, bits about gardening and this and that, but this apprenticeship gave me a framework to fit it in, and filled in so many of the gaps.”

~ Anonymous

I honestly can say I really enjoy this apprenticeship. Kathleen and Michael are really nice and patient with explaining everything. The atmosphere is amazing and so peaceful. I’m really learning a lot and I can’t wait for my next class!

~ Cherissa T.

“Herbalism is, by its nature, interdisciplinary, and every piece of it was well put together and balanced in this apprenticeship!”

~ Anonymous

I loved my herb courses with Kathleen! She does an excellent job of organizing material in a way that helps you form a framework for learning about and applying knowledge of herbs. It also helps going forward because your knowledge of herbal medicine continues to grow as you study. Using a combination of classroom and hands-on experience, you learn to feel confident of your herbal knowledge and application. This course changed my life and for the better. I highly recommend it. In the end what you do with the knowledge is up to you.

~ Pamela

I loved my experience as a first and second year apprentice with Kathleen. Her experience, sensitivity and knowledge provide a wealth of herbal education in the wise woman tradition. The weekends together with Kathleen, Michael, and my classmates are experiences I treasure. My confidence as an herbalist and medicine maker were further enhanced by the readings and homework. This comprehensive program is challenging and engaging!

~ Susan M.

“Having the guidance of an experienced teacher and the support of my fellow students in such a beautiful setting is such a revitalizing experience!”

~ Anonymous

I learned so much from Kathleen’s apprenticeship classes, and I’ve used the information to help family members and friends improve their health!

~ Frank P.

I did one year at Wildwood Institute and I could not recommend it enough!
Kathleen and Michael have done such a wonderful job at creating a comfortable and expansive environment to learn in. This education is true holistic herbalism. I gained knowledge in body systems, the healing process, scientific research, herbs, and herbal preparations, as well as the energetic components of herbalism. She blends science
and intuition so beautifully.

~ Stephanie M.

“The connections I have made with other apprentices, getting to know others who are also learning about plants, and healing and herbs, have touched me deeply. I have benefitted in many ways I never could have imagined.”

~ Anonymous

Kathleen and her interns there are so knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. They took the time to really understand all facets of my life to help improve my health . I love their holistic approach! The herbs and diet changes they recommended were very helpful for me!”

~ Amy D.

“When I signed up I was so excited, but I had no idea I was going to learn so much.
I would have had to research and study for years on my own in order to obtain this collection of information!”

~ Anonymous