The Spirit & Essence
of Herbalism
In-Person Herbal Immersion
with Rosemary Gladstar, Jane Bothwell & Special Guests
August 13–16, 2026
White Dove Herbal Sanctuary • Montpelier, Vermont
A Gathering on the Land
For many years, apprentices traveled from near and far to gather in person. We walked the fields, made medicine side by side, sang together, and deepened our love for the plants in community.
While our apprenticeship now unfolds online, there is still something very special about meeting one another face to face….about walking the same soil…about sharing tea brewed from herbs we have just harvested together.
This August, we will gather at White Dove Herbal Sanctuary in Vermont, lovingly stewarded by Amy Goodman Kiefer and family.
This immersion is an optional part of our apprenticeship year. It is simply offered as a heartfelt extension of our time together.
We will keep the gathering small, about 60 apprentices, so that it remains intimate and personal.
How We Will Spend Our Time Together
Our days will be full but never rushed.
We will begin in circle.
We’ll sing.
We will introduce ourselves not only by name,
but by the plant that is calling to us.
We’ll move and dance and play with the plants.
Herb Walks & Plant Identification
We will divide into smaller groups and walk the sanctuary together, learning to truly see the plants that grow there. Jane and I will each guide part of the walks so everyone has time with both of us.
We may gather herbs for tea. We may sit quietly and observe.
Plant identification becomes something entirely different when you are standing with the plants—listening, observing, and meeting as a living being rather than a picture on a page.
Formulation & Creating Herbal Programs
Many students tell us that formulation and building herbal programs are the areas where they most want guidance. Being together in person allows us to practice in a collaborative and supportive way.
You will work in small groups.
You will create formulas.
You will receive feedback.
You will refine your thinking.
Confidence grows through practice.
Plant Spirit & Deepening Connection
Amy Goodman Kiefer—community herbalist, avid gardener, herb grower, medicine maker, practitioner and herbal teacher—will guide us in deepening our relationship with the plants beyond their physical properties.
Listening.
Honoring.
Remembering that the plants are elders and allies.
A Visit to Sage Mountain
We are planning a half-day visit to Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary, a place woven deeply into herbal history and conservation.
We will walk the gardens and woodlands with Emily, Jane, and Rosemary. You will meet Ginseng and Goldenseal that were planted more than 25 years ago and are still thriving. It was in these very woodlands that the inspiration for United Plant Savers first took root.
Juliette de Baïracli Levy spent months here on the Mountain. Tasha Tudor found inspiration in the Lady’s Slippers and painted them during her visits. Many well-known herbalists have taught here, and many young herbalists first found their path while walking these trails.
We will meet Emily and Rod, the current stewards and caretakers, and hear about their dreams for the Mountain’s future. Our time there will include learning, quiet reflection, and simple ceremony.
Walking this land is a reminder that we are part of a lineage much larger than ourselves, and that the story of herbalism continues to unfold through each of us.
The Herbal Kitchen
We will devote time to food and medicine. Jane and I will demonstrate favorite recipes, taste remedies, and share what we love to prepare.
Herbalism is meant to be touched, tasted, and shared.
Celebration & Integration
On our final evening together, we will gather for a shared dinner, prepared and enjoyed together in the spirit of gratitude. We’ll have music, perhaps a small medicine show, and certainly plenty of laughter.
These are the moments when friendships deepen and stories are shared, when we remember that herbalism has always been carried forward in community.
On our final morning, we will return to circle to reflect on what it means to carry this knowledge home. How will we tend our families, our neighbors, our communities? What seeds are ready to be planted next?
Each apprentice will be acknowledged. Each intention honored. We will send one another forward with encouragement and blessing, knowing that while our days together are coming to a close, the relationships and the work continue to grow.
The end of anything is always the beginning of something new.
The Practical Details
August 13–16, 2026
White Dove Herbal Sanctuary • Montpelier, Vermont
$695
Payment Plans Available
To support accessibility, flexible payment options are available at checkout through Affirm and PayPal Pay Later. Availability and terms are determined by the payment provider.
Included
- All classes and instruction
- Class materials and handouts
- Lunches each day
- Saturday celebration dinner
Not Included
- Lodging
- Breakfast and dinners
- Travel
Our In-Person Immersion is Sold Out
We are building a wait list for a potentional second in-person event to be held the weekend of August 8, 2026.
Please fill out the form below by April 1 to join the wait list.
This in-person immersion is only open to apprentices.
We'd love for you to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this in-person immersion required for the apprenticeship?
No. This gathering is entirely optional.
The Spirit & Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship is complete and whole in its online form. Every class, project, and live session unfolds fully whether or not you attend in person.
This immersion is simply an opportunity for those who feel called to gather face to face—to walk the land together, share meals, and deepen connection in a more embodied way.
If travel is not possible for you, please know you are just as much a part of this circle. Our learning and our community continue to flourish online throughout the year.
Who is eligible to attend?
This in-person immersion is open exclusively to those enrolled in The Spirit & Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship for 2026.
We are keeping the gathering intentionally small so that it feels personal and connected. For that reason, attendance is reserved for members of this year’s apprenticeship circle.
If you are enrolled in the apprenticeship, you are warmly invited to join us in Vermont.
What is included in the registration, and what is not?
Your registration includes all classes and instruction throughout the four-day immersion, printed handouts, lunches each day, and our shared celebration dinner on Saturday. Herbal teas and light refreshments will be available as well.
Not included are lodging, breakfasts and dinners beyond our celebration evening, and travel expenses.
How do I get there, and what should I know about traveling to Vermont?
White Dove Herbal Sanctuary is located near Montpelier, Vermont. The closest airport is Burlington International Airport, which is about a 45–50 minute drive from the sanctuary. Some apprentices may also choose to drive, depending on where they are traveling from.
Detailed travel guidance will be shared closer to the event, including directions, parking information, and coordination for our visit to Sage Mountain. We encourage carpooling when possible, as it can be a lovely way to begin building connection even before you arrive.
August in Vermont is warm and green. Days are often sunny and comfortable with cooler evenings. We recommend bringing layers, comfortable walking shoes for garden and woodland paths, and anything you need to feel at ease outdoors.
Above all, allow yourself time to travel gently. The journey north is part of the experience.
Where should I stay, and what lodging options are available?
Lodging is not included in your registration, which allows each apprentice to choose the setting that feels most comfortable and supportive.
There are a variety of options in and around Montpelier, including local inns, small hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals. Some apprentices may also prefer nearby camping options.
To explore the area and discover lodging possibilities, you may find these local resources helpful:
- Montpelier Alive: https://www.montpelieralive.com/
- Vermont Vacation: https://vermontvacation.com/places-to-visit/
- Hotels in Montpelier, VT
- Airbnb in Montpelier, VT
We encourage apprentices to book lodging early, as August is a beautiful and popular time to visit Vermont. Some may even choose to coordinate with fellow apprentices to share accommodations.
What meals are included, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Your registration includes nourishing lunches each day and our shared celebration dinner. Herbal teas will be available throughout our time together, and light refreshments will be offered during breaks.
Breakfasts and most evening meals beyond our celebration dinner are not included, giving you flexibility to explore the area or share meals more informally with fellow apprentices.
We do our best to accommodate common dietary needs and food sensitivities. Our intention is simple, wholesome, seasonal food that feels sustaining and welcoming.
If you have specific concerns, you are always welcome to reach out in advance so we can consider them with care.
What will the daily schedule be like?
Here is the overall rhythm and structure of our days together, so you can plan your travel and energy with clarity and ease.
We will begin on Thursday, August 13 at 9:00am. Each full day of core learning will run until approximately 5:30pm. There will be a generous mid-day break for lunch and a pause in the afternoon for tea and snacks, allowing time to rest, reflect, and connect.
Our shared celebration dinner on Saturday evening will take place from 6:00–7:30pm and is optional.
On our final day, we will gather from 9:00am–1:00pm for integration, reflection, and closing ceremony.
The structure is steady and full, yet spacious enough to breathe. There will be learning, laughter, movement, and moments of quiet. Our intention is to create a rhythm that feels nourishing rather than rushed.
Is transportation provided to Sage Mountain?
Transportation to Sage Mountain is not formally provided. Many apprentices choose to carpool, and we warmly encourage sharing rides when possible. It is a simple and lovely way to begin conversations, build connection, and travel together through the Vermont countryside.
What is the refund policy?
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as clear and fair as possible.
- You may receive a full refund within 72 hours of registration.
- Cancellations made before June 1, 2026 will receive a 50% refund.
- After June 1, 2026, we are unable to offer refunds, as preparations, food planning, and commitments to the land and our team will already be in place.
If unexpected circumstances arise, we encourage you to reach out. While we must honor these guidelines, we will always respond with care and consideration.