Discover the world of herbs through learning, community, and conservation. As a member, you’ll enjoy unique
opportunities to grow your skills, connect with others, and contribute to a thriving herbal community.

■ Learn & Grow
• Hands-on workshops in gardening, herbal preparation, and plant identification
• Apprenticeship opportunities with structured learning programs
• Peer-reviewed educational events with safe, accurate knowledge
■ Connect with Community
• Network with gardeners, herbalists, and nature enthusiasts
• Join garden clubs, committees, and special interest groups
• Collaborate with others who share your passion for plants and wellness
■ Preserve & Protect
• Support conservation of native plants and pollinator-friendly gardens
• Learn sustainable harvesting and ethical wildcrafting
• Participate in community garden and preservation projects
■ Give Back & Lead
• Volunteer at outreach programs and local events
• Mentor apprentices or serve on committees
• Shape the future of herbal education in Michigan
■ Exclusive Member Benefits
• Access to a resource library of herbal texts, recipes, and guides
• Invitations to member-only events, herb swaps, and seasonal celebrations
• Participation in signature programs like ROOTS, LEAF, and SPROUT

Educational Programs

1. HERB – Hands-on Education for Regional Botanicals
   → A seasonal workshop series on identifying and using local herbs.

2. ROOTS – Regional Outreach & Organic Training Series
   → Community-focused herbal education for beginners.

3. SPROUT – Seasonal Plant Resources & Outreach for Urban & Township gardeners
   → A program to introduce herbs to community and school gardens.

4. SEED – Sharing Education on Edible & Medicinal Diversity
   → Public lectures and herb garden tours.

Apprenticeship & Skill-Building

5. LEAF – Learning, Exploration, & Applied Fieldwork
   → Apprentice field training in plant identification and harvesting.

6. BLOOM – Botanical Learning, Observation, & Organic Mastery
   → A multi-month herbal mastery program.

7. THYME – Training Herbal Youth & Mentoring Enthusiasts
   → A mentorship program for younger herbalists.

Community Engagement

8. GROW – Gardeners Reaching Out With herbs
   → Partnerships with other garden clubs and community gardens.

9. PLANT – Promoting Local Agriculture & Native Traditions
   → An outreach program highlighting native and heritage herbs.

10. NECTAR – Nurturing Ecological Conservation Through Aromatic Resources
    → Pollinator-friendly herbal gardening program.

Code of Ethics

All members, garden clubs, apprentices, event leaders, and affiliates of the Society agree to uphold the following Code of Ethics:

Integrity in Herbal Education

Present herbal information accurately, clearly, and responsibly.

Clearly distinguish between historical use, traditional knowledge, and modern scientific findings.

Do not use medical language such as “diagnose,” “treat,” “prescribe,” or “cure” unless legally licensed to do so.

Avoid giving specific health advice or protocols to individuals unless within a legal scope of practice.

2. Respect for Traditional Knowledge

Honor the cultural and historical roots of herbal traditions and the communities that carry them.

Give credit where due and avoid cultural appropriation.

Seek permission and provide context when sharing knowledge from Indigenous or lineage-based systems.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Promote sustainable wildcrafting, cultivation, and use of herbal resources.

Encourage biodiversity, conservation, and local plant stewardship.

Discourage the use or promotion of at-risk or endangered plants unless sustainably grown.

4. Community Engagement and Inclusivity

Foster a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all members, regardless of background, identity, or level of experience.

Commit to non-discrimination and respectful dialogue in all society spaces.

Address conflicts, concerns, or violations with transparency and compassion.

5. Transparency and Accountability

Represent the Society with honesty and professionalism.

Disclose any affiliations, conflicts of interest, or financial relationships when presenting or promoting products or events.

Accept constructive feedback and participate in peer review when required.

6. Apprenticeship and Mentorship

Maintain healthy mentor-apprentice boundaries.

Provide clear expectations, respectful guidance, and support.

Ensure apprenticeships are educational, not exploitative of labor or emotional labor.

7. Garden Clubs and Public Events

Ensure events hosted by garden clubs or public-facing groups align with Society values.

Refrain from offering personalized health advice or product sales under the guise of education.

Submit materials for peer review when required by the Society’s event planning guidelines.

The mission of the Ancestral Roots Herb Society is to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates the wisdom and beauty of herbalism. We strive to promote the ethical use of plants for wellness, support education grounded in traditional knowledge and science, and steward the earth through sustainable practices. Through workshops, apprenticeships, garden projects, and peer-supported learning, we empower individuals to connect with plants, one another, and themselves in meaningful ways.

We keep member information private. You must use the password provided to you when you became a member.  Passwords change several times a year.  The most current password will be in the Member’s Only email recently sent to you.  I have my password, take me to Member Resources Content

This is just a quick view of what you can expect on the resources page. 

Use the form below to receive an email with registration information.