Nestled along the vibrant Rocky Mountain range, Catherine Hunziker, the visionary owner and chief formulator of WishGarden Herbs, devotes her golden years to her lifelong passion: plants. You often hear the saying, “It’s time to put the focus back on the plants,” and Catherine’s dedication blossoms into something remarkable: the Rocky Mountain Herbal Culture Hub. This initiative is fast becoming a crucial community epicenter where agricultural enthusiasts come together to share knowledge about medicinal herb processing, land regeneration and local cultivation.
A new chapter in the heritage of herbs
After passing the operational baton of WishGarden to her children Sam and Anna, Catherine’s zeal for sustainable, bioregional herbal medicine did not wane. In an era where our diverse spice supply chain faces challenges from environmental and economic pressures, proactive measures are more important than ever. Discover the transformative work unfolding at the Rocky Mountain Herbiculture Hub, where community and innovation thrive.
Herb care initiatives
The Rocky Mountain Herb Tending Coalition, along with our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), is a vivid testament to our commitment to forging lasting connections between local farmers, herb enthusiasts, physicians and academia. Catherine’s mission – strengthening regional agriculture through immersive, hands-on educational efforts – aims to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of medicinal herbs. By combining agriculture and education, we nurture a robust plant community and increase the sustainability and expertise of our local farmers. Local education platforms, such as herb schools, will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with plants and volunteer with farmers. Catherine’s collaboration with Jack’s Solar Garden has led to Echinacea, Clary Sage, Garden Sage, Lavender and many other medicinal herb experiments within the agrivolics farm model.
Conservation through cultivation
The vulnerability of wild plants used in herbal medicines has escalated due to severe weather conditions, rampant overharvesting and uncontrolled land development. In response, WishGarden has joined forces with the Herbiculture Project to protect our botanical heritage, focusing on at-risk species such as the Yerba Mansa root. This native Colorado plant traditionally thrives among the Cottonwood Bosques of New Mexico and California and is being reintroduced through partnerships with forward-thinking, regenerative farms such as Benevolence Orchard & Gardens and Friends Farm. Together we don’t just grow plants; we restore ecosystems.
Empowering farmers with regenerative techniques
At the heart of Catherine’s Herbiculture Project lies a profound vision: transforming dormant agricultural fields into vibrant sources of medicinal herbs. This hub is not just a place; it is a learning center dedicated to teaching the intricacies of soil regeneration, herb quality control and efficient processing techniques. Catherine’s pioneering efforts include more than just agriculture; they are about empowering farmers, revitalizing soils and ensuring a sustainable future for herbal medicine.
Join us in cultivating change
Step into a world where agriculture and innovation come together. The Rocky Mountain Herbiculture Hub isn’t just about growing plants, it’s also about expanding possibilities. Join us as we pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in herbal medicine. Come explore, learn and be part of this exciting journey in the heart of the Rockies.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She is the owner of Blue Yarrow Herbs, also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the Sourcing & Purchasing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
Read more