Lenape Medicinal Plants and Crops Talk invites audience to listen and learn about the use and significance of specific plants in the Lenape culture
Did you know Lenape healing traditions continue today using plants commonly found in the Northeast as medicine and some even for cooking? Join D&R Greenway Land Trust at the Discovery Center at Point Breeze on May 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to learn more at an informative program presented by Chief Bluejay of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania.
Seating is limited to 30 guests, an attendance fee of $15 per person benefits the Discovery Center at Point Breeze, located at 101 E. Park Street, Bordentown, N.J. RSVP in advance at www.drgreenway.org.
This informative program will cover the use and significance of specific plants in the Lenape culture as well as cultural stories surrounding plants.
As examples, herbs such as black cohosh (sekkohosh) and elderberry (puhwesenakwim) can be processed using traditional Lenape techniques. The various leaves and stems are used as medicine for everything from kidney disorders to depression.
Native American health focuses on the balance of a holistic physical and spiritual well-being. Disease is an imbalance, cured by the powers of nature and self-healing.
Guest speaker, Chief Bluejay, aka Barbara Michalski, is a member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. She serves on the tribal council and as tribal secretary and focuses on educating the public in the Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape). She has been involved in environmental causes, particularly clean water protection. Recently, she has seen a rising interest in medicinal plants.
A new video will be shown at the Discovery Center during open hours this Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 during open hours from noon to 4 p.m.
Filmed by D&R Greenway Fellow Daniel Kapner, the short video interviews Chief BlueJay, Uma Cinnamon and Eagleheart about how they received their Lenape names, and the meaning of the Delaware River, known as the Lenape Sipu, among other fascinating facts. The video will be shown in the People’s Room. Other exhibit rooms that can be visited are the Crown Jewels Gallery, the Natural World Room and the Walk Through Time Room.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and take time to view the Discovery Center’s exhibits and Lenape art. The admission cost of $15 per person supports the Discovery Center at Point Breeze. Reserve in advance for the Lenape Medicinal Plant and Crops Talk at www.drgreenway.org or call 609.924.4646 is limited to 30 attendees. as seating or call 609.924.4646.
Please visit D&R Greenway’s website, www.drgreenway.org Point Breeze and at the Johnson Education Center in Princeton. Stay informed of conservation and history related activities by registering for the mailing list at info@drgreenway.orgfor information regarding future events at
About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of approximately 22,500 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region, including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Photos:
(1) Chief Bluejay and Uma Cinnamon of the Lenape Nation in the People’s room at the Discovery Center
(2) Native Bloodroot has a variety of purported medicinal properties, including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects
