We could hardly contain our delight when Blue Ridge Assembly, the spiritual home of Medicines from the Earth since 1996, let us know they would fully reopen in time for the 2026 symposium, May 15 - 17.
How fitting that our community of herbalists, healers, and plant lovers will gather once again in the mountains of North Carolina for this 30th anniversary celebration. After the storms of the past year, our return to this beloved place is more than a milestone—it is a homecoming that affirms the strength of our traditions and the importance of coming together.
For three decades, the porches, trails, and classrooms of Blue Ridge Assembly have welcomed us. Generations of herbalists have shared meals, laughter, discoveries, and stories here. We remember when Todd Elliott used to help his dad Doug at his table. and our thrill when he first played the fiddle on stage.
We have walked the ridgelines at dawn, sung our hearts out on the porch of Eureka Hall and gathered under the stars at night, deepening our friendships in countless conversations. Marking thirty years at this site reminds us how Medicines from the Earth has become a living thread of continuity, connecting past, present, and future.
The 2026 program reflects both our roots and our ongoing evolution. We are honored to welcome David Crow, LAc, as keynote speaker, bringing his pioneering work in botanical medicine to inspire reflection and dialogue. Our clinical lectures will highlight practitioners who integrate botanicals into daily practice, offering insights grounded in patient care. Outdoors, herb walks will invite participants to explore the mountain landscape and connect with plants in their native habitats.
For those who love the craft of hands-on learning, Teresa Boardwine will share her expertise through medicine-making demonstrations, keeping alive the practical skills that form the heart of herbal traditions. On Friday, Rebecca Beyer will lead a field study into the surrounding landscape, weaving together ecology, folklore, and tradition. Two panel discussions will provide space for shared wisdom, conversation, and community voices. Meanwhile, the exhibit hall will once again buzz with energy, offering books, remedies, information on student programs and the chance to meet the innovators behind them.
Evenings bring their own opportunities to connect. On Saturday night we will again gather at the campfire in the Amphitheater to reflect on the past year and share stories of resilience and hope. And throughout the weekend, the lodge deck will serve as a natural gathering place, where old friends reconnect and new relatonships take root. As twilight settles, and the fires are lit, we will once again be reminded of the beauty of this mountain treasure.
This year, we are also mindful of accessibility. A special discounted track and full and partial scholarships will be available to support those facing financial challenges, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate in learning and community.
The 30th anniversary is not simply a marker of time—it represents the continuity of a community that has grown, adapted, and thrived together. As we return to Blue Ridge Assembly this spring, we celebrate both our history and the promise of what lies ahead. Here, in this place and with all of you, we are reminded of what endures and are inspired by what is still to come.
Registration will open soon. Check back for updates and see you there!
