But first I’d like to share a story with you.
When I first started to immerse myself in nature and learn more about the magic of plants, I had a deep desire to find a mentor. I believed the answer for the deeper learning that I desired could be satisfied by being guided by someone with deep knowledge who could guide me through personal transformation. Unfortunately, my journey did not happen this way.
Now, this might seem like a sad story, but it’s not. There is a happy ending.
Two things happened. The first is that soon after I made a plea to the Creator for a mentor, I received a call from a fellow Nipmuck leader who had received a grant to provide free educational training to Indigenous people in the area of herbalism (I am Chaubunagungamaugg Nipmuck). When I was asked to participate, I literally jumped at the chance. Soon I began to study beginner herbalism through the Herbal Academy. It proved to be life-changing.
Although this wasn’t the mentor I’d been seeking, I found it to be equally important. It was a path, and one I have stayed on ever since. This was back in 2013. Over time I learned so much more than I imagined possible.
Instead of one mentor, I met many. and the second thing I learned was that there were other forms that mentors could take. I realized that mentors didn’t HAVE to be people at all. I discovered that field guides and books are mentors, something that should have dawned on me sooner considering that I hold a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I have always held knowledge and learning as the highest goals of attainment in life and why I never stop trying to learn new things, so it made perfect sense to turn to books for help and guidance.
Just think about it. Someone put years of their life into creating a guide with incredible amounts of detail. Sure, it would be nice to have a personal mentor that knew everything about everything. But honestly, do you even think that exists?
What does exist is a world of books written by experts that can teach you anything you want. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite field guides, plant identification books, and other resources that really helped me on my way. I hope this list helps you as well.
Hi Barbi, I came across your beautiful site through Pinterest. Thank you for sharing about the plants! This list is super comprehensive. I thought you might also like to add my field guide. It’s basically the wildcrafting and medicine making companion of Leda Meredith’s Northeast Foraging (she’s a good friend and collaborator). My book is Northeast Medicinal Plants, also published by Timber Press.
Many blessings to you!
Hi Liz,
I actually just purchased this book, and believe it’s definitely worthy of this list. Thanks so much for reaching out!
~Barbi