ABOUT

The Botanical Hiker

Explore nature. Expand wonder. Enhance well-being.

Heather Houskeeper The Botanical Hiker

Hiker

Hiking broadens my experience and appreciation for nature, most importantly, it continually expands my wonder for this dauntingly beautiful earth we call home. My desire to better understand and connect with nature has inspired many a long trek.

From end to end, I have thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail twice, Long Path, Florida Trail, Mid State Trail, and am the first person to hike the entire Finger Lakes Trail System in one continuous journey.

Hiking benefits my health, psyche and spiritual connection. These positive influences are what motivate me to introduce others to the outdoors. I have been guiding hikes on trail since 2011.

Herbalist

A graduate of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine (Asheville, NC 2010), I hold a certificate in herbal medicine, plant identification, and medicine-making.

My experience with the plants is hands-on. My long hikes have further served in my study of the plants. On my long hikes, I foraged incorporating wild plants into my backcountry meals and utilizing the plants for medicinal needs. I am continually expanding my knowledge of the plants through further study.

Through my herbal practice I strive to educate and empower others to look to the natural world for sustenance and healing. I have shared my knowledge in classrooms, destination resorts and tiny herb shops, and of course on the trail and in the woods.

Forest Therapy GUide

A graduate of the Forest Therapy School, I hold a certificate as a Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing Guide.

I have learned through my time in spent in nature as hiker, herbalist, and yogi, the deep solace that can be found in slowing down, awakening the senses, and connecting to the natural world.

In guiding others into the natural world through a mindful, sensory-rich practice, I believe we can foster deep connection and reverence for our environment. It is an honor to facilitate that relationship. I have provided forest bathing to groups of people across a large spectrum, from corporate groups in destination resorts to families and young children on simple winding trails.

Author

My time on the trail has culminated in three books:

A Guide to the Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Mountains to Sea Trail (2014)

A Guide to the Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Finger Lakes Trail.

(2015)

Love and the Long Path (2021)

I am the Wild Food columnist for Dirt Magazine. My articles about foraging and hiking have been published in such publications as Blue Ridge Outdoors and Breathe.

I have authored my blog: The Botanical Hiker, since 2011. Here, I have documented my long distance hikes and exploration in herbal medicine and foraging.

Through my writings, I hope to inspire others to get outside, take on big journeys and delve ever deeper into the plant world.

Yoga Teacher

I have practiced yoga since 2001 and been teaching since 2005. I hold a certificate from the Asheville Yoga Center and specialize in Kundalini Yoga. I enjoy blending nature into my classes and practicing in the outdoors whenever possible.

Yoga was my first healing modality and continues to provide me with inner balance, strength, and inspiration. What I have learned on the mat has influenced both my long hikes and my herbal practice.

I perceive teaching others yoga as an act of service. Yoga provides union with ourselves, others, and the natural world that is so needed in our times. I have taught in all settings, children and adults, beginner to advanced.