1.

Q: What do you mean by your emphasis on “folk” and “grassroots,” isn’t all herbalism folk herbalism?

A: At its roots, yes... which is exactly whey we stress land-based traditions, the importance of service and the role of village and community healers, and healers being measured by the depth of their insight and experience as well as by their effects and results.

2.

Q: Why do you restrict your focus to Western herbalism, and leave out Eastern systems like Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda?

A: Western herbal traditions have been largely under-represented, and in some cases have been in danger of being marginalized or even dying out. It is for that reason that Kiva and I are keeping the focus Western – from Europe to the Americas – and not because we necessarily value one system over another. We do host classes that talk about adapting Eastern modalities for Western use and plants.

3.

Q: Why is that you don’t accept class proposals on valuable healing modalities like homeopathy, body work, or even “laughter yoga”?

A: TWHC attendees come in part because of the tight focus on herbalism, and on Western folk herbalism in particular. And even as tightly focused as we are, we find we have to turn down over 100 worthy proposals every year for lack of space.

4.

Q: Where does TWHC stand when it comes to accreditation, certification and licensing?

A: Given our grassroots perspective, you would be right in thinking we chafe at the idea of official certification and licensing. That said, it in keeping with our folk values, bringing to TWHC excellent teachers who are active in professionalizing various organizations and guilds, as well as respected teachers who are adamantly opposed to all selection and certification systems for herbalists.

5.

Q: Why do the tickets for herbals conferences cost what they do??

A: Organizers face considerable costs when putting on their respective events, on top of 12 full months of work... including rental of the site and buildings, printing and advertising, administration and staff, and especially Presenter’s fees and transportation costs. A major criteria for the event site we picked, was having low enough facility and lodging costs to keep the TWHC tickets affordable.

6.

Q: Do you have any Scholarships or other ways that I can get a free ticket? I’m a student (yogi, healer, member of an ethnic minority) and poor.

A: We’re all lifelong students, it is hoped, and many of us involved with plants and healing tend to have modest or minimal income. We periodically offer specific targeted Scholarships that we hope businesses and individuals will donate to, and do what we can to support the attendance of those committing to do what they can to give in return.

7.

Q: Can I volunteer to work in exchange for a ticket?

A: We accept a number of volunteers each year from among the paid registrants, and then reward volunteers with a free or discounted ticket for the following year depending on how much help they provided. Write us directly if you would like to volunteer at the coming event.

8.

Q: What kinds of ticket discounts do you offer?

A: The largets discount is for “Early Sprout” Registration, with the price of tickets going up a little every few months until reaching full price closer to the conference. To get the best deal, be sure to get your tickets the Winter prior to the event.

9.

Q: What about special promotions offered throughout the year? I don’t want to pay full price, and then miss out on a special discount offer later.

A: We do offer special discounts close to the time of the event, for the members of specific groups or for certain sponsor’s customers... but that discounted price will never be less than the “Early Sprout” discount for purchasing your tickets early.

10.

Q: Why are the day passes higher in comparison to the full weekend tickets?

A: Higher price for day passes are meant to encourage folks to bond as community by being on site for the entire event, while still making attendance possible for those who absolutely can’t stay for any longer.

11.

Q: What is your ticket refund policy?

A: Refunds are issued for adult tickets up until a month before the conference, minus a $75 non-refundable deposit and the $7.00 ticket processing fee that was included in your ticket price. Children’s tickets will be refunded in full until August 10th, minus a non-refundable ticket fee of $2. There will be no ticket refunds after August 15th for any reason.

12.

Q: Is there a special price for kids and teens?

A: Absolutely. It order to encourage the active participation of the young, we offer tickets at 1/4 of the normal price to attendees 9 to 17 years old, and kids 7 and under come free.

13.

Q: Do you provide childcare?

A: Do to the cost of insurance, we can’t take responsibility for anyone’s children. Mothers may informally arrange to take turns tending each other’s kids, and we recommend taking advantage of the special kid’s herbal classes.

14.

Q: Are there any special programs for kids to participate in?

A: Indeed, we schedule several classes just for youth every year, including some designed for the very young, and others geared for pre-teens and teens.

15.

Q: Is there a playground or other’s kid’s facilities and activities?

A: The site includes not only a large playground but also supervised horse rides and even a petting zoo!

16.

Q: How do I apply to become a Sponsor of TWHC, and what are the benefits to me?

A: Go to the Sponsor & Vendor page for an application, which lists the various levels of support and what you will receive in the way of promotion in exchange.

17.

Q: Does TWHC have Non-Profit status? I could increase the amount of our TWHC Sponsorship contribution, if you were 501c3.

A: We don’t yet have and may never get official nonprofit status. Your contributions could be considered advertising expenses or gifts, but not as a nonprofit donation write-off on your federal taxes.

18.

Q: What are the lodging options?

A: Lodging is purchased directly from Mormon Lakes Resort, by following the links on our Cabins & Camping and Registration Info pages. Choose between affordable cabins, RV sites for your trailer or van, inexpensive campsites with electricity and free campsites without.

19.

Q: What about meals while we’re at the conference?

A: Some meals are catered, as explained on the Meal Options page of this website, and there is also a restaurant in the main Lodge. In addition, you are welcome to bring your own food to eat.

20.

Q: How do I get from the airport to the site if I choose to fly?

A: You can fly either into Phoenix (cheapest) or Flagstaff and then either rent a car for the weekend or take advantage of the shuttle service to our event site. Full details and contact information are found on the Site & Directions page.

21.

Q: What kinds of weather should we expect, and how should we dress?

A: The weather in the mountains in mid September is usually chilly at night and warm and sunny in the afternoons, but sporadic rain is always a possibility in the unpredictable West. As a result, we recommend a wide range of clothing and footwear as explained on the What To Bring section of the Site page.

22.

Q: What about informal time for socializing? There doesn’t seem to be many hours set aside for that, given all the classes going on.

A: Our emphasis is on making as many learning opportunities available as possible, and maximizing the schedule for that purpose. That said, meal times are excellent for socializing and getting to know one another, and the Thursday evening Confluence (Welcome & Teacher Introductions) includes hours set aside for a general meet and greet.