Ancestral Roots Herb Society (ARHS) is a community-centered educational organization connecting people with plants, gardens, books, nature, ancestral knowledge, creativity, stewardship, and one another. You do not have to be an herbalist or experienced gardener to participate. 

It reflects our interest in the knowledge, stories, practices, plants, and relationships with nature that have been passed through generations—while also encouraging us to learn from modern science, observation, and experience. 

No. Herbalism is an important part of ARHS, but our work also includes gardening, literacy, nature study, pollinators, stewardship, history, creativity, community service, and intergenerational learning. 

Absolutely not. ARHS is designed for curious people at many different levels—from someone growing their first herb to experienced gardeners and herbalists. 

A Root Weaver is someone who helps make the ARHS community come alive. Root Weavers learn, participate, share knowledge, care for plants and places, and help create opportunities for others to learn. 

Join ARHS through our membership page. Once your membership is active, you'll receive access to Root Weaver resources, member opportunities, activities, and member pricing where applicable. 

At this time we are offiering  a Founding Members Root Weaver Membership for $25.00 for your first year.  

Benefits include:

No. While ARHS has local roots, many of our educational resources and activities can be enjoyed from anywhere.  Everything you get in person has been digitized to make it accessable across the world. 

Yes. ARHS welcomes families and intergenerational learning. Some programs will be specifically designed for adults, families, or different age groups. 

Your ARHS membership benefits and member-only resources end when your membership period ends. Your account itself is not deleted, and any separately purchased HLBA courses remain available according to their original terms. 

Yes. Renewing your membership restores your Root Weaver benefits for the new membership period. 

The Herbal Study Circle is ARHS's adult learning community for exploring herbalism together through books, plant studies, discussion, hands-on activities, challenges, demonstrations, and shared knowledge. 

Garden Story connects books and stories with real-world experiences in gardens and nature. A story might lead to planting, observing, creating, researching, cooking, crafting, or serving the community.  ARHS hosts a Garden Story at our local library, and we also host the Garden Story online.  Everything our Garden story has available is available to everyone with internet access.   Our Garden Story Club has up to 5 books for different age levels each month for the multi-generational family type book club, all books all ages all relate to a monthly theme.  There are family challenges, crafts, community projects or events.   You can check out "this month" for the monthly themes and related books, and download all materials for the month.  You can also download past month materials in the resources tab. 

The Herbal Playground is ARHS's more playful approach to learning. It uses challenges, games, activities, quizzes, plant exploration, and hands-on experiences to make herbal learning memorable.  The playground is hosted on the HLBA website, you must be a ARHS member (Root Weaver) to access the playground.

ARHS merit badges recognize skills and knowledge developed through hands-on learning. Participants learn something, complete activities or challenges, and demonstrate what they have learned.  Due to cost restraints of creating badges or printing stickers, merit badges will be digital.

Not necessarily. Some programs may have levels or prerequisites, but many ARHS activities are designed to be enjoyed independently. 

Yes, Each month we will have something for all age levels.  Each program or event will clearly identify its intended age group. 

Each month there is a monthly theme.  All books are related to the monthly theme.  Parents and children are learning the same concepts at a level that matches their reading and comprehension levels. All events, projects and family challenges can be completed by families of all ages. 

A teaching garden is a living classroom. Plants become the starting point for learning about botany, herbalism, food, history, ecology, pollinators, crafts, culture, and stewardship. 

Yes. ARHS is developing resources to help community organizations, schools, libraries, garden clubs, families, and other groups create educational gardens. 

Yes. Garden Story is designed to be adaptable to libraries, schools, museums, garden clubs, historical societies, community gardens, nature centers, youth organizations, senior centers, and other community settings. 

Not necessarily. Some programs and resources may be available to community hosts without membership. 

ARHS provides educational information about herbs, plants, traditional uses, preparation, safety, and responsible herbal practice. Educational information is not a substitute for individualized medical care. 

No. ARHS provides educational information and community learning experiences. We do not diagnose or treat medical conditions or replace your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.   

Plant identification, preparation, dosage, interactions, allergies, pregnancy considerations, medications, and individual health circumstances can all affect safety. Always research an herb carefully and consult an appropriate healthcare professional when needed. 

No. “Natural” does not automatically mean safe. Some plants can cause side effects, interact with medications, or be harmful when incorrectly identified or prepared. 

Volunteers may help with gardens, events, educational programs, community projects, outreach, plant care, or other activities. 

Yes. We welcome conversations with libraries, schools, garden clubs, museums, historical societies, community gardens, nature organizations, youth organizations, senior centers, educators, and community groups. 

Yes. Donations help support educational materials, gardens, community programming, scholarships, supplies, and outreach. 

Absolutely. Community knowledge-sharing is part of the spirit of ARHS. We welcome stories, plant knowledge, book recommendations, garden experiences, projects, and educational contributions.