Protect the World's Largest Red Hickory and Its Sacred Medicine Forest
~ Hike, Forest Exploration, and Meditation ~
Sunday, May 8, 2022 11:00 AM
The world's largest known red hickory tree (center) with surrounding trees marked for logging (blue slash marks on trees). The size of this tree must be experienced in person.
Join Kentucky Heartwood's director, herbalist Lauren Kallmeyer, and herbalist and forest warrior Sacha Louise, on a journey to the the world’s largest known Red Hickory and the sacred medicine forest that surrounds it. This special place is threatened by the Forest Service’s logging plans, and we plan to bring our collective healing and protective energy to this site as an action to save this forest.
We will create an altar together at the Red Hickory for offerings. These offerings may be songs, poems, words, natural objects infused with prayers etc. Sacha Louise will guide us in an embodiment meditation so we may tap into our connected heart spaces to speak and listen to the life forces within this forest. We will close this portion with a sharing of any insights, wisdom, or visions we receive.
The field trip is located in the Little Flat Creek area of the Redbird District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. You will see old growth trees that are marked for cutting, numerous wildflowers and medicinal plants, and even an old homesite. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the role that Kentucky Heartwood plays in the protection of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Your presence as a witness to the beauty and health of this forest will make a significant contribution towards saving it.
The Hike: will include about 3.5 miles (round trip) of hiking on a relatively level forest road and about 0.5 miles of hiking off-trail, including some hiking along slopes and through brush. Attendees must be comfortable hiking in these conditions. The hike will take about 2-3 hours, with additional 1-2 hours of time spent at the tree and surrounding forest.
Meeting point: We will meet at 11AM near the community of Big Creek in Clay County. We will send the specific location and directions several days before the trip. From that location we will consolidate into fewer (and high clearance) vehicles for the last couple of miles.
What to wear and bring: Appropriate footwear is closed-toes shoes (no sandals) with decent tread. Trail runners will be fine but hiking shoes or boots will be better. You will be off trail and exposed to ticks. Participants will also need to bring sufficient water and snacks for the day. If there is any chance for rain you will need to bring rain gear.
Please be aware the Kentucky Heartwood is not equipped to provide any emergency care, and participants are responsible for their own well-being.
Registration: The field trip is limited to 10 attendees, and pre-registration is required by filling out the form below. Because of limited space, please do not register if you are not certain that you can attend.
We greatly appreciate a donation to help us work to protect this forest, but we welcome everyone, regardless of ability to donate. To donate, please click the donate button below, then use the drop down menu to choose your donation level. We also accept checks and cash. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1486, Berea, KY 40403. Please include a note specifying for which hike you are registering.