Columbines School of Botanical Studies

Columbines School

News & Events:

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 First Year Apprenticeship Program.
Course Descriptions
Interview Request Form

New Media

KEYNOTE: New Herbal Uses in the 21st Century Howie Brounstein

Educational Resources:

Apprenticeship:

General Info:

Our Instructors and Staff:

Howie Brounstein has taught botany, herbalism, and wildcrafting extensively for decades, including at such herbal establishments as the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. He is the co-owner and a primary instructor of the Columbines School of Botanical Studies and has a clinical practice in Eugene, Oregon. He is well known for his brilliant in depth teaching style and his passionate love of plants.

Leah Kays Leah is a 2006 graduate of Columbines School of Botanical Studies and has been involved with the school since. She is an herbalist, botanist, and bartender from Portland, Oregon who has moved from a substitute teacher to a full time Columbines instructor.

Alumni Field Trips

Available after Completing 1st Year Apprenticeship

You can find an easy registration form at the bottom of this page.

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Central Oregon Alumni Overnight Field Trip (May)

We will tailor the curriculum according to class interest and alumni experience to include different plants and focus. Botany review, edible and medicinal plants, and wildcrafting are all possibilities.

Time and Dates: Wednesday-Thursday, May 24-25, 2023.
Pre-requisites: Completion of 1st Year Apprenticeship.
Instructors: Brounstein, Kays.
$300 includes a $100 non-refundable deposit.

Alumni Botany Review Field Trip (June)

Re-take the first year spring overnight for a botany review of early spring to early summer plants and families.

Limited availability: Only two Alumni spaces open.

Time and Dates: Thursday-Friday, June 22-23 or Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25, 2023.
Pre-requisites: Completion of 1st Year Apprenticeship.
Instructors: Brounstein, Kays.
$300 includes a $100 non-refundable deposit.

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Alpine Plants and Ecology (August)

The second year alpine class is one of the most beloved overnights.

Limited availability: Only one to three Alumni spaces open.

Time and Dates: Saturday – Sunday, July 29–30, 2023 .
Pre-requisites: Completion of 1st Year Apprenticeship.
Instructors: Brounstein, Kays.
$300 includes a $100 non-refundable deposit

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Apiaceae (Carrot Family) Review (September)

A review of the Carrot family taxonomy for current and old students that will further botanical skills using familiar friends and new plants.

Time and Dates TBA.
Pre-requisites: Completion of 1st Year Apprenticeship.
Instructors: Brounstein, Kays.
$300 includes a $100 non-refundable deposit

Register for an Alumni Field Trip