Columbines School

  • News & Events:

    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.

  • How to Apply

    The Application Process

    Lectures require a deposit to reserve a place. We require an interview only when applying to the First Year Apprenticeship Program. You do not need an interview for the lecture track. Interview applications are available for download at our website. A $35 interview fee is required when the interview is scheduled and is transferable to any future classes.

    We believe that it is important to spend some time watching us teach before making the decision to invest your time and money in our school. This is why all our prospective students for the First Year Apprenticeship Program need to have a 3 hour “in person” interview in Eugene, Oregon. During these 3 hours, it is primarily you interviewing us. We will talk about teaching style, curriculum goals, course specifics, extra equipment, scheduling, etc. This is essentially a class about our program. Afterwards, you’ll have a better idea whether or not you want to listen to us talk for 300 hours, and your questions about the program will be answered.

    We process applications on a first come first serve basis, so you may not receive a call to schedule an interview until later in the fall. If accepted, a $500.00 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold your place in the 2023 Spring Program.

    To register for a lecture series, or for more information regarding specific classes, Email or call us at 541-687-7114 to discuss the details specific classes or arrange an interview.

    Download the Interview Application

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