This is an essay written by Railyard Apothecary volunteer Jessica Rich, University of Vermont senior, environmental studies major. 

"I don't trust a garden, or a gardener for that matter, that hasn't any weeds..."
 - Christopher Hobbes
 
In Taoist philosophy, nature is viewed as infinitely wise and it is believed that through the observation of nature we can learn to better understand ourselves. Taoism often draws similarities between natural landscapes and the human body and, through this observation of natural ecosystems, highlights connections to help deepen understanding of the inner body [1].

Railyard Healing Center is now partnering with two local businesses to expand our mission of providing medicine and healing in all its forms. 

Starting in June, every Tuesday we will be hosting CSA pick-ups for Golden Well Farm. Their organic vegetable, berry, and fresh herb CSA shares are now available for purchase! They also offer add-ons of flowers, fermented foods, and APIS honey kombucha. For more information click here. ​

We are now selling medicinal organic bone broths made by the Simmering Bone! We are selling frozen quarts of a variety of flavors. Bone broths are an excellent way to get in easy to digest nutrition, and they are especially healing for the gut. ​

This winter and spring, Rural Vermont’s Community Conversation Tour will engage communities around the state in dialogue about land use, livelihood, food, and the future of Vermont. At each of the Tour stops, Rural Vermont farmer-leaders and staff will present our vision for a future where the success of our agricultural economy is measured not merely in dollars, but also by the health and vitality of all its stakeholders: our farmers, our consumers, our businesses, our crops, our animals, and our soils. Attendees will be invited to share their priorities, identify structural barriers, and suggest pathways to systemic change at the individual, community, and statewide levels. 

Check out the website: ​www.ruralvermont.org/2017-community-conversation-tour/

Learn more about the campaign to free fire cider from trademark restrictions: click here

Hello friends and family, small businesses and community members, 

In a collaborative effort between Urban Moonshine, Sage Mountain, and Zack Woods Herb Farm, we are raising money to purchase firewood for Standing Rock in anticipation of our community day of prayer on December 4th. With winter fast approaching and temperatures plummeting, they a have great need for warm indoor spaces to work and recover. Please donate here. 

Although the Oceti Sakowin Camp was unjustly ordered to close by December 5th and government officials are communicating plans to obstruct the peaceful protest, the water protectors are NOT leaving and plan to remain. 

Our goal is to purchase as much wood as possible to keep them warm during the winter.  We are working directly with  Standing Rock Medic + Healer Council  to get wood purchased and delivered as soon as possible. 

We are hoping to meet our goal leading up to the day of prayer, which is happening on December 4th, in Burlington, Vermont with Rosemary Gladstar and other community members to pray for the water protectors. More information here.

FROM OCETI SAKOWIN Camp - The 7 Council Fire at Standing Rock -“Please pray with Us on Sunday, December 4, 2016. The hearts of all people’s faiths must now unite in believing we can change the path we are now on”.

The official letter:
https://www.tfaforms.com/453137

Please consider joining us at our event on Sunday, December 4th. 

Deepest gratitude for any and all support. All funds will be sent directly to the Standing Rock Medic & Healing Council, which is collaborative effort of volunteer medics, physicians, herbalists, and other healers set up at the multiple camps along the river.

We are continually accepting non-alcoholic herbal remedies to send to the earth defenders and water protectors at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. First Nations people and their allies are resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline running through their lands and across their waters, which will endanger the drinking water of millions of people, violate treaty rights, and exacerbate climate change. To learn more about this issue, please visit: https://medichealercouncil.com/nodapl/.

To get updated on the latest information about what donations are needed at the Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council, please check their Facebook page. 

In particular, these are some current needs at the camp:

• Elderberry syrup
• Herbal glycerites
• Fire cider