Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: Plants of the Sonoran Desert

Description: Take a global look at the importance of plants and their physical properties, and how they were used throughout centuries to aid in well being. We begin with a global view, then move closer to home to explore some of the medicinal plants found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Speaker Bio: After arriving in this area with his family in 1978 from New York City, Bernie began hiking Squaw Peak, Camelback Mountain, the Grand Canyon ... wherever he could find a challenging trail. Bernie then started participating in McDowell Sonoran Conservancy hikes, became an expert in Sonoran flora and fauna, and rose to be a hike leader. He volunteered for trail construction and other projects, was responsible for the expanding Steward program, and served on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors.

Bernie worked diligently on the development of the Parsons Field Institute, the science arm of the Conservancy. He continues to volunteer for a variety of Conservancy projects. Bernie graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business.