Ethnobotany in New England: A Fascinating History of Plant Use

For centuries, plants have provided for humans in many ways including food, medicinal and spiritual uses. Indigenous tribes of North America have long benefitted from native plants, many shared with European colonists. Some surprisingly common uses continue today. Still, some ‘miracle’ plants have not been supported by science, and others are dangerous.

In this seminar, we will take a closer look at these species, as we focus on New England’s unique and rich botanical history.

Scott Ruhren, Ph.D., is a lifelong nature lover and forest explorer. Scott holds a Ph.D. in ecology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in botany from the University of Maryland. He has served as the senior director of conservation at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island for the past 19 years. At Audubon, he has guided the management of wildlife refuges and added nearly 1,000 acres of protected habitat, mostly forest. Scott has also taught numerous courses in ecology, biology and conservation science at the University of Rhode Island and other universities on the east coast. His favorite way to explore nature is with his family.