Classes

CLASSES, LECTURES, & WORKSHOPS WITH DR. PETLEY

Taking part in lectures is the most ideal way to learn herbal medicine; nothing beats the hands-on approach.  This is how Dr. Petley learned botanical and naturoapthic medicine and why he continues the tradition of hands-on learning.  Currently, these workshops are focused primarily at Dr. Petley’s Herbal Teaching Gardens in Oakland, Maine but are also offered throughout Maine. Class size is often limited so be sure to register early! Class fees vary with topic, location, and length of the class. See below for a general list of topics taught by Dr. Petley.

Scroll through the calendar here to see what and where Dr. Petley is teaching or design your own class!

For student and patient testimonials, click here.

NEW! DESIGN YOUR OWN LECTURE/WORKSHOP*

1: Choose your class topic (naturopathic medicine, herbalism, gardening). See below for suggestions or ideas.

2: Find 5+ people to join.

3. Contact Dr. Nate Petley, ND with proposed topic and expected group size to allow for logistics, scheduling options, cost, and appropriate length of the class. 

4. Coordinate dates and times with your group. Lock in the seat count to allow for sufficient handouts and materials.

*Organizer gets half price lecture. 

DR. PETLEY’S HERBAL FIELD EXPERIENCE WORKSHOPS

There is nothing better than digging right in when learning herbalism. These workshops are scheduled throughout the spring, summer, and fall to experience working with live plants in Dr. Petley’s Herbal Teaching Gardens in Oakland, Maine and at unique locations around the state. Due to seasonal shifts, some classes are offered last minute to take advantage of peak harvests and weather. 

DR. PETLEY’S INDIVIDUALIZED WORKSHOPS

Whether you are a budding herbalist or seasoned medical herbalist, perhaps there is something you’d like to add to your knowledge base. Sometimes we want to learn one aspect of a subject without diving into an entire program. This is why Dr. Petley offers one-on-one workshops focusing on what you want to learn. Send an email with a list of your study goals to initiate your interest and Dr. Petley will reply with options.

DR. PETLEY’S ONLINE CLASSES

While not the same as hands-on workshops, some topics lend themselves nicely to online lectures. Dr. Petley offers various lectures online during the winter months when nothing is growing and no one wants to be out in the cold after dark.

DR. PETLEY’S HERB APPRENTICESHIP

Started in 2017, Dr. Petley’s three-year herbal apprentice program combines both online and local lectures to provide both a theoretical and practical learning experience.  Students who successfully complete year one and two of the program will be invited to study clinical herbalism during year three.  Click for details. 

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for many classes and for Dr. Petley’s Herb Apprenticeship is directly through the office (call or email). Some classes will require you to contact the host directly and the contact information will be noted in the calendar. Preregistration is required for classes to ensure adequate classroom space, handouts and sample products, and it allows us to keep a running contact list for last minute changes. A class may be canceled due to inclement weather or if the class size is not met.

HOST A CLASS OR WORKSHOP WITH DR. PETLEY

Interested in hosting a class or workshop or inviting Dr. Petley to your event? Please call or email Dr. Petley to learn more about his class offerings. Rates start at $200 and vary based on location, class topic, and length.

COMMON LECTURE TOPICS

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE: Naturopathic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Hydrotherapy, General Anatomy & Physiology, General Pathology, Men’s Health, Understanding Cholesterol, Understanding Blood Pressure, Allergies, Cold/Flu, Digestion, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Immune Health, Digestive Health, Intro to Vitamins and Minerals, Vitamin D Masterclass, Food Sensitivities

DIET/LIFESTYLE: Cooking with Herbs, Vegetarian/Vegan for the Whole Family, Eating for the Seasons, Health Inside the Kitchen Cupboard, Selecting Daily Herbal Teas, Demystifying the Nutrition Label

HERBAL MEDICINE: Herbal Medicine Making, Tinctures, Oil Infusions, Water Infusions/Decoctions, Salves, Creams, Botanical Medicine, Soap Making, Aromatherapy/Essential Oils, Tree Medicine, Flower Essences, Materia Medica, Capsule Making, Backyard Herbalism, Herbal Antiviral Agents, Herbal Antibacterial Agents, The Amazing Dandelion, Top 10 Essential Oils, Herb of the Month Series, Plant Constituents, Herbal Spring Tune-Up, Blending & Making Herbal Incense, Warming Winter Remedies, Roasted Dandelion Root, Herbal Tarot, Medical Astrology

GROWING/HARVESTING: Horticulture, Wildcrafting, Plant Identification, Harvesting, Gardening, Making Herb Gardens, Starting Seeds, Finding and Using Wild Weeds, Drying Herbs, The Hiker’s Guide to Maine Herbs, Growing on an Aeroponic Tower Garden

 


HERE IS A SAMPLE LIST OF HOSTS:
AwenTree, Easthampton, Massachusetts

Clinton Lions Club, Clinton, Maine

Colby College Wellness Lunch & Learn, Waterville, Maine

Common Ground Fair, Unity, Maine

Healing Arts Spring & Fall Equinox Fairs, Brewer, Maine

Highland Fields Farm & Greenhouse, Cambridge, Maine

Inner Wisdom Sanctuary, New Sharon, Maine

Lawrence Adult Ed, Fairfield, Maine

Lawrence Public Library, Fairfield, Maine

Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors Conference, Freeport, Maine

Maine Center for Natural Health, Waterville, Maine

Maine Mind Body Spirit Festivals

Mainely Birthing Doula Tea, Fairfield, Maine

Merkaba Sol, Augusta, Maine

Nature’s Way, Stratford, Connecticut

New England Metaphysical & Holistic Festival, Augusta, Maine

Pure & Simple Herbal Apothecary, Bangor, Maine

Thomas College Lunch & Learn, Waterville, Maine

Venus Arising, Waterville, Maine

WABI Channel 5 News Healthy Living Segments, Bangor, Maine

Waterville Adult Ed, Waterville, Maine

Waterville Area Hospice Volunteers Garden Party, Vassalboro, Maine

Waterville Public Library, Waterville, Maine

Wilson Museum, Castine, Maine