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Frank
Cook Over
the last ten years my passion for being a repository of plant knowledge has
grown steadily. I have studied with Herbalists, Shamen, Vaidyas, Sangomas,
Green Witches, Doctors, Professors, Medicine Men…around the country and
world. They have initiated me into many ways of walking with plants. More and
more there are opportunities to share what I have learned at workshops,
conferences, and gatherings of all types around the country. As an extensive traveler I have developed a deep-rooted network of people whose lives are consciously intermingled with plants, healing, and ways to create a better world. I lead a simple life communicating, teaching, reflecting, and spending a lot of time with family and in the forests and gardens delving deeper into the mysteries of the plant kingdom and our place in the web of life. Jan,2004-Mar,
2004: I, with a small group, focused on the plants and healers of Kerala
collecting knowledge and experiences in this diverse part of India. We
revisited many of my favorite areas from my earlier visit. Nov,
2002 - Apr, 2003: Journeyed through eight countries in southern Africa
learning plant stories and healing ways. Report forthcoming. Sept,
2002: In three weeks I and companion, Chad, walked across
California from the Mendocino Coast to Lake Tahoe –eating off the land and
sleeping under the stars. 2002:
Traveled again to Peru to research deeper the flora and healing ways there. A
small group of us were able to relive many of my memorable experiences from my
earlier trip. March,
2001: I walked for a month from the Pamlico Sound at the North Carolina
coast west to Max Patch on the border of Tennessee. This walk was a rite of
passage for me as I made small fires each day and ate what I could from the
land—really learning to appreciate teas and nibbling. 1999:
Traveled about Ecuador and Peru for three months. Studied with Shamen and
other healers. Wrote a cross-cultural paper at Jutan Sacha Biological Station,
Bilsa, Ecuador comparing plant genera used there and abroad. Self-published an
extensive report on what I learned on that journey. 1997:
Traveled through India and Nepal for nine months. Studied Ayurveda and other
forms of traditional healing. Encountered hundreds of healing plants.
Self-published an account of experiences gained there. 1995:
Graduated from the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine as a Clinical
Herbalist, Ithaca, NY. 1988-1992:
Creative Writing Teacher at Durham Technical College and a manager at the
Durham Food Co-op. 1985:
B.S. Degrees in Zoology and Computer Science from Duke University with honors.
During
the last decade I have had the honor of learning from and teaching with a wide
range of well-known and respected plant teachers in this country.
Some of them include: 7Song,
Greenlight, Doug Elliott, Alan “Mushroom” Muskat, James Duke, Juliet
Blankespoor, Chuck Marsh, Keith Johnson, Rainbow Sunbear, Daniel
Nicholson, Peggy Ellis, and John Olmstead.
Contact information for references are available upon request. I
have organized plant expeditions with others to Peru and India and intend to
continue this service so we can grow to know the plants and cultures of the
world. As
a plant enthusiast and community builder I have attended the National Rainbow
Gathering for the past 12 years. In
California I have attended and taught at the Stone Soup Gatherings and in
North Carolina the Summer Permaculture Gatherings for these last 8
years. I see us quickly becoming
one world. My central questions
in this respect are what plants will be in our global gardens and stories?
What will our global healing system be made of?
Each of the living cultures of the world has something to contribute.
I intend to find out what they are and share these insights with the
world. |