Program: Medicinal Plant – Blackberry

Join Park Rangers at Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site for a special educational program.

Plants have many uses, both historically and modern. Historically, people used a lot of plants for ailments and diseases, some of which have held up through modern science and research, and others that have not. This program will focus on the benefits of the blackberry, both modern and historic. First, we’ll head outside to find, identify, and harvest wild blackberry. Then we’ll make and test a decoction using directions from a Confederate surgeon in 1863. We’ll also discuss modern findings about the health benefits of the humble Blackberry plant that were unknown in the 1860’s. At the end of the program, anyone who wants one, will be able to take home a small blackberry plant.