Of Ponderay, Idaho will hold its 91st Annual meeting of the voting membership Saturday March 8, 2025 At The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Propane & Marketing Annex 1201 Fontaine Dr. Ponderay, Idaho beginning at 9:30 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to elect 2 directors for the term of 3 years and any other business that may come properly before this assembly. Attendance of the Annual Meeting is limited to VOTING MEMBERS ONLY. CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. Liz Robinson, Secretary
When Spring Isn’t Spring But it Isn’t
Winter Either by Kathy Osborne
There is a lake in my front yard. There is also one in my back yard. Writers are not supposed to begin a paragraph with the word ‘there’ and I don’t care. There are lakes. Spring might be here, but probably not.
For the entirety of my life growing up here in North Idaho, I have come to understand the seasons...sort of. Last year in late January we were at -20 degrees and having just the best time for about a week. This year we made it through January and are now looking at 50 degrees next week. Every soul I know is dying to put a spade in the dirt and I implore all who read this, Don’t do it!
The grocery stores and garden centers are going to have some Primroses soon. Get some of those. Put them in the window and enjoy the color, the fat green leaves and the illusion that spring has arrived. The lovely thing about these little guys is they can go in the ground as soon as it thaws, which could be this week but maybe not.
We all learn sooner or later that March 21 is just a date on the calendar to mark the Spring Equinox and nothing more. Global warming will not arrive until just before the first frost which is at the end of summer and possibly not at all. You may have tomatoes until November which can be confusing, but don’t worry about it. Just try to focus on the fact that you live in one of the most spectacularly beautiful places on earth and no one knows what the weather is going to do. Not really.
All that said, The CO-OP has garden seeds, soil amendments, and just about every garden tool you could hope for. Fertilizers , on the other hand, remain a mystery as non- gardeners in the east continue to make gardening decisions for those living in the west. It isn’t spring. And thankfully, it isn’t winter either. Enjoy the planning and get the spade ready. Things have to thaw eventually.....or not.
FREE BEEKEEPING CLASS !!!
Fast paced, fact filled, fun day of sharing beekeeping with each other.
WHEN: Saturday March 8, 2025
WHERE: Sandpoint Senior Center 820 MAIN ST. SANDPOINT 8 am - 4 PM
Hands
Hands
CO-OP Gas & Supply Company has been your locally owned and operated propane company since 2000. Our outstanding customer service and attention to reasonable pricing has set us apart from all other propane companies in the area.
If you are looking for a new propane company to supply all your propane needs at home, the office, or on the farm, now is the time to give us a call.
CO-OP Gas & Supply Company provides propane service to all of Bonner and Boundary Counties.
WINTER/SPRING 2025 Extension
Classes All classes will be held at the Boundary County Extension Office, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration required. Contact the Boundary County Extension Office to register: 208-267-3235.
Dehydration Basics, FREE Thursday, February 20, 11am-Noon Via Zoom
You will learn specific techniques for using your home oven or dehydrator to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats. We will also cover recommended storage for your dried foods. Your family will love these healthy snacks! To register, go to www.uidaho.edu/food-safety Backyard Forests, $10 Thursday, February 20, 1-4pm
Remedies for bark beetles, root disease, and similar forest health problems are usually preventative. Even people with only a dozen native trees grouped together must understand and apply some fundamental principles of forest ecology to keep those trees healthy.
Freeze Drying Class, $10 Tuesday, February 25, 1-2:30pm
Want to learn about freeze dryers designed for home use? This is the class for you! During this class you will learn about the various freeze dryer models, purchasing and maintenance costs, how to operate a freeze dryer and proper storage of freeze-dried goods. You will be given the opportunity to see how to prep food and begin the freeze drying process. We will also be sampling a variety of freeze-dried foods
Water Bath Canning, $10 Thursday, March 6, 1-4pm
Learn how to safely make and preserve your own high-acid foods including jams, jellies, tomato products, pickled vegetables, and fruits. This hands-on class will also teach participants about canning basics as well as proper storage and handling of home canned foods. Each participant will make their own jar of product which they can pick up the day after the class. Class size is limited to 9 people.
Fermentation: Sauerkraut and Other Veggies, $10 Tuesday, March 18, 1-3pm
Learn the basics of fermenting foods for preserving the harvest and enhancing the nutritional value, healthfulness, and digestibility of foods. As part of this hands-on class, you’ll take home a jar on its way to fermented goodness!
Plan the Garden, Preserve the Harvest, FREE Thursday, March 20, 3:30-5pm Via Zoom
Learn how to plan out your garden, so you are prepared when it’s time to plant! This class will also cover harvesting and safely preserving your garden. Research-based recommendations will be shared for preparing a great garden and also consuming it! There will be opportunities to ask questions, so you are ready to plant, grow, harvest, and store your garden’s bounty! To register, go to bit.ly/PlanPreserve25.
Boiling Water Canning Basics, FREE Thursday, March 27, 11am-Noon Via Zoom
Learn to safely preserve your garden using a boiling water canner. Important steps to process foods for shelf-stable storage will be covered. Safe recipe options will also be shared! To register, go to https://bit.ly/boilingwater25
Seed Starting Basics, $5 Thursday, March 27, 1-3pm
Join us for an informative class on seed starting basics taught by our Master Gardeners. Whether you’re new to gardening or have some experience, you’ll learn how to pick the right seeds, prep your soil, and create the best conditions for your seedlings to thrive. It’s a great way to kick off your gardening season with confidence. We hope to see you there!
This 4-session class is designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and the people who plan their meals. This class will use various methods to teach the types and amounts of foods that should be consumed using the diabetes meal plan. Although this class is geared primarily for individuals with type 2 diabetes, it’s a healthy way for all family members to eat. You don’t have to be a certain age or be diagnosed with diabetes to benefit from the Healthy Diabetes Plate approach to meal planning. Short Season Gardening, $5 Tuesday, April 15, 2-4pmIntroduction to short season gardening in Boundary County. Learn tips and tricks to getting the most from our garden whether you are growing vegetables or flowers
Pressure Canning Made Easy, FREEm Thursday, April 17, 11am-Noon Via Zoom
Learn the basics to safely use your pressure canner to process shelf-stable foods! Register at: https://bit.ly/pressure25 Orchard Care Basics, $5 Tuesday, April 22, 1-4pm Kyle Nagy, with the U of I Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, will be sharing information on how to properly care for your home orchard. In this class you will learn some of the basic tips and tricks to take care of your fruit trees successfully Drip Irrigation, $5 Tuesday, May 6, 1-3pm
Join us for a brand new class on how to utilize drip irrigation in your garden! Irrigation can be one of the most important, and sometimes expensive, aspects of starting and maintaining a home garden. Drip irrigation systems offer a wide variety of benefits for the home gardener, including water conservation, more precise control over timing and volume of watering, and improved weed control. They are highly versatile and can be implemented in a wide variety of small scale agricultural settings including flower gardens, vegetable gardens, orchards, and greenhouses. In this class we will go over how to set up a drip irrigation system in your home garden, different types of drip systems, how to optimize for your personal garden/orchard/greenhouse, techniques for programming irrigation systems, and resources for obtaining necessary materials to set up an irrigation systems in our area.
Mental Health First Aid, FREE Monday, May 12, 8:30am-5pm Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. To join the in-person training please register by emailing amrobertson@uidaho.edu or calling the Boundary County Extension Office at 208267-3235.
Jerky Making 101, FREE Thursday, May 15, 11am-NoonLearn how easy and fun it can be to make jerky safely at home! Register at: https://bit.ly/Jerky25
Check our website for current classes and our newsletter: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/boundary
Then and Now 5
The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2025 Volume 25 Issue 3
Idaho Master Naturalists by Pat Meyers
Communications Chair, Pend Oreille Chapter
It is that time of year again. Our local Pend Oreille Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists will be starting classes for new members on March 21. If you would like to learn about our beautiful region and are interested in the native wildlife and plants, waterways, mountains, and geology of the area, maybe THIS IS FOR YOU! If you enjoy spending time outdoors and love to participate in conservation projects in our area, the Idaho Master Naturalist program might be just what you are looking for! It is an Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) sponsored organization with members who love nature and are wildlife enthusiasts like you. Idaho Master Naturalists has chapters throughout Idaho and our local chapter holds meetings and classes at the Waterlife Discovery Center in Sagle (the old fish hatchery).
The Idaho Master Naturalist program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment. The purpose of the program is to develop a group of well-trained volunteers who can knowledgably assist IDFG biologists and other conservation professionals. We provide leadership and assistance in various youth education programs and we provide docent services, i.e., “Naturalist on Duty” at the Waterlife Discovery Center during the summer months. The Idaho Master Naturalists also provide opportunities for local conservationists to meet, socialize, work together, and continue our conservation education.
The 2025 naturalist training course will begin on March 21 with an introduction to the club, instruction in methods of wildlife documentation and the history of the Waterlife Discovery Center. The course ends in October with a Mycology class and a mushroom foray. In between, classes in this course have included local River Restoration Projects, Geology, Ornithology, Ice-Age Floods, Tree and Plant identification field trips, the Kootenai Tribe’s hatchery efforts to re-introduce Burbot and White Sturgeon into the Kootenai River, the hydrology of the Rathdrum Prairie and much more. We are certain that there will be many opportunities for you to volunteer with IDFG, such as surveying loon numbers, trapping invasive snapping turtles or building bat boxes and bluebird houses, planting trees along streams and other nature and conservation-based organizations’ projects in this coming year. Or assisting schools with field trips to our headquarters, assisting IDFG at “Take Me Fishing” events. Last year, we had members volunteer for dozens of projects in the area. We look forward to hearing from you! We will be on KRFY (88.5 FM) on February 18 and March 18 to present information about our chapter, classes and events planned for the year.
Quick Facts:
First Meetings:Friday, March 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Class Location:Usually at the Waterlife Discovery Center, 1591 Lakeshore Drive, Sagle, ID.
Cost: $65.00 for 2025
Open to: All adult learners wishing to pursue education and stew-
ardship opportunities. Older youth are accepted on a case-by-case basis with parental participation.
Follow-on Commitment: Students are requested to contribute 40 hours of volunteer time to conservation and nature-related projects each year. We request that a significant portion of that time be directed to the Waterlife Discovery Center as a docent or facility maintenance support.
Course Information and to enroll: imn.sandpoint@gmail.com
Idaho Master Naturalist General Information: https://idfg.idaho.gov/master-naturalist
On the right-hand side of this page, you can click on “Documents and Resources” to view last year’s class schedule and presentations folders, plus this year’s schedule and other useful information about our chapter. Also check out the “Calendar” tab on this page for upcoming events.
Send us an email and we will get you signed up!
Log Home Restoration and Maintenance
Yard & Garden
We Are Getting Ready For Spring!
At the CO-OP we are getting everything in the line up and ready to come out onto the parking lot in early March!
Yes, we know there is still snow on the ground, the daffodils haven’t braved the surface, and that ground is absolutely still frozen! But we are still in the mood to welcome spring when it does arrive and we have some great products and ideas in store for you! Come see us at The CO-OP today!!
Please note that these figures represent prices paid by competitive domestic facilities in the Inland Northwest, based on average-sized logs and standard log lengths— typically 16’6” and 33’. MBF stands for Thousand Board Feet. Be aware that higher prices may reflect rates only in select locations within the Inland Northwest. Additionally, pole values can vary significantly depending on length. Market information is current as of February 18, 2025.
Several dynamic factors are influencing both current and future log prices. These include potential tariffs, interest rate trends, housing starts, lumber prices, sawmill inventories, and other variables, many of which seem more volatile than usual. When you add in the impact of unusual weather patterns, forecasting future log prices becomes even more challenging. However, as time passes and regional log buyers assess the market, there is growing optimism that log prices will increase as we enter the prime logging season. - Mike Wolcott, ACF, Certified Forester
This information is provided by Inland Forest Management, Inc., a forestry consulting company. For additional information, they can be contacted at 208-263-9420, IFM@fwforestry.com or www.inlandforest.com.
Why are eggs prices so high?
By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation POCATELLO
Skyrocketing egg prices have reached record levels in some places, causing many consumers to wonder why.The short answer is bird flu, which has wreaked havoc on the nation’s supply of egg-laying hens.
High egg prices have also led to chicken eggs becoming one of Idaho’s top agricultural commodities in terms of total farm-gate revenue.
From 2016 to 2021 in Idaho, the chicken egg category brought in between $30-50 million per year in farm-gate receipts. Farm-gate receipts are what the farmer or rancher receives for their commodity.
That made eggs a “medium” ag commodity in Idaho those years in terms of total farm-gate revenue.When egg prices first shot up in 2022, Idaho recorded $125 million in farm-gate egg receipts and in 2023, that total was $120 million.
Eggs are currently selling at near-record levels across the U.S., leaving many consumers wondering what has caused them to spike.
“It’s definitely the bird flu for sure … and it’s across the country,” said Maria McIntyre, marketing manager for McIntyre Pastures in Caldwell, which sells about 5,000 dozen eggs a month directly to consumers through home delivery and an on-site retail store.
Fires at major egg-producing facilities in several states haven’t helped. According to USDA’s weekly Egg Markets Overview on Jan. 3, “In 2024, a combination of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks and facility fires resulted in the loss of 39.9 million commercial table egg layers in 12 states….
” It appears high egg prices are a result of the usual suspect: tight supply and high demand. According to USDA, 43 percent of the losses of egg-layers in 2024 happened the last two months of the year, right when shell egg demand peaks, “resulting in record-high wholesale and retail prices.”
“Demand for shell eggs eased slightly in the immediate post-holiday period but remained atypically strong in contrast to past year trends when demand retreated from holiday highs into early January,” the Jan. 10 report states. McIntyre said McIntyre Pastures has not raised the price of their eggs, which has resulted in a large increase in customer demand.
“The demand is through the roof,” she said.
Kaylee Tuning, co-owner of Broken Felloe Farms in Cascade, which sells about 300 dozen eggs a month directly to consumers, said demand for her farms’ eggs shoots up when the price of eggs at grocery stores increases significantly.
“We do see a higher demand when prices go up in the store,” she said.Her farm has also not raised prices.McIntyre Pastures has not been hit by bird flu and is being proactive to try to ensure it is not in the future, McIntyre said. That includes paying extra attention to things like feed rations to try to boost immunity and ensure their birds are as healthy as possible.
Just like a human, “The healthier the bird is, hopefully the less likely something would hit it,” she said. “We’re trying to be as cautious as we can.” Broken Felloe Farms has also escaped bird flu, and it also takes steps to try to keep it that way.
“We hope we never get hit,” Tuning says. “We don’t lose sleep over it, but it is something we consider a lot.”
According to a Nov. 15 Market Intel report by American Farm Bureau Federation, “With more than 100 million birds affected … the current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been giving farmers and consumers headaches for nearly three years.”
It adds: “It is likely that egg prices will continue to show volatility related to the impacts of HPAI.”
Charles Joly Magenta Miss Ellen Willmott White Wedgewood Blue First Editions Pinktini
Hydrangea
First Edition Strawberry Sundae - white to pink
Misc Ornamental
Quaking Aspen Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle Gold Flame Honeysuckle
Compact Burning Bush Acer Silver Maple Betula Paper Birch
Currently this is what we expect to have on sale day for fruit bearing trees and shrubs, as well as ornamentals. This list is subject to change through April 2025. Landscaping/ornamental tree and shrub list can be found on our website by February 15, 2025. Please check our website through the spring for any updates or corrections to this list. THIS LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Honor® Show Feed
Honor® Show Fitter’s Edge®
Honor® Show Fitter’s Edge® feed is a textured sweet feed that contains moderately high energy for growth and development. This 14% protein feed can be fed to heifers and growing/developing steers or to finishing steers when fed with High Octane® Power Fuel®. It can also be followed by feeding Honor® Show Full Range® or Honor® Show Finishing Touch®. Fitter’s Edge® feed is supported by Purina’s knowledge, experience and research.
Honor® Show Full Range
Honor® Show Full Range™ feed is designed to help promote feed intake, bloom and fill in cattle fed for show. Full Range™ feed can be fed throughout the entire feeding period to young calves being prepped for sale as well as steers and heifers being fed for exhibition. It's never too early to start thinking Winner's Circle. Honor® Show Full Range™ feed gives you the flexibility you need from start to finish to succeed in the ring.
Honor® Show Finishing Touch®
Honor® Show Finishing Touch® is a very high energy (calories) textured feed. This is a complete, balanced diet formulated for optimum growth and development of show cattle during finishing. It can be preceded by feeding Honor® Show Fitter’s Edge® or Honor® Show Full Range®
Honor® Show Full Control®
Honor® Show Full Control® feed is a textured ration that maintains body condition and helps create fill in show cattle. Honor® Show Full Control® is a lower energy textured diet especially effective in developing easy fleshing breeding cattle. It is also an ideal diet for heavily-muscled, moderate framed steers and for managing weight and condition on all types of show cattle once desired bloom is achieved.
Honor® Show Grand 4-T-Fyer™
Honor® Show Grand 4-T-Fyer concentrate is a blended supplement that can be mixed with cottonseed hulls, beet pulp and other feedstuffs to provide a high-quality ration for show cattle. This flexible feed allows you to adjust the grain level to fit your goals and needs for breeding cattle, steers and feeder calves.
Minerals / Supplements
Our Environment
The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2025 Volume 25 Issue 3
Weed of the Month - Viper’s Bugloss
By Chase Youngdahl—Director, Bonner County Noxious Weeds
It will be March when this lands in most of your mailboxes, and we are gaining gobs of daylight as we barrel towards the spring equinox. Jumping an hour ahead to Daylight Time is just a couple weeks away, which makes spring feel even closer. There is seemingly a lot of disdain for the seasonal clock changes, but I prefer it. The reality is—our lives revolve around the clock in the first world, and 4 months of Standard Time with 8 months of Daylight Time aligns the clock to follow most human use patterns with the maximum amount of light available. Permanent Standard Time would put daybreak in the 3AM hour early in the summer, while sunset time would never advance beyond the 7PM hour. Likewise, permanent Daylight Time would put sunrise well into the 8AM hour during much of the winter (9AM hour if you’re right over the state line in western Montana). Just some food for thought if you’re not a fan of the time change. The big picture benefits are worth the couple days of circadian adjustments, a couple times of year. Of course, that’s just my humble opinion. :-) Even if weather conditions do not reflect spring for a while, the longer days remind us that it’s around the corner. Time to start thinking about, and planning for, spring activities.
Our department’s standing landowner noxious weed compliance assistance programs are still tentatively intact for 2025, which includes the Neighborhood Cooperative Cost Share. The cost share provides an opportunity for some herbicide reimbursement for the treatment of Idaho listed noxious weeds on private property. It’s geared to assist with the more widespread species that fall into the category of Containment; such as Spotted Knapweed, Oxeye Daisy, Canada Thistle, Orange/Yellow Hawkweeds and Dalmatian/Yellow Toadflaxes. The program is primarily state funded through a grant process, so we won’t know until later in the spring if we’re awarded our full request or not (we usually are, but it’s not guaranteed from year-to-year). In any case, I plan on making the program applications available by April, and will communicate the status with the landowners who submit the pre-application back to my office. Also part of our landowner compliance assistance strategies, is the EDRR (early detection, rapid response) noxious weed program. With this program, we may provide direct treatments at no charge for new invaders and species that infest a limited amount of ground in Bonner County. EDRR category objectives revolve around eradication. The full list of inventoried noxious weeds in Bonner County, along with the categories and associated management goals, is published on our website. I have featured a few of our EDRR specimens in this column over the years. Now you’ll get another!
An Idaho noxious weed that is not currently inventoried in Bonner County is Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare). Very small, isolated populations have appeared previously, and were promptly destroyed. By default, it’s treated as an EDRR when identified. Viper’s Bugloss is a biennial or short-lived perennial reaching heights of around 3 feet,
culminating in bright blue inflorescence. Some of the key features include rough hairs on the stems and leaves (which are lanceolate shaped), as well as flower heads taking on the shape of a scorpion tail. Additionally, the stems are often flecked with black spots. Viper’s Bugloss is a highly competitive, non-native plant, and has become well adept at quickly filling in voids left by cultivation, overgrazing, timber harvesting, general disturbances and fires (among other activities and occurrences). It’s also an alkaloid fixer, so it is toxic to horses and cattle.
Keep an eye out for this one, being that infestations are currently inventoried in Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, as well as Sanders County (Montana) and southern portions of our closest Canadian provinces. Seeds could easily hitch a ride here from not too far away. If you want to get an in-person look at Viper’s Bugloss, head up the Coeur d’Alene River Road out of Kingston in the summer (just be sure to not track any of it back here!). That’s where I first became acquainted with it, while attending a function at the Bumblebee Campground. Based on preferred habitat types for Viper’s Bugloss, and common travel routes within the region, it’s easy to see how it could really gain a strong foothold across much more of northern Idaho if given the chance. It pays to capitalize on EDRR situations. Check out the accompanying invasion curve, which illustrates time and costs related to invasive species and their relative levels of infestation.
Tree Seedling SALE
Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District’s Annual Tree Seedling Sale
Don’t miss out these are quality zone and altitude appropriate conifer seedlings! Our seed bank is procured by a board of professional foresters with over 150 years combined experience in our area. Seedlings are grown from high quality regionally sourced seed stock that not only grow but thrive in Bonner County!
• PONDEROSA PINE * WESTERN LARCH(TAMARACK)
* BLISTER RUST RESISTANT WESTERN WHITE PINE * WESTERN RED CEDAR Visit our website www.bonnerswcd.org/tree-sales to learn more about each variety and get your order form or stop by our office Quantities available between 15-1,000. Seedlings will be available April 2025.
Ode to a Pair of Slippers
Wherefore art thou romeo
O humble slipper shoe
At end of day my aching feet
Are comforted by you
Though logging boots are fine for work
And going through the rough At end of day, my feet will say
That they have had enough I sit down in my easy chair
As I unlace my White’s I tug and pull to take them off It’s sometimes quite a fight I reach back for my romeos
Behind my easy chair
But one of them is missing I know I left them there
The puppy has my romeo! I chase him through the house
With one shoe on and one shoe off I finally catch the louse I pry my slipper from his teeth
He looks, as if to say I thought you left them there for me I only want to play I look my slipper over
The tooth marks aren’t too bad I scold the puppy soundly
He looks so very sad
My romeos are plumb worn out Their fit is very loose
The soles are getting very thin
From many years of use I see the puppy’s sorry face
His pleading gaze I feel Then hand him my old romeos Time truly wounds all heels
Joseph W. Smith
March 10, 2019
Romance - Vivian Bogardus -
When I consider my romance I know it is the substance that carries me away.
I’m so in love I’m swooning.
I’m always honeymooning. He knows I’ll never stray.
Wildness: In Our Gardens and
in the Wild Speakers at upcoming Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society meetings will delve into the use of native plants in a created landscape in March and explore preservation of the natural world as wilderness in April.
“Designing Landscapes Using Native Plants” is the topic on March 15th at the Sandpoint Library, presented by Gail Bolin, longtime member of KNPS and Chair of the Landscape Committee. Gail earned her master’s degree in environmental science from U of I and is the owner of Earth Wise Northwest, an ecological landscape design company.
The presentation will answer the question, What is a native plant?, and outline the benefits of their use in home landscaping. In addition, Gail will sharebasic landscape design principles, give examples, with pictures, of the most successful native landscape plants and suggest their uses in a home garden.
On April 26th at the Sandpoint Community Hall, Phil Hough will present “Twenty Years of Working for Wilderness.” Phil is Executive Director, Friends of Scotchman Peaks and a KNPS board member. His presentation will trace the twenty-year evolution of Friends of Scotchman Peak from its inception in January 2005 to the outstanding wilderness powerhouse it is today.
Although its original vision, to preserve Scotchman Peaks as a Congressionally designated Wilderness area, has not yet been achieved, the organization has developed and maintains trails and programs making wild, inspiring places accessible to thousands of people of all ages. Each year, thousands of volunteer hours go into the development and presentation of educational, stewardship and advocacy programs. As Phil puts it, “While designating wilderness may take a long time, being good stewards of wild places never ends.”
KNPS monthly programs are held at the Sandpoint Library (1407 Cedar St.). This April’s meeting is an exception; it will take place at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S First Ave). Presentations begin at 10:00 am on the third Saturday of the month, preceded by a half hour of coffee, tea, cookies and socializing. The public is welcome to attend or may stream the events on Zoom by preregistering with a link posted on the KNPS website, www.nativeplantsociety.org. KNPS programs are co-sponsored by the East Bonner County Library District and Sandpoint Parks & Recreation. More information about KNPS and upcoming events is available on the website.
12
The Gardener’s Corner
The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2025 Volume 25 Issue 3
BCGA Spring Events Scheduled
by Ann Warwick
March has finally arrived, after a wintry February, and the Bonner County Gardeners have a full slate of spring events planned. Mark your calendar for the annual spring plant sale, Friday, May 9, from 9 to 5 and May10, from 9 to 2, just in time for Mother’s Day. The sale is held in the parking lot of the Ponderay Events Center and features perennial and annual flowers, tomatoes and peppers, berry plants, and much more.
In April, gardening classes are featured to assist the public in creating and maintaining successful gardens this year. The classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm at the BCGA classroom, upstairs in the Ponderay Events Center building unless otherwise noted. The planned classes are:
April 2: HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL
GARDEN IN NORTH
IDAHO, instructor Karen Bennett. Learn how to create a beautiful and bountiful garden in our sometimes challenging climate. Topics include seed starting, soil basics and recommendations of plants for our zone.
April 9: ORNAMENTAL PRUNING, instructor Gail Locke. Learn to prune shrubs and small flowering trees to create a strong, well-spaced framework for future growth and to improve their appearance and health.
April 16: ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPING FOR CONTINUOUS BLOOM, instructor Marrion Newsam-Banks. What is more enjoyable than beautiful flowers in your garden? Learn how to keep blooms going for the entire growing season.
April 23: COMPOSTING, instructors Ann Warwick and Janae Dale. Good soil is the foundation to a successful garden whether you are growing edibles or ornamental plants. Learn how to create compost by recycling waste, and discover how to build and maintain an active worm bin.
April 30: GARDENING AS WE AGE. This class will be held at the Sandpoint Senior Center, 820 Main St. in Sandpoint, from 3 to 5 pm. Don’t give up on gardening as we age. With the help of useful tips and tools, you can continue to stock your home with a healthful bounty and beautify your home with flowers.
Each class costs $10 per person. For more information or to prepay, visit bcgardeners.org. Click on “Education”, then Home Horticulture Classes.
START SEEDS INDOORS TO EXTEND THE GROWING SEASON
Gardening season is here if you start plants early. By growing young plants indoors from seed, you can get a substantial jump on the season, save money and avail yourself of more varieties than by purchasing plants from a nursery.
What do you need? Light, soil, and containers for the young plants. Shop lights are available at several locations in Sandpoint and Ponderay. Or one can purchase a special rack with several tiers to save space. These come in widths to accommodate either one or two flats of plants per tier. You will also need a seed starting potting soil mix, which is finer than all purpose potting soil and is sterile to protect young seedlings from disease. Containers can include plug trays or saved 4 packs from previous years. Larger containers are useful for starting large seeds such as squash. You will need plastic plant trays, liners to contain excess water, and a cover to increase humidity and decrease evaporation while the seeds are germinating. These items are available at the Co-op store or other gardening outlets. Next, one needs to ascertain when to start the seeds. Some vegetables and flowers need to be planted in March, others later in the season. Seed packets often provide general information, such as “plant 8 to 10 weeks before setting out.” This is a bit tricky, but a good setting out date for our location is late May to early June. Tomatoes and peppers need more time indoors than squash family plants. Hot peppers take more time to germinate than sweet peppers. If the seed starting mix is dryish, pour it into a container and moisten it a bit. It should still be fluffy in texture, not saturated. Place the soil in the containers, which have been disinfected and dried. Plant the seeds at the recommended depth, moisten, and place a clear plastic cover over and adjust the light to just above the plastic dome. When the seedlings emerge and start growing, you can remove the plastic cover and make sure the light is barely above the plants to prevent the plants from “reaching” for light, which can result in weak, floppy stems. As the plants grow, raise the light but keep it close. Make sure the soil is moist. To keep stems strong, ruffle the plants or set up a fan to move
them a little. When the roots touch the edges of the container, it is time to transplant to a larger container. Eventually, the season will get warmer, and then it is time to “harden off” the plants before planting them in a permanent place. This is done by putting the plants outside in the sun and breeze for a short period each day, increasing the exposure gradually. This helps the plants to become accustomed to outdoor conditions, resulting in stronger plants that don’t get stressed when planting in the garden.
Have fun with this and enjoy the fruits of your early gardening experience.
Tips to Improve Horse Skills
Irrelevant to one’s priorities, horse responses that surprise individuals often stem from overlooked subtle equine communication. The tips shared below, highlight common occurences that contribute to unwanted horse behavior.
What is your intention?
Whether due to familiarity or the frequency of a common task, many people lack specificity or follow-through in communication offered to the horse.
Think of a time before Google Maps. Have you ever experienced a passenger in charge of directions exclaiming, “Oh wait, the road was back there,” as you passed the turn while in the wrong lane and unable to move over safely in time?
How much late or delayed instruction before a) disregarding the information, b) second-guessing the person’s communication, or c) doubting the accuracy? Your willingness to listen would decrease, as your resistance toward their input increased. Why? Previous interactions would have “taught” you not to trust the guidance if it consistently left you in a stressed or anticipative state.
Horses have similar experiences with people when offered inconsistent, delayed, and unclear communication. The equine learns to anticipate, causing increased tension leading to excessive, agitated, chaotic, and unwanted movement. People then critique the horse for his reaction without realizing the dramatic/hyper-reactive responses are symptoms reflecting the human’s lack of quality, relevant, or specific communication.
Are you breathing?
When people hyper-focus, anticipate, doubt, experience fear, or are unsure, they frequently hold their breath. The consistency of one’s breathing directly influences balance, movement, adaptable energy, muscle tension, quality of communication, mental clarity, and effectiveness of aids. Timing and relevancy improve with consistent breathing while decreasing rigid and braced human responses. It also helps diminish fatigue riders experience from clenched muscles.
Where are you going?
Imagine if people drove cars while staring at the hood of their vehicle. Would they see traffic signals, notice nearby cars, trains, passing wildlife, pedestrians, etc.? Their visual fixation would create a lack of awareness, consideration, or adaptability to make real-time decisions to avoid hitting anything that changed or moved unexpectedly.
The same goes for many riders. When concentrating and learning skills such as rider biomechanics, improving balance, or understanding the horse’s feedback, many drop their gaze downward or fixate. This creates an unbalanced seat, limits real-time observations, and delays in addressing the horse’s subtle communication. As a result, the animal starts taking over, displaying increasingly “big” and unwanted behaviors.
Learn to visually “scroll” the environment, and segment your focus toward your destination. Glance along the horse’s body rather than zeroing in on one body part, aspect, or location. Practice offering specific and ongoing communication to separate directing the horse’s focus from his movement. Do you check in, address, and follow through with the horse’s counteroffers or unasked-for behaviors? Or do you offer a singular instruction, “go silent,” and wait and see his reaction, before critiquing him if he incorrectly responded?
How is your balance?
When handling the horse from the ground, are your feet under your hips, an equal distance apart, and is your weight distributed evenly? Does your position allow you to move quickly, or have you “blocked” yourself with locked hips, knees, and ankles?
Rigidity in your leg and awkward postures cause people to “roll” forward onto their toes. If the horse suddenly moves, an unsteady posture causes delayed human responses as they are distracted by trying to regain their balance, leaving them unable to adapt in real-time. Are your toes flat along the sole of your boot or do they scrunch up, reflecting tension?
If riding, every so often assess if you can lift the bottom of your foot slightly off the stirrup. This resets the elasticity of your leg in case you are unintentionally pushing or bracing against the stirrup with a locked knee or ankle. The brace many riders have causes rigidity in the saddle, a backward pushing motion against the horse’s momentum, and delayed responses.
An unstable seat, results in the gripping of the reins as compensation for the lack of balance, dropped hands, locked elbows, curled forward shoulders, neck tension, chin dropped down, and eyes looking
at the horse’s neck. This forward-angled position leaves riders unable to offer relevant, effective communication in real-time because they will attempt to regain their balance rather than having adaptable aids to address the horse’s feedback in a manner that has value to him.
Offering Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey, for 23 years Sam has been based from May through October at The Equestrian Center, LLC, located just 12 miles north of Sandpoint, ID. For over 26 years she has offered lessons, training, guest lectured, demos and clinics nationally. She works with students and horse of all levels and disciplines. For more information please visit www.learnhorses.com 208-265-2644
Your Health
The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2025 Volume 25 Issue 3
Heart Rate Variability - Health Indicator and Tool
by Gabrielle Duebendorfer, NMD
As a practicing naturopathic physician of 30 years, I have been teaching iRest meditation/inquiry and nervous system (NS) self- and co-regulation for many years. I know first-hand the huge impact of a chronically dysregulated stress response (1) on all parameters of health. In my last article on exercise (2), I mentioned heart rate variability (HRV) (3) as a measure of fitness (4), as changes in its baseline correlate with athletic performance. HRV is also a very good indicator of general health status.
Apps like Heartmath (6) provide easy ways to measure HRV. I put mine to use a while ago, once I was done with radiation therapy for breast cancer (8). On my layover in Shanghai to a 10-day meditation retreat in a beautiful resort in Thailand, I missed my connection flight due to lost luggage and despite the kind help of an agent I totally fell apart. None of my regulatory methods worked and my HRV was way off. I thought I just had to try harder, but my nervous system by that point was so out-of-whack that nothing could accommodate the huge deluge of stress hormones.
When I arrived at the resort I just broke down in tears at the beauty and kindness of place and people. It ended up taking a long time of nurturing myself before my HRV was stabilized again. I ended up ditching the Heartmath unit as the constant beeping of not reaching HRV ended up being more stressful than helpful. Instead, I focused on meditation, breathing practices and nurturing myself.
Since then, I have learned that radiation to the chest causes cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, which can predict heart disease and mortality (9). It does so by shifting the autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance towards sympathetic dominance (10), i.e., involuntary discharge of stress chemicals, which prevents a normal HRV. That info, together with the reassurance that HRV and a healthy stress response can be re-established again over time was very re-assuring.
Simply put, HRV is a measure of variation in time (msec) between heartbeats, which is influenced by breath rate. This provides insight into how the body balances the sympathetic (flight-or-fight) and parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) branches of the generally unconscious ANS and thus indicates how well the body responds to physiological stress, manages recovery, and maintains overall health. As the relaxing branch activity decreases with age and stress and ANS dysregulation is known to underlie all chronic inflammatory diseases (5), it behooves us to understand and support it.
Psychological support and taking time off for supportive recovery rather than pushing through life as usual after prolonged highly stressful or traumatic events or life phases, is essential in this re-balancing process is one aspect of this rebalancing act (11). Calming exercise such as specific breathing practices done for a minimum of 12 minutes per day at least 4 times a week for 6 weeks reliably induce initial changes in breath rate and HRV, which become more established with time and practice.
The Heartmath app is helpful here as a simple finger tip sensor relays information to the app, which then creates biofeedback for deeper relaxation with different beeps in dicating HRV ranges. It has a beautiful picture to contem plate and you are encouraged to dip into a heartfelt sense of ease while breathing to a particular rhythm called Coherent Breathing. Equal in- and exhale into and from the heart cre ates a resonant harmony for maximum circulation, breath ing, and ANS function. It not only increases circulation to the heart, lungs, and extremities, but also slows down breath rate over time, which in turn increases HRV. This resonant harmony is similar to schools of fish moving in unison for maximum security as visible here from a photo during a div ing venture during my trip.
With prolonged stress, breathing tends to be shallow, fast, and irregular, with the inhale being longer than the exhale, and HRV correspondingly low. Heart rate varies more, i.e., indicating recovery, the slower and deeper a person breathes. The heart, by default, beats faster with the in hale (blue dots) and slower with the outbreath (yellow dots),
which causes second to second blood-pressure changes - or minute to minute changes in someone who has practiced breathing practices - as visible on this EKG.
When the nervous system (NS) is regulated, the exhale is naturally 1.5 times longer than the inhale. As the heart rate increases, the sympathetic (energizing) tone of the ANS increases and as it decreases, the parasympathetic (relaxing) tone increases. Therefore, the slower you breathe and the longer the exhale, the higher the relaxation in your whole system and the better the vagal tone. For practice purposes it is good to find the right 1:2 inhale:exhale ratio for you to gently nudge the system towards the more normal 1.5x exhale baseline, which can take months if not years to establish.
I love this old woodcut of the Vagus nerve as it literally drapes down over all the organs in our body, protecting and caring for them. It is the major nerve that controls the ANS. Calming practices such as slow breathing practices, meditation, grounding, body-scanning, gestures, resourcing and orienting act like a break to the energizing ANS branch, calming it down by engaging the break, and letting it activate with releasing the break, thus regulating energy, heartbeat and breathing rate. This nerve is your friend!
The more the Vagus nerve is activated, the stronger its tone and the larger the variability between each successive heartbeat. The higher the HRV, the higher the relaxation response, resilience and health indications, and the lower the risks for heart disease, diabetes, hyperventilation, anxiety, depression and mortality. I am happy to report that my HRV has been very quickly settling into and maintaining a healthy range. My 1:2 ratio has increased from 3:6 to 12:24 and I wake with a normal 1.5 ratio. However, this did take a lot of commitment to practice consistently, as well as a deeper inquiry into what has been causing me more subtle but persistent internal mental/emotional stress. It has all been worthwhile as I feel better than ever.
If you are ready to plunge deeper, you might be interested in joining my ongoing hybrid in person/zoom Tuesday 12-1 PST class in which we practice engaging the Vagus nerve with above mentioned various tools and practices. This is the necessary foundation for 4 upcoming monthly Saturday morning classes (also hybrid) starting March 15th, in which we explore more specifically how to recognize the stress response in the body, to respect its protective nature, to regulate back into balance, and ultimately re-store a healthy life story that is aligned with well-being instead of survival.
Dr Gabrielle Duebendorfer, a licensed naturopathic physician and certified iRest meditation instructor, has practiced and taught for almost 30 years combining natural medicine with meditative inquiry and practices. Her current focus is on teaching classes and facilitating personal meditative inquires with people who want to do “the work” that is offering itself with chronic dis-ease. Reference, pictures, and other articles are available at aspenwellspring.substack.com. 208-290-5991
Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. This visit can help you and your doctor catch disease early and keep you healthy.
University of Idaho Extension, Bonner County Classes
For More Information or to Register: 208-263-8511, bonner@ uidaho.edu
Pruning and Caring for Fruit Trees, FREE Friday, March 7, Noon-1pm, Bonner County Extension Office
Would you like to learn how to prune and care for your fruit trees? This class will include information on how best to care for your fruit trees throughout the year, including pruning.
Fruit Tree Grafting, $25 Wednesday, March 26, 10am-Noon, UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center
Would you like to learn how to graft your own apple trees? Whether you are new to grafting or have tried but would like to be more successful, this class is for you. This hands-on class includes rootstock and scion wood for participants.
Starting Seeds for Your Garden, FREE Thursday, March 27, 5:30pm-6pm Via Zoom
Learn some tips and tricks for starting seeds for your garden. Plan to start your seeds indoors or out in the garden with information from this bite-sized educational session on Zoom.
Map and Compass for Forestry, $10 Saturday, March 22, 9am – 3:30pm, UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center
This class features 2-3 hours interpreting topo maps, followed by field activities using magnetic compasses to identify locations and distances
April in the Garden, FREE Friday, April 4, Noon-1pm, Bonner County Extension Office
This class will discuss preparing your garden for the growing season, including soil amendments and season extension.
10 Acres and a Dream, $15
Saturday, April 19, 9am-4:30pm, UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center
Forest owners and other landowners will learn about the basics of rural land ownership and paths to caring for and generating income from small land parcels.
Climate Resilient Gardening – FREE Thursday, April 24, 5:306pm Via Zoom
Learn some tips and tricks to have healthy gardening regardless of what sort of weather comes our way.
For immediate release February XX, 2025
Honoring the Women: Seeking 2025 nominations
Early settlers set roots near resources and what would become Bonner County was no exception. But the true roots were the intangibles the connections, the warmth and welcoming from those who settled before you the soul of a place. Those characteristics were what turned a cluster of buildings into a community, and much of the founding work was done by the women.
That work continues today in communities across the country, indeed across the world. It’s the day-today commitment of its citizens who regularly check in on an elderly neighbor, or volunteer to hel p fundraise for a school, or see a need and round up like-minded others to help fill it. These activities are often done without fanfare or recognition, but make no mistake they are critical to the fabric of any community. They are the foundation of quality of life.
There are those who continue to do this today; we like to call them Women of Wisdom.
Women Honoring Women (WHW) is an organization committed to recognizing women who, over the course of their lives, have contributed to the betterment of our community through their service and leadership, and who have served as inspirational role models in Bonner County. Since 1999, we have recognized more than 130 women many of who continue to contribute today. Would you know someone worthy of such recognition? Consider these criteria:
1. Is aged 65 or older;
2. Possesses vision and achieves goals through collaboration;
3. Exhibits a love of learning through life-long study or experience;
4. Shows a long-term commitment and positive impact for the Bonner County community;
5. Demonstrates dedicated leadership;
6. Inspires others and sets an example for future generations of women; and
7. Faces life’s challenges with grace and courage, and lives with dignity, integrity, and honor.
Write a letter of recommendation, describing how the nominee meets all of the seven criteria. Letters of support from others may be included. Posthumous nominees are welcome.
Include the name, phone number, and email of both the nominee and you, the nominating person. You may either email to: womenhonoringwomen@gmail.com or mail to WHW, 419 Upper Humbird Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Deadline for accepting nominations is May 1, 2025. ###
For additional information, please contact Cherie Warber by text at 208 -610-4924 or by email at cherwarb@gmail.com
Women of Wisdom
Achievement Award
Women Honoring Women (WHW) is an organization committed to recognizing women who, over the course of their lives, have contributed to the betterment of our community through their service and leadership and who have served as inspirational role models in Bonner County We have recognized more than 130 women since 1999
ARE ACCEPTED UNTIL MAY 1 of any year Write that letter now!
Candidate Criteria
● 65 years or older
● Vision/Collaboration: Possesses vision(s) and achieves goals through collaboration
● Love of Learning: Exhibits a love of life-long learning through study or experience
● Community: Shows a long-term commitment and positive impact to Bonner County
● Leadership: Demonstrates dedicated leadership
● Inspiration: Inspires others and sets an example for future generations of women
● Grace/Courage/Integrity: Faces life’s challenges with grace and courage and lives with dignity, integrity and honor
● Posthumous nominations are accepted
Nominate an Outstanding Woman deserving recognition today!
WRITE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
-Nominator’s name, email, and phone number
-Nominee’s name, email, phone number and address
-Describe how the nominee meets EACH of the Women of Wisdom criteria
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS UNTIL May 1, 2025
Email to womenhonoringwomen@gmail.com OR Mail to Women Honoring Women, 419 Upper Humbird Dr Sandpoint, ID 83864
“I Am Going to Keep Kicking About These Things”
by Helen Newton
Courtesy Bonner County Historical Museum
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine that it is the early 1900’s. You are standing at our city beach looking north. On your left you see a fledgling village including a few businesses and homes between the lakeshore and the railroad track. One is the home of W. F. Whitaker, first chairman of the board of trustees for the village of Sandpoint, a magistrate judge and state senator, and one of the pioneers who helped lay the foundations of our town. The Whitaker House was the last of the original homes. It was demolished in 1999 to make way for The Seasons condominiums.
The shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille, is dotted with dozens of houseboats. The houseboats of more than 100 years ago were nothing but makeshift shanties sitting on something that would float. They had no amenities. A hole in the floor served as both their toilet and their garbage disposal, all emptying directly into the lake, as well as a place to drop a line to catch fish for dinner. Some were moored along the city dock; others were simply pulled ashore. We might label it a homeless encampment today.
It was in June, 1908, that Judge Whitaker appeared at a city council meeting to demand that the city clean up the shore line and remove a houseboat attached to the city dock and housing a house of ill repute. Mayor Page admonished Mr. Whitaker and asked that he not “bother the council with your petty complaints.” Whitaker declared that he had a right to bring complaints to the council to which the mayor retorted: “You have been an annoyance to the council, meeting after meeting; we want to go on with the business before the meeting without further annoyance,” summarily dismissing the Judge.
“As long as nothing is done I am going to come before the council and kick about these things,” said Whitaker. “You won’t,” said the mayor with some heat. “I haven’t recognized your right to the floor and if you don’t keep still we shall have you put out.” “Put me out,” cried the complainant. “I’d like to see you put me out.” In today’s world, that exchange would have been recorded on every cell phone in the room and have gone viral within minutes!
Fast forward almost 20 years to the day in June, 1927. The state’s sanitary engineer addressed the city fathers emphatically stating that “something should be done towards the removal of the houseboats in the interests of public health.” This was not the first time the state had spoken to the city. [Judge Whitaker died in 1923.]
In June 1929, at the instigation of the Chamber of Commerce, the County Commissioners intervened and issued orders under state law that the houseboats must comply with certain standards for toilets and prohibiting the disposal of sewage or garbage directly into the lake. Violations would result in misdemeanor citations. Water samples from the area revealed positive results for E Coli.
Then what happened? To be continued…
One Rusty Spur
By Jim Bottoms
One rusty spur, with a broken rowel. Oh, the stories it could tell. The hopes and dreams of one cowboy packed up in a box at a yard sale.
I almost left it there, there with the other junk that had no interest to me, but, I stopped, turned around and went back ‘til I found the thing that I wanted to see.
I paid for the box, had to take it that way. It rode home in the back of my truck. When I had time to look, I found other things from a cowboy down on his luck.
There was a rifle shell, the brass had turned brown; a scarf slide smashed just about flat, the rusty spur, a paisley wild rag and a feather that had been in his hat.
I was puttin’ the things back in the box when somethin’ inside caught my eye. It was tucked under a flap and with one quick tug I pulled it out the very first try.
It was a page from a Bible, ripped out in one piece with a scripture he had underlined. I decided to see what it had to say. I decided to take my time.
“Revelation” was printed in the top left corner, “1680” printed right next to that. I figured the book was about ready to end so, I read it right there where I sat.
It began with the words he had underlined: “He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood.” I stopped right there ‘til I saw the next words that said, “And His Name is the Word of God.”
I wondered how that could be, then I saw He had been in a fight.
‘Cause the next part of that verse said the ones He was with were His armies that were all “clothed in white”.
And they are not only armies but cavalries, riding horses that are just like His. White and strong they rode along to a victory that would never end.
“Horses in heaven”, I thought to myself. “Now there’s one reason to go.”
But, forgiveness from sin, to live forever with Him, is the truth that I’ve come to know.
So, although there are horses in heaven and I’m just a lovin’ that, that’s really way down on my list. Eternity with Jesus and to live now for Him, that, my friend, is the real eternal gift.
18
Our Changing World
The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2025 Volume 25 Issue 3
Spring Herbal Cleanse: Supporting the Body’s Natural Detox
by Suzanne Tabert
Happy Spring! Or should I say, Happy Mud Month! After a season of holiday treats and winter comfort foods, a spring detox can help reset the body. If you’ve noticed a little extra weight around the midsection, tighter rings on your fingers, bloating, or digestive discomfort, it may be time to support your body’s natural cleansing process.
As the seasons shift, a gentle herbal cleanse can help reset the body, supporting digestion, liver function, and overall vitality. The body naturally detoxifies itself, but herbs can enhance this process by stimulating key organs such as the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Below are five powerful herbs that aid in detoxification, along with their actions and benefits.
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
Actions: Liver tonic, diuretic, digestive stimulant, mild laxative Dandelion is one of the best herbs for supporting liver function and promoting the elimination of toxins.
•Liver Support: Dandelion root stimulates bile production, helping to break down fats and stimulate a sluggish liver.
•Diuretic Action: Dandelion leaf encourages urination, helping to flush excess water and toxins through the kidneys while replenishing potassium.
•Digestive Aid: Stimulates appetite and digestion, relieving bloating and sluggish digestion.
How to Use: Enjoy as a tea, tincture, or fresh greens in salads to support overall detoxification.
Burdock, Arctium lappa
Actions: Blood purifier, lymphatic stimulant, liver detoxifier, prebiotic Burdock root is deeply nourishing and works to clear toxins from the bloodstream.
•Blood Cleansing: Supports the removal of metabolic waste from the bloodstream, benefiting skin conditions like acne and eczema.
•Lymphatic System Support: Stimulates lymphatic flow, aiding in immune function and detoxification.
•Liver Detox: Encourages liver function and bile production for better digestion and toxin breakdown.
•Gut Health: Rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria for improved digestion and mental health.
How to Use: Best as a decoction (simmered tea) or tincture, but can also be eaten as a cooked root vegetable. Burdock may be found in Asian food markets as Gobo.
Nettles, Urtica dioica
Actions: Nutrient-rich tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, blood builder Nettles are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that replenish and nourish the body during detoxification. Nettles are not recommended for those with adrenal fatigue as they are very stimulating and may exacerbate the condition.
•Rich in Nutrients: High in iron, calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll, helping to rebuild strength and vitality.
•Diuretic Effect: Promotes kidney function, aiding in the elimination of excess water and waste.
•Blood Builder: Supports circulation and boosts red blood cell production, helping to combat fatigue and low energy.
•Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce histamine response and systemic inflammation, easing allergies and joint pain.
How to Use: Drink as a tea, take as a tincture, or add fresh nettles to soups and pestos.
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum
Actions: Blood sugar balancer, circulatory stimulant, digestive aid, antimicrobial Cinnamon is a warming, aromatic spice that enhances digestion and metabolism.
•Balances Blood Sugar: Helps regulate insulin levels and reduces sugar cravings, preventing energy crashes.
•Boosts Circulation: Increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Aids Digestion: Stimulates digestive enzymes and relieves bloating, nausea, and sluggish digestion.
•Antimicrobial: Helps eliminate harmful bacteria in the gut, promoting healthy gut flora.
How to Use: Add to teas, smoothies, or oatmeal, or take as a tincture or capsule for metabolic support.
Milk thistle is well known for its ability to protect and regenerate liver
cells.
•Liver Protection: Shields the liver from toxins, including alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants.
•Supports Detoxification: Enhances liver enzyme activity, aiding in toxin breakdown and removal.
•Rich in Antioxidants: Fights oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair.
•Aids Digestion: Stimulates bile production for better fat metabolism and digestion.
How to Use: Best taken in the evening as a tincture or capsule for liver support.
A simple way to incorporate these herbs into a detox routine is to prepare them as teas, tinctures, or supplements. Here’s a quick herbal cleanse tea blend you can make at home:
�� Spring Detox Tea Recipe:
1 part dandelion root
1 part burdock root
1 part nettle leaf
½ part cinnamon
Steep 1 tablespoon per cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for a gentle cleanse.
By using these herbs alongside a clean diet, plenty of water, and mindful movement, you can support your body’s natural detoxification processes, increase energy, and restore balance. As always, start gradually and listen to your body. If you’re on certain medications or have kidney disease, consult a healthcare professional to determine if a cleanse is appropriate for you.
Until next time, I leave you Wild About Plants!
Suzanne Tabert is a bioregional herbalist, educator, speaker, and author with over 38 years of experience in sustainable herbal medicine. As Director of Herbal Education at Cedar Mountain Herb School, she has trained thousands in wildcrafting, herbal medicine, and holistic wellness. She has also served for 12 years as an adjunct professor at Bastyr University. A sought-after speaker at major herbal conferences, Suzanne mentors apprentices who have built their own herbal businesses. She shares her knowledge through apprenticeship programs, an Herbal Materia Medica Monthly subscription, webinars, and podcasts. Suzanne lives at the edge of town on a 4 acre homestead; her expansive herb and veggie gardens, along with two orchards, provide for her apothecary and home.
We’re America’s oldest renewable energy retailer, tucked away right here in Sandpoint!
Talk to us for a FREE system design for your home, cabin, shop, RV, or wherever you need power.
With over 45 years of experience designing custom renewable energy systems, we can make you energy independent.
The Great Outdoors 19
Keep Your Eye on the Sky For Some Great Night Sights in 2025
You’ve heard it before and it bears repeating: for the best views of the night skies, get as far away from the city as possible. It is truly amazing how many stars magically appear in the night sky when artificial light sources are removed.
The following list comes to us via google.com. Some of the best shows are over but there is still plenty to see. And, we are still waiting for a possible nova explosion in the night sky. The binary star T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) and Betelgeuse in Orion may explode in a supernova in 2025.
Some notable sky watching events in 2025 include meteor showers, planetary alignments, and eclipses.
Meteor showers
Lyrid meteor shower: April 21–22, 2025 around midnight
Eta Aquarid meteor shower: May 6–7, 2025 around midnight
Delta Aquariid meteor shower: July 28–29, 2025 after dark Draconid meteor shower: October 8–9, 2025 after sunset
Leonid meteor shower: November 17–18, 2025 around midnight
Seven planets visible
On February 28, 2025, Mercury joins the other six planets in a rare alignment Eclipses
Partial solar eclipse: September 21, 2025 during the day Total lunar eclipse: September 7–8, 2025, and March 2–3, 2026
The nova explosions, should they occur this year, will only be visible for about 4 days. So keep one eye on the sky and the other on the star watchers as they will be the first to alert us it has happened. On the other hand, may be YOU will be the person lucky enough to see it first! Happy star gazing!
