There are a number of medicinal and psychoactive in the Solanaceae family. This workshop will describe the potential benefits and risks of utilising Solanaceae species. How anticholinergics work and the delirium state they can induce. The history and cultural context of which our collective understanding of how to use these plants stems from, including issues of biopiracy and why some have become commercialised.

Contrary to the popular image of cacti as isolated denizens of barren deserts, many species— particularly columnar cacti such as Echinopsis spp.—are in fact native to diverse forested environments. In this visually rich presentation, ethnobotanist Neil Logan challenges common cactus myths through striking field photography captured from Ecuador to northern Argentina.

Caine Barlow

Mushroom cultivation need not be limited to artificial growing environments or lab style cultivation techniques. An outdoor EGA provides us with the perfect opportunity to learn some hands on techniques for capturing, cultivating and spreading mycelium from the wild, to grow mushrooms in our own backyards, or for potentially rewilding local areas with native mushrooms, sadly removed through poor horticultural practice.

A variety of techniques will be covered, with opportunities to ask questions and discuss a variety of garden scenarios.

Communacacian

A beginner's guide to growing Acacia at home that explores botanical classification, uses, ethnobotanic species, identification techniques and resources, conservation, germination, cultivation, and planting out. This workshop aims to make tree growing accessible to all, with no prior experience, knowledge or greenhouse necessary. Participants will have the opportunity during the workshop to pot up their own seedlings to take home.

Wayapa Wuurrk®, meaning “Connect to the Earth” in the languages of the Maara and GunaiKurnai Peoples, is an Earth Mind Body Spirit wellbeing practice grounded in over 80,000 years of Aboriginal wisdom.

San Pedro are psychedelic, columnar, mescaline-containing cacti, originating in the Andes Mountain Range. There are thirty or more species in the San Pedro group, as well as intergeneric hybrids and cultivars selectively bred for potency, coloured flowers, unique forms and many other various qualities attractive to humans.

This will be a hands-on session dedicated to the propagation of Banisteriopsis caapi, aka "Ayahuasca" vine at the heart of traditional medicine and ethnobotanical research. This 60-minute workshop will blend plant propagation theory, practical technique, and an interactive demonstration to teach plant enthusiasts of all experience levels the skills needed to propagate this fascinating species.

Introduction to Ethnobotany: Connecting to Nature Through Native Edible and Medicinal Plants is a 60-minute hands-on workshop led by qualified ethnobotanist Jessica Moulynox.

With nearly 20 years of experience in wild food foraging and a background in Environmental Science (majoring in Plant Biology and Indigenous Studies), Jessica offers a rich, engaging session that reconnects people with the edible and medicinal plants of their local landscape.

Lee Miles

Roadside drug testing has become increasingly common in recent years, with a particular focus on music festivals. This presentation and information session aims to outline the mechanisms of saliva drug testing and the substances it detects, some of which are not necessarily drugs themselves.

Sianna-Rose “Pixie” Miller

Psychedelically Aware has been running talking circles through The PATCH for 3 years. This workshop discusses the insights gained from the community regarding harm reduction approaches to taking psychedelics and encourages attendees to be a part of the discussion.

A walk through how to create greater safety when choosing to have a psychedelic experience is the core of this workshop.