Explore the Living Herbal Traditions of the Ozarks

Guiding students, foragers, and plant-lovers through 40 years of knowledge on the healing and edible plants of the Ozarks.

to a sanctuary

of

wisdom.

Welcome to a sanctuary of Ozark wisdom. I’m Jenifer Lawrence, a professional herbalist dedicated to preserving and sharing the medicinal and edible plant heritage of these hills for over 40 years.

Herb Index

A searchable directory of wild medicinal and edible plants of the Ozarks.

Foraging Guides

Seasonal tips, plant safety info, and how to identify useful plants in the wild.

Private Student Portal

Secure access for apprentices and students — course materials, resources, and more.
I’m a professional herbalist with over 40 years of experience in the study, practice, and teaching of herbal medicine — specifically focused on the rich plant life of the Ozark Mountains.

Why the Ozarks?

The Ozark Mountains are home to one of the most diverse plant ecologies in North America — rich with history, culture, and healing potential. This land is not just where I work; it’s where I learn every day. The rhythms of the forest, field, and stream shape my teaching and practice.
I’ve guided hundreds of students, naturalists, and herbal enthusiasts in learning to recognize, respect, and responsibly use wild medicinal and edible plants.
What began as a deep personal connection to the land evolved into a lifelong mission: to preserve and share the botanical wisdom of the Ozarks, from traditional plant uses to sustainable wildcrafting practices. My work is grounded in lived experience, field study, historical research, and direct teaching through apprenticeships, plant walks, and hands-on classes.

My Mission

To protect and pass down the living traditions of Ozark herbalism through education, stewardship, and accessibility.

Welcome to the heart of the site — a curated library of writings, guides, and teachings accumulated over four decades of herbal work in the Ozarks.

FORAGING

Foraging in the Ozarks is a seasonal dance between you and the land.

PREPARATION

Knowing how to prepare a plant is as important as knowing how to find it. In this section,

HERB INDEX

This is the heartwood of the library — a living catalog of wild plants from the Ozark region.

Foraging Guides

Foraging in the Ozarks is a seasonal dance between you and the land.

Foraging Guides

Foraging in the Ozarks is a seasonal dance between you and the land.

A blog rooted in the rhythms of the Ozarks — stories, reflections, and plant teachings gathered over a lifetime in the hills.

Follow Along on Instagram: @Goldenlightcenter

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Real voices from the hills, forests, and quiet learning circles…