Thomas J. Elpel is the director of Green University LLC in Montana. He is the author of nine books, including Botany in a Day and Foraging the Mountain West, plus the Shanleya’s Quest I & II books and games that teach plant family patterns to children. He has also written books on wilderness survival, alternative construction, green economics, and consciousness.

Thomas and Jiling discuss the patterns method of plant identification, “deer botany,” some of the plant families found in Botany in a Day, Thomas’ canoeing adventures, writing process, and more!

Visit Thomas Elpel at:

🌿Green University® LLC

📰 HOPS Press LLC

🪻Wildflowers-and-Weeds.com

Join this year’s Botany and Foraging Intensive from June 29 - July 12, 2025! 

🎥 Some videos of Thomas’ past adventures with his classes:

Botany and Foraging Intensive: Hands-on experience with Botany in a Day

Botany & Foraging Intensive Oregon Adventure with Botany in a Day and Green University LLC

Botany & Foraging Intensive - Idaho Adventure: Harvesting Wild Foods and Feral Fruits

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🪷 Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. A clinician and teacher, Jiling is also a passionate traveler, artist, and adventurer. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com— and get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template and Five Phases (五行) outline. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com and join her newsletter for seasonal beauty.

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