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What happens when a passion for herbalism meets decades of dedication, innovation, and community? You get Wild Rose College: a trailblazer in herbal education, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. For half a century, Wild Rose has been inspiring and educating herbalists from around the world, helping them deepen their connection to plants while shaping the future of herbal medicine.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reflecting on our rich history, honouring the visionary leadership of Dr. Terry Willard, and looking forward to what lies ahead. From humble beginnings as a small clinic in Alberta to becoming a globally recognized leader in herbal education, Wild Rose’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and a love for the natural world.
Wild Rose College began in the 1970s, a time when herbal medicine was far from mainstream. Fresh out of university with a degree in environmental biology, Dr. Terry Willard started offering herb walks and wilderness survival courses in the foothills of Alberta, guided by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and his own deep reverence for plants.
What started as casual workshops quickly blossomed into something greater. By 1975, Terry was teaching courses in Herbology and Iridology, and in 1977, the Wild Rose Clinic was born, a hub for herbal education and holistic healing. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Wild Rose expanded to include wilderness intensives, summer programs, and even a second campus in Vancouver.
By blending traditional plant wisdom with cutting-edge research, the college became a pioneer in holistic education. At its peak, Wild Rose housed the largest integrated holistic healing center in Western Canada, offering courses in everything from Ayurveda to Traditional Chinese Medicine, alongside herbal clinics and apprenticeships.
“Herbalism was underground when we started,” Terry recalls. “But plants have always been here, waiting for us to listen and learn.”
In 2015, Terry’s son, Yarrow Willard, stepped into the role of College Director, ushering in a new era for Wild Rose. Growing up immersed in plant medicine, Yarrow carries the family legacy forward with his own unique vision.
“Plants have always been a part of my life,” Yarrow shares. “My dad taught me that they’re not just remedies, they’re guides and partners on our journey.”
Under Yarrow’s leadership, Wild Rose College transitioned fully online, making herbal education more accessible than ever. From foundational courses like Herbology 101 to advanced diploma programs, the college continues to push boundaries, embracing new topics like the therapeutic applications of psilocybin and applied phytotherapeutics.
The Wild Rose Herbal Village, launched in 2018, has become a vibrant online gathering space where herbalists of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow. More than just a learning platform, it’s a thriving global community that offers access to a wealth of resources, from expert-led webinars and an ever-growing materia medica to engaging discussions and herbal recipes.
Whether you’re downloading a monograph, diving into an herbal intensive, or connecting with fellow plant lovers in the private online community, the Herbal Village fosters a sense of belonging that makes learning about herbal medicine a deeply enriching experience.
With new content added monthly and herbalists from around the world sharing their passion, the Herbal Village is proof that learning together makes the journey even more rewarding. Click to join the Herbal Village here.
As we mark this momentous anniversary, we’re excited to invite you to join the celebration! For a limited time, take advantage of our biggest sale ever: 25% off all Wild Rose courses and programs until February 4th, 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity to start, or deepen, your own herbal journey. Shop the sale here.
And for those who love connecting in person, mark your calendars for June 6-8, 2025. We’re hosting the Wild Rose Herb Gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta, a three-day celebration of plant medicine featuring workshops, herb walks, and inspiring talks from leading herbalists. This is your chance to meet fellow plant lovers, learn from top teachers, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Click here to learn more and claim your spot at the gathering!
Legend of the Wild Rose: Founder Terry Willard felt the energy of the wild rose “singing” to him during his first herbal foray in the Rockies. This profound connection inspired the college’s name and its heart-centered approach to herbal education.
A Herbal Pioneer: The Wild Rose Clinic was home to over seven treatment rooms, offering a diverse range of healing practices, from Reiki to Chi-gong, in the 1990s.
A Global Network: Wild Rose College alumni can now be found in over 20 countries, applying their herbal knowledge in clinics, apothecaries, and wellness businesses worldwide.
A Unique Start: The Vancouver campus in the 1980s wasn’t just any building, it was the former Yugoslavian Embassy, complete with a spy-worthy history!
Growing Together: As a child, Yarrow didn’t just accompany his father on herb walks, he sometimes hosted them himself. By the time he was just five years old, he was leading his first herb walk, sharing what he had learned about the plants growing in the foothills of the Rockies. Yarrow’s herb walks as a child included stories from his father about how plants “teach” us, a philosophy that continues to shape the college’s programs today.
From herb walks in the 1970s to online courses for the digital era, Wild Rose College has always evolved to meet the needs of its community. Yet, at its heart, the mission remains the same: to foster meaningful connections between people and plants.
This philosophy of “plants as teachers” became a cornerstone of the Wild Rose approach to herbal education. It’s not just about memorizing botanical names or chemical constituents; it’s about fostering a deep, personal connection to the plant world. This belief continues to shape the college’s programs today, inspiring students to see plants not just as tools for healing but as allies and guides on the path to wellness.
At Wild Rose College, students are encouraged to explore this idea in their own way. Whether it’s through practical herb walks, hands-on herbal pharmacy courses, or reflective exercises in the Wild Rose Herbal Village, the curriculum is designed to help each student cultivate their own relationship with plants. From the first lessons in Herbology 101 to advanced clinical programs, the idea of plants as teachers is woven throughout, encouraging students to go beyond the academic and into the experiential.
“Herbal medicine isn’t just something you learn,” Yarrow explains. “It’s something you live. When you work with plants, you’re not just using them, you’re learning from them, growing with them, and building a lifelong partnership.”
As we celebrate 50 years, we’re reminded that herbal medicine is not just about remedies, it’s about relationships. Relationships with the plants, with the land, and with each other. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just beginning your journey, we invite you to walk this path with us.
Here’s to the next 50 years of Wild Rose College, rooted in tradition, growing with innovation, and blooming with community.
This free, commemorative collection brings together decades of herbal knowledge and stories, highlighting the plants and people that have shaped our journey. Inside, you’ll find:
The roots of Wild Rose College and our story over the last 50 years
50 remarkable herbs, each with their unique uses and ways to integrate them into your daily life
A glimpse into the future of herbal education and community
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