This program was rescheduled to March 14 due to severe weather on the origingally-scheduled date.

RCA Reflections are invited talks about ecology and the environment, free and open to all to join. This talk will be delivered in a hybrid format: in-person at Rice Creek Field Station or via Zoom (see Dial-In Instructions below).

Talk Description

Ayurveda means "way of life." It is an ancient life science originating in India over 5,000 years ago. The focus of Ayurveda is to maintain balance in the body for optimal health. This balance is maintained by making wise lifestyle and diet choices according to one's Prakruti, or constitution. This interactive workshop will introduce the basic framework of Ayurveda. After the introduction, participants will learn how to identify their constitution and use a tool, tongue diagnosis,  that can help individuals make wise choices in alignment with their constitution for better health. Herbs and lifestyle support for different constitutions will be discussed. The goal of the workshop is for participants to use the tools and information provided to improve their health.  A hand-held mirror to view the tongue should be brought to the presentation.

Speaker

Linda Knowles, a Naturalist at Rice Creek Field Station, has been a student of Ayurvedic and herbal medicine for over thirty-five years. Her teachers include Ayurvedic practitioners Sonam Targee, Dr. Svoboda, and Dr. MahaDevan, as well as Herbalists Rosemary Gladstar, Mathew Woods, Pam Montgomery, David Winston, and Susan Weed. Linda has been involved at Rice Creek Field Station as an educator since the late 1980s, with experience in both formal and informal education settings, including teaching English at the secondary and college levels. At Rice Creek, Linda leads interpretive programs, nature walks, and creative workshops for adults and children. She infuses her love of literature, writing, art, and crafts into her work at the field station. An alumnus of SUNY Oswego, Linda holds degrees in creative writing and English teaching, and a master's in secondary education. 

Free student transportation

Since the Centro Green Route Bus does not run on Saturdays, Rice Creek offers a van shuttle during the fall and spring semesters. Please call 315.312.6677 between 9:15 and 10:15 am on Saturdays to request a pick up. Alternatively, book your ride in advance by emailing rcdesk@oswego.edu by 3 p.m. on the Thursday before the program. Please include your full name and phone number. Please note that transportation is not available on the following Saturdays as our van is unavailable: 2/21, 3/7, 4/18, and 4/25.

Accessibility statement

We welcome people of all abilities to Rice Creek Field Station. Rice Creek's main building and parking areas are ADA accessible. The Purple Trail, scheduled to open in April 2026, is built to comply with U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. 

Although we strive to create inclusive programs, not all programs will be accessible to all individuals. Please reach out to us at rcfs@oswego.edu or (315) 312-6677 to inquire about accommodations. We would be happy to work with you.

About RCA

Rice Creek Associates (RCA) is a community of like-minded people who share a passion for nature and a desire to support Rice Creek Field Station. Formed in 1986, RCA supports Rice Creek Field Station's mission by expanding the scientific, educational and recreational opportunities at the Field Station through community involvement. For more information, including a link to join RCA for as little as $5 or $15, please visit the RCA webpage.