We will head for the hills, about 15 miles up Highway 33 north of Ojai, where we'll mingle with the Bigcone Douglas-Fir and the Incense Cedar at about 4000 ft. A highlight of the season. This trail is narrow so space will be limited. First come, first served.
Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer will lead an Herb Walk. Participants will identify native and naturalized plants and learn about their ancient and modern uses for food, home remedies, survival, soap, ceremony, landscaping and much more.
Lanny Kaufer has been leading native plant walks and hikes in Ventura County since 1976 for groups of all ages. He is widely regarded as an expert on the edible and medicinal uses of local indigenous plants. Kaufer acquired much of his knowledge in field study with well-known herbalists and ethnobotanists such as the late herbalist William LeSassier and Juanita Centeno, the late Chumash plant expert. He has studied with and/or co-led workshops and expeditions with Michael Moore, Michael Tierra, Jack Farrell, and Amanda McQuade Crawford and has appeared as a guest on Amanda's VeriaTV series, "What A Relief!"
Kaufer is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in Biology. He has taught science, health and natural history at Santa Paula High School, Happy Valley School, Ojai Valley School, Mountain View High School and Renaissance Continuation High School. He recently retired from teaching science and special education at Santa Paula High School.
The event will begin with orientation and registration at 8:30 AM at the Maricopa Plaza parking lot in Ojai. From there the group will carpool to the trailhead on Highway 33 North, returning to the parking lot by 12 noon. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for high school and college students age 13-and-older, and $10 for seniors 62-and-older. Children 5-12 can attend at no charge, with an adult, by prior arrangement. Babies in backpacks are welcome but the walk is not suitable for toddlers. No dogs, please.
Learn about the many uses of wild plants for food, survival, home remedies, landscaping, crafts and more. This walk will include the option of joining me for a delicious organic lunch at Farmer & the Cook in Meiners Oaks where we talk about all sorts of interesting things and meet all sorts of interesting people.