Potrero John Nature Hike with Lanny Kaufer

Thanks to this winter’s snowfall and rainfall, the wildflowers and herbs in Ojai’s backcountry mountains are thriving as we approach the summer months.  Join author and native plant educator Lanny Kaufer on Sunday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a nature hike on Potrero John Creek, deep in the Sespe Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. This hike is presented under a Special Use Permit from the U. S. Forest Service for outfitters and guides.

The hike will begin at a trailhead 20 miles north of Ojai. Kaufer’s group will cover about 1 mile each way on a gradually ascending trail through chaparral and riparian settings, beginning at 3700 feet elevation. Kaufer will focus on identifying useful wild plants and sharing the many ways they are used by the indigenous Chumash people, herbalists, campers and gardeners for food, medicine, wildcrafting, survival, ceremony, landscaping and more. The canyon is home to Blue Elderberry, Mariposa Lily, Incense-Cedar, Bigcone Douglas-Fir, Giant Stinging Nettle, Yerba Santa, Matilija Poppy, Wild Rose, and many more native plants.

The hikers will also look for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and discuss the ecology of the southern Los Padres National Forest and other topics, including traditional and modern methods of sustainable foraging, resource conservation, and other subjects generated by the participants’ interests.

The day will begin with a caravan/carpool from the Maricopa Plaza parking lot in Ojai at 9:00 a.m. and return there by 3 p.m. The cost is $45. Child, student, and senior discounts are available by request. Kids 5 and younger can go free, one per adult, by prior arrangement.  Light rain will not cancel. Heavy rain or forecast of thunderstorms will. No dogs or smoking, please.

Before the hike, Kaufer will have copies of his book, Medicinal Herbs of California, available for sale and signing. A number of plants that the group will meet can be found in the book.

Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with directions, what to bring, weather forecast, etc. Afterwards, they will get a follow-up email with list of plants identified and other information.

Register now at HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281.