Thanks to ample winter rain, Santa Barbara’s San Antonio Creek is flowing again like days of old, surrounded by Miner’s Lettuce, Thistles, Mustard, Malva, and other edible greens. Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer, now in his 41st year of leading interpretive hikes, will host a 3-hour Herb Walk there on Saturday, March 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
On this walk, Kaufer will identify, demonstrate and discuss the many uses of wild plants for foragers, herbalists, and naturalists seeking out plants for food, first aid, home remedies, survival, crafts, ceremony and more. Poisonous plants will also be identified.
Trailside discussion will include humankind’s role in the ecological balance, sustainable foraging, Chumash plant uses, and other topics generated by the participants. This slow-paced walk is suitable for hikers of all levels of skill levels able to walk 1.5 miles round-trip and stand for periods of time.
“Herb Walks” originated in Santa Barbara in the early 1970’s, the creation of renowned herbalist William LeSassier who was living in the Montecito foothills at the time. Kaufer was a neighbor, friend and student of William and began leading his own Herb Walks around the Ojai Valley in 1976 after LeSassier moved east. He also studied with Juanita Centeno, the late Chumash plant expert on this same San Antonio Creek Trail in the mid-1970s.
The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62-and-older, and $15 for students 13-18. No pre-payment is required to register. Kids 5-12 can go along free, one per adult, by prior arrangement. Toddlers must be in a carrier. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No smoking and no dogs, please, as they can transmit poison oak on their fur.
This hike will go on rain or shine with the exception of a heavy downpour that morning and/or a 100% chance of heavy rain that day.
For registration or more information visit www.HerbWalks.com or call 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info.
Calendar Info:
- San Antonio Creek Herb Walk: Saturday, March 11
- Learn identification and uses of native plants including those for drought tolerant landscaping
- $25 for adults, $20 forseniors 62-and-up and $15 for students 13-18. No dogs or smoking, please.
- Register at www.HerbWalks.com or call 805-646-6281