On Saturday evening, February 8, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ojai native plant educator Lanny Kaufer will lead a plant identification Full Moon Sunset Herb Walk to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where the group can watch the moon rise at 5:15 p.m. and the sun set at 5:25 p.m. Following the walk, participants are invited to enjoy an optional “after-party” at Ojai Valley Brewery and Azu Restaurant where brewmaster Jeremy Haffner crafts beers with the same local native plants they just visited.
After completing online registration, those participating will receive an email with instructions to meet at the Park-and-Ride lot in downtown Ojai between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. and carpool to the trailhead to minimize the crowded parking situation there. Then they will walk slowly about 1 mile to the vista point, stopping along the way to meet some valuable native plants including Coastal Sagebrush, Hollyleaf Cherry, Purple Sage and Toyon. The group will walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the Park-and-Ride lot by 6:30 p.m.
From there all attendees are invited to join Lanny and his wife Rondia at 6:45 p.m. across the street at Azu Restaurant and Ojai Valley Brewery where manager Elizabeth Haffner is working with the chef to plan a special custom Herb Walk menu featuring a flight of 4 beers paired with a seasonal menu they will design just for this event. Brewmaster Jeremy Haffner has created some delicious lager-style craft beers and ales using some of the same local plants found earlier on the trail. His brews change with the seasons and reflect the plants of Ojai. Three staples that one is likely to find on his list any time of year are Sugar Bush IPA, brewed with wild local Ojai “Sugar Bush” Sumac; White Pixie Ale, brewed with Pixie tangerine zests and orchard blossoms; and an amazing Chaparral Ale flavored and bittered with White Sage, Black Sage, and local Sagebrush instead of the usual Hops. Haffner describes it as “built to mimic the scent on Shelf Road.” Non-alcoholic offerings also change with the seasons and may include an Elderflower-Blackberry Spritzer.
Register now at HerbWalks.com by calling 805-646-6281. There is no pre-payment required for this walk, just a promise to let Kaufer know if your plans change. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days prior. No dogs or smoking, please.
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