Ready to escape the burn area and experience the spring wildflowers in the mountains? Join Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer and a friendly group of like-minded lovers of the outdoors for a Nature Hike to Potrero John Camp, deep in the Sespe Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest, on Saturday, May 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The hike will take place on Potrero John Creek, 20 miles north of Ojai. The group will cover 1.7 miles each way on a mostly level trail with some elevation gain through chaparral and riparian settings, beginning at 3700 feet. The destination is a (bring-your-own) lunch stop in the shade of a large oak at Potrero John Camp.
The focus will be on identifying both useful and poisonous wild plants and learning about the many ways that they are used by the indigenous Chumash people, herbalists, campers and gardeners for food, medicine, wildcrafting, survival, landscaping and more. The canyon is home to Mariposa Lilies, Incense-Cedar, Bigcone Douglas-Fir, Giant Stinging Nettle, Yerba Santa, Matilija Poppy, Wild Rose, and many more native plants.
Kaufer will also look for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and discuss the ecology of the southern Los Padres National Forest, traditional and modern methods of sustainable foraging, resource conservation, and other topics generated by the participants’ interests.
This hike is presented under a Special Use Permit from the Ojai Ranger District Office of the U.S. Forest Service designed for guides who provide recreational and interpretive services to the public.
The day will begin with a carpool from the Maricopa Plaza parking lot in Ojai at 9:00 a.m. and return there by 4 p.m. The cost is $25 for adults,  $20 for seniors 62 and older, and $15 for students 13-18. Kids 5-12 can go free, one per adult, by prior arrangement. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Toddlers must be in a carrier. No dogs or smoking, please.
Register at HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info. No pre-payment is required, just a promise to let Kaufer know as soon as possible if your plans have to change.
Calendar Info:
- Nature Hike to Potrero John Camp with Lanny Kaufer
- Saturday, May 12, Los Padres National Forest
- Identify and discuss native plants and enjoy the spring wildflowers in the mountains
- Cost: $25/adults, $20/seniors 62-up, $15/students 13-18. Kids 5-12 free, one per adult. No dogs or smoking, please.
- Register at HerbWalks.com or call 805-646-6281
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