Potrero John Nature Hike on Saturday, May 6th

Ojai-based native plant guide Lanny Kaufer will lead a friendly group of like-minded learners and lovers of the outdoors on a Nature Hike to Potrero John Camp deep in the Sespe Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 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 very gradual elevation gain through chaparral and riparian settings, beginning at 3700 feet. They will stop for lunch at Potrero John Camp.

The focus, as usual, will be on identifying both useful and poisonous wild plants and learning about the many ways that they have been used by the Chumash people, herbalists, campers, and gardeners for food, medicine, wildcrafting, survival, landscaping and more. Discussion will include the ecology of the southern Los Padres National Forest and traditional and modern methods of sustainable foraging, among other topics generated by the participants’ interests.

This walk 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 am and return there by 4 pm. Kaufer will have his mobile bookstore on hand with a one-of-a-kind selection of books and guides about all subjects related to native plants and our local ecology.

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.

To register or for more information, visit www.HerbWalks.com or call 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info. No pre-payment is required.

Lanny Kaufer

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