In Lanny Kaufer’s new book Medicinal Herbs of California, A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants (Falcon Guides, 2021), we find an encyclopedic presentation of a subject that transcends rote identification and gets to the heart of what it means to understand the land as a function of being human. By exploring the conservation status, the traditional and modern usage, and the cultivation of the entries, Kaufer’s holistic exploration of California’s herbarium reveals an inroad to an intimate identity with actually being from and learning to honor the place of his study. In Kaufer’s exhaustive, and yet exciting, exploration of California’s botanical portfolio, we have a treasured key to understanding, loving, and protecting the most special and sacred aspect of our local, natural world.

Obi Kaufmann

Author, The California Field Atlas

[Medicinal Herbs of California] is the most practical, detailed, and referenced work available on the safe use of California native plants for healing.

Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc

Fourth-generation herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant, botanist, and author of more than 20 books, including co-authoring the Peterson Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Your new book is fabulous in so many ways!! The multiple photos of various stages of life of plants is essential. Why aren’t all the plant books like this?

Wendy Osher

I just finished reading your book. A very well done Field Guide. Congratulations! And the photographs are terrific.

Mike Swimmer

Swimmer Medicinal Garden in Ballona Discovery Park, Playa Vista, CA

Whether you’re a beginning or a more advanced herbalist, Kaufer’s field guide is a must-have for your library. The book gets my highest praise and recommendation.

Christopher Nyerges

Author, Foraging California and Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America; Co-founder, School of Self-Reliance

I love your book!

Kathryn Paddock

Enjoyed your talk at the Art Center. Thanks for your wisdom.

Chris King

Congratulations Lanny! Your new book is phenomenal! I am loving it! So much valuable info in an easy to read format!

Carrie Eller

Love your new book! I have to say your book is absolutely excellent. I love how you’ve organized it so that those of us who don’t have a botany background can start seeing the classification categories and details. That way everything doesn’t look like just another green leaf. Michelle [Wong]’s advice to pick an area and revisit it during different times of the year has been SOOOOOO helpful! I would never have found the plant without having seen it under post-rain lush circumstances.

Judy Burke

I really enjoyed your book and wanted to thank you personally for writing it and organizing it in such a nice easy-to-read way.

Kali Kealoha Coultas

I am so excited to receive your book today! Love the layout, photos, and size. This will be a go-to reference book as well as a field guide. Amazing how you have fit in so much information in an easy to read format. This book is unmatched in quality and quantity of information – so like you! It is yet another valuable legacy gift you provide the world!

Carrie Eller & Jimmy Harvey

Lanny, today we joined you on the Taft Garden Equinox Herb Hike and what a treat that was! Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with us! We have your book and are looking forward to more adventures with you!

Gina & Bob Smith

“…exhaustively-researched but easy-to-read new book Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants…”

Steven Libowitz

Montecito Journal

Amazing work! What a joy to dip into such a concentrated yet accessible resource! Here we have a field guide that in its thorough, accurate and comprehensive coverage crosses the boundary from field guide to outright herbal.

Carol Wade

Founder/Director, Earth Island Herbs and Ojai School of Herbal Studies

“I found your book & website via an online search for ‘native medicinal plants of Southern California.’ This book is such a wonderful resource for learning about what I should be cultivating at home!”

Kris E.

As a practicing herbalist for 52 years, my three libraries are treasuries of hundreds of great herb books. This book is great. In his terrific field guide, Medicinal Herbs of California, Lanny Kaufer methodically describes dozens of important California herbs in wonderful, rich, easy-to-understand language, including all the ‘scientific nerdy details,’ precautions, and a robust section on endangered plants and what we can do about them. . . . I have twelve professional herbalists who work for me. I’m going to give each of them a copy for required reading.

Ron Teeguarden

Certified Master Herbalist, ordained Taoist Master, author of Chinese Tonic Herbs, and The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, and Founder, President and Master Herbalist of Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs, based in Santa Monica, California

Your book is beautiful! I hope that you’re happy with it. I’m sure that it will sell well. You’ll be doing a second printing before you know it.

Steve Junak

Author, A Flora of Santa Cruz Island; Botanist Emeritus, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Lanny, it was a real pleasure to work on that story [Ojai Quarterly, Spring 2022] and as you can see, I really value your book. I was especially impressed by your specific and balanced discussion of how certain key plants, such as yerba santa, are used in slightly different ways by different cultures. And you included their contemporary and conventional medicinal uses as well, when appropriate. You could not have been fairer, as far as I can tell, and that’s a rare and wonderful quality. Congratulations.

Kit Stolz, Journalist

For anyone interested in herbal medicine, California native plants, or sustainable foraging, Medicinal Herbs of California is an essential and practical resource. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore plant-based healing or an experienced herbalist seeking deeper knowledge, this book provides a well-researched and accessible guide to the medicinal plants of the region. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts, foragers, and anyone curious about the healing power of plants.

Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

https://www.brmi.online

I love your new book! Lovely words and photography; I particularly love the ethnobotanical references. Thanks for creating a great local reference guide!

Jiling Lin, L.Ac. 林基玲 Acupuncturist . Herbalist . Yoga Teacher

http://jilinglin.com/

I read your book Medicinal Herbs of California and absolutely loved it!

Valerie Ishida

This well-researched and fact-filled guide goes further than most to dive into phytochemistry. It explains the inner workings of plant medicine, such as how manzanita’s (Arctostaphylos spp.) arbutin becomes antiseptic in the urinary tract. Most of the 70 herbs are Southern California natives, with a few venturing more northerly. I like the inclusion of traditional and modern uses identified by the tribe that uses them. Ideas of wild plant experts such as Michael Moore and Greg Tilford are shared while many misconceptions corrected.

Kathi Keville

American Herb Association

This is a well-documented field guide for layperson and herbalist alike, excellent for responsible gatherers to find and use helpful medicinal plants. So, get the book, put on a hat, and go out into our glorious California wild areas. Happy hunting!

Mary Hardy, MD

Integrative Medicine Physician; Founder/Director, Wellness Works; Coauthor: Best Remedies: Breakthrough Prescriptions that Blend Conventional and Natural Medicine

Lanny Kaufer’s exquisite attention to botanical science is balanced with respect for Indigenous systems of healing wisdom. Whether you are a beginner or a Ph.D., I trust that this will be your favorite new field guide. I love this book!

Amanda McQuade Crawford

MA, MFT; Author, Herbal Remedies For Women; Director, PhytoHumana: Integrative Medicine

Lanny Kaufer’s years of experience and passion for hiking, exploring nature, and learning and teaching about the native plants of the West have found beautiful expression in his new book Medicinal Herbs of California. His rich knowledge of the history, botany, and biomedical research of some 70 plants is clearly presented. His book is a blend of scientific scholarship that satisfies the intellect along with Indigenous and naturalist experiential insights to nourish the spirit.

John Hickey

Licensed Acupuncturist, Co-Founder and former Academic Dean, Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine

Loving it!

[caption id="attachment_10952" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Mela Gaskins Butcher with her copy of Medicinal Herbs of California[/caption]

Mela Gaskins Butcher

Founder & Director, Center for Ayurveda

Medicinal Herbs of California is an indispensable resource for nature enthusiasts and herbalism students alike.

Jess Starwood

Author, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying, and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi

Perfect presentation — Enjoyed by all and learned so much. Thank you, Lanny.

Barb Sands

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County

Your book arrived and it is very clear, useful and beautiful! Thank you for writing it. It was clearly a labor of love.

Donna Factor

I so enjoyed your CA Native Plants presentation at Green Thumb in Ventura yesterday! We are preparing to replace our lawn with natives and your book is full of timely information. Also looking forward to receiving the Wildflowers book and hoping to join you soon for an Herbwalk! Thank you!

Jo Wilmoth

An incredible book, so thorough and informative, interwoven with good story and good heart. Thank you for all the learning and knowledge that went into it. Truly an effort of love and caring.

Tom Pinkson

a new vision of living

I am enjoying your book immensely!

Tracey Doyle

Lanny’s book is an absolute gem for local plant enthusiasts, herbalists, hikers, and naturalists of all kinds. I have read it cover to cover numerous times now and find myself recommending it to everyone I know who loves to learn about plants. Well researched, thoughtfully presented, and incredibly useful!

Lauren S.

Got your book, thanks ~ and wow, it’s fantastic, so comprehensive, a lifetime of knowledge. Already using it to identify what we think is an elderberry tree. Great to have now that we’re cool hiking again after hot summer. Love it! Congratulations!

Laura Gruenther

Laura Gruenther Design

“I want to take the time to thank you for attending [the Native Plant Fest] and creating such a fun workshop for the community to attend. Everyone had such a blast getting to learn from you. I was hearing such positive feedback from everyone. We hope to see you again soon.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center

I have been enjoying your medicinal herbs book! I saw a bunch of hummingbird sage at Lake Cachuma this spring and now after looking it up I can’t wait to make some tea!

Teal Akeret

Lanny Kaufer brings together all the best elements to create a classic compendium of ethnobotany.

David Crow

Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Co-Founder of Floracopeia, Inc.

Love your new book!

Judy Burke

Medicinal Herbs of California is a very useful resource that is filled with facts and stories about California plants. The book is fully referenced for more in-depth reading.

James D. Adams

Professor Emeritus, USC School of Pharmacy, Author of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West

I’ve enjoyed your [horehound] cough drops all my life. I want to order some soon.

Dagmar Hanson

I love your book and have gifted it to a few others.

Terri Burgess

Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, Ventura Land Trust

Lanny, just a quick text to let u know how much I am enjoying going thru each chapter of yr book, slowly, & learning all kinds of new plant/herb info. I esp. appreciated the Oatstraw tea reference in relation to Harold & Maude as I’ve seen the movie many times and actually remember that exact scene. Lol. Kudos for a great book!

Holly Schalla

Thank you so much! I learned so much and had a wonderful time [at the Mushroom Workshop]! Your book is excellent as well! Looking forward to doing an herb walk with you soon!

Michelle Auchterlonie

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in natural healing. Lanny Kaufer’s deep knowledge and passion for California’s medicinal plants shine through every page. The detailed descriptions, beautiful photographs, and practical tips make it easy for beginners and experts alike to identify and use common healing plants. It’s a must-have guide for herbal enthusiasts looking to connect with nature’s remedies.

Victor O.

I have just had the pleasure of seeing your new book for the first time. What a beautiful representation of you and your kind and gentle spirit. It will be my pleasure to sell as many of these as possible. You should be proud. As a “book person” I am well aware of the constant concern living with a project like this involves. It is not a job, it is a member of your family. Now that it is out to well deserved praise I hope you can take a breath. Congratulations.

Michael Zolkoski

Pacific Books

I am especially impressed with your expansive coverage of the science involved and double checking your historical sources. Up until now, I’ve never seen anyone do that before. All the rest just repeat the same old stories about native plant use without any effort to see if the stories actually hold up to scrutiny. And your thorough treatment of each species is excellent. For example, yerba santa. Great stuff!

Richard Halsey

California Chaparral Institute

I am still reading your book. Really well written. Such a great resource. I went straight to the section on nettles and read that section first. I drink nettle tea daily. I remember at the workshop…watching you roll and eat the stinging nettle leaf right off of the plant!

Patty Peinado

This is an outstanding resource for any herbalist, botanist, or conservationist in California! …Both practical and humorous, the tales of our local herbal allies are beautifully illustrated and brought to life. I will be recommending this book to my students for years to come!

Emily Sanders

Founder/Director, Artemisia Academy of Herbal Arts & Healing

I’m enjoying your beautiful new book- thank you for your dedication and hard work to birth it for the world.

Alison Eakin

Medicinal Herbs of California represents an immense undertaking in bringing the worlds of traditional herbal medicine together with modern science. . . . This book belongs on the shelves of every herb and plant enthusiast, especially those in California but also beyond.

Roy Upton, RH

President, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

This is an outstanding book! As a professional field botanist, I really appreciate the author’s focus on the conservation status of the plants that he discusses, his many years of experience with these plants, his inclusion of propagation hints so that readers can avoid over-harvesting plants in the wild, the references that are cited, and the extensive bibliography that empowers the serious readers to do further study and research on their own.

Steve Junak

Author, A Flora of Santa Cruz Island; Botanist Emeritus, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

We love going with Lanny for Herb Walks. His knowledge knows no bounds. Walks with Lanny are always interesting and we look forward to more. Medicinal Herbs of CA is a great reference book.

Joanne McGrath

Thank you for the great guidance on Pine Mountain yesterday. We are excited about your book and inspired to host a book signing gathering in the spring if you would like!

Judy Jackson

Shiatsu Rincon

I am reading your book and it is just fantastic. The writing is clear and concise. The photos are good; the layout is fantastic. Well done. Congratulations! I am going to enjoy this book for years to come.

David Sharp

“Thank you, Lanny, for an inspiring walk today at the Taft Gardens! Your presentation and demeanor were both uplifting and informative. Your evident dedication and sensitivity to the Chumash and their natural world brought joy and appreciation to everyone in our little group. Afterward, I read a good portion of Medicinal Herbs of California and was even more enlightened about the history of medicine as it relates to native plants.”

Ronald Williams

Hi Lanny, reaching out to say thank you once again on behalf of our [homeschooling] group for a wonderful time at Emma Wood. Everyone walked away learning something fun and new about our native plants and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the walnut processing. We are grateful for your time and knowledge and look forward to planning another outing in the next few months.🌱🌸

Bailey Castro

“We had a great time on the Full Moon Sunset Walk!”

Brian Watnick

I had another great experience with you and Emily Watson last week! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge.

Karen Ard

Lanny,

Thank you for all that you have contributed to Taft Gardens programming. We appreciate you!

Jaide Whitman

Executive Director & Board President, Conservation Endowment Fund 501c3, Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve

I had another great experience with you and Emily last week! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge.

Karen Ard

We love going with Lanny for Herb Walks. His knowledge knows no bounds. Walks with Lanny are always interesting and we look forward to more. Medicinal Herbs of CA is a great reference book.

Joanne McGrath

Kris E.

I enjoyed the walk and your great informative approach very much. Glad I could make it.

Michael Rittenberg

Lanny is a deep well of knowledge and insight into our local ecosystems and botany. I took my kids (a pre-teen and a teen) and both had an amazing time learning more about their favorite plants and getting introduced to some new ones. I myself, am an absolute plant nerd…so I had a blast!
10/10 would recommend. The walk was perfectly paced, the information was flowing and engaging, and the follow up recap sheet was a great way to allow folks to dig deeper into what we had learned.
Thanks Lanny!

Lauren S.

That was a thoroughly wonderful experience, and I appreciate the follow up information.

Ellen M.

Lanny’s Herb Walks take me to places in our county I’d never get around to going to and they are varied and wonderful. The latest trip to the previously off-limits Rancho Tajiguas was enchantingly beautiful and his knowledge of our local ecosystem, especially its plants, is seemingly endless. What I learn on these walks helps ground me to where I live, plus I meet great people. We’re lucky to have you Lanny!

Laurie W

“Thank you for a wonderful tour. I had so much fun and learned a lot. I’d be happy to receive the follow up email and also to opt in your newsletter.”

Noa Tal

Lauren S.

Thank you so much again for leading the walk. I really enjoyed it. I was very impressed with your depth of knowledge regarding particular plants!

Suzanne Weakley

“Thank you for an incredible class [for OLLI at CSUCI]”

Cielo Batchelor

Thank you for contributing your expertise to our Spring II session and for providing an enriching and interactive learning experience for our members.

Shaina Salin, MES

OLLI Program Coordinator | Osher Lifelong Learning Institute California State University Channel Islands

Lanny, you are wonderful, and I tell people about your walks and your book every chance I get!

Andrea Lethcoe

Lanny and Carol Wade – I was fascinated with this topic, and I truly enjoyed this event. The hosts were so down to earth, they were tantamount to being in the presence of beautiful plants and trees. This was a very informative and relaxing event. The hosts definitely have a mastery of plant knowledge. I can’t wait for part two. I loved this nature outing!

Chioke & Nadirah Nayo

Black God Science Herbs

Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

https://www.brmi.online

This [follow-up email] is such an amazing compilation of gems and resources. Thank you.

Nessa Meshkaty, MD

Thank you so much Lanny! [“Seasonal Rhythms” workshop with Jiling Lin] was a fabulous day!

Nicole Wilde, LAc

https://acupunctureandcupping.com/

“I didn’t get chance to let you know how amazing the day was and the community you were building with Carol [Wade at the ‘It’s a Family Affair’ workshop]! We and I need these types of communities. Loved the plant learning. And the family structure, while seemingly obvious, was an ah ha moment the way it was shared yesterday! Mostly I was stunned and moved by the simple question in the council circle of sharing our name & the origin. It truly was not a simple question but held so so much more for everyone than I expected. Thanks and hope to be at the April session!”

Tess Blankenship

“Thanks again Lanny. Always so much great information!”

Shanah Gavia

https://naturaldermpa.com

Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Thank you so much for the hike and the sharing of your knowledge, Lanny.

Madeline Fay

Thank you so much Lanny! I learned a lot.

Thomas Boarman

“Thank you Lanny for the amazing Herb Walk you orchestrated and all the wonderful information you shared.”

Kristen Hofferbert

My brother and I enjoyed that full moon walk very much. I thoroughly enjoyed all your encylopedic and historic knowledge of the area and the plants. I especially loved your Lakota song, and your confidence just belting it out there on the road with other hikers walking by. You are a great, calm, easy going master of the hills and medicinal indigenous plant world. Thank you very much!

Barbara Dentzel

“Thanks again for putting together the [Cook and the Farmer] farm visit and delicious lunch yesterday.”

Dana Crawley

Victor O.

I was on your Ocean’s Edge Trail Herb Walk today…I had a wonderful time and learned so much about the plants that are native to our area and those that are not natives. You are an accomplished raconteur. Thanks again for a lovely learning experience today. I hope to attend some of your other talks and walks.

Mary LaBarge

Thanks so much for this [follow-up] email! We enjoyed reading it and checking the resources. I have referred friends and family to your website and hope to join in the future. Thanks for your passion and sharing your knowledge with us!

Piper Ziv

I’ve enjoyed your [horehound] cough drops all my life. I want to order some soon.

Dagmar Hanson

Your workshop was transformational. To be at the Earth Island Medicinal Garden for a whole day, basking in the smell and beauty of the medicinal herbs, was a true pleasure. To learn about their medicinal uses and then to spend the afternoon crafting with herbs was truly fun and informative. The finale to the day was magical when Lanny sang and drummed for us. Thank you so much, Carol and Lanny, for a beautiful and informative day spent in a sanctuary of Mama Earth

Nancy Shobe

Author, Transformational Coach, Photographer at NancyShobe.com

Incredible walk today! Yes, I would enjoy receiving your plant notes…With gratitude for such a lovely day, Andie

Andrea Lethcoe

Thank you for such a lovely day!!! I enjoyed it so much and you and Jess are cool people! Can’t wait to do it again!

Charise Santoro

Just want you to know how much Tony and I, Katie, and Brock truly enjoyed the Sunset/Moonrise Herb Walk last evening. It was magical when the moon came over the mountain. The talks you gave about the various plants were informative and fun and we were happy to have the opportunity to add your book to our library. It was great to meet Rondia. She is lovely. What wonderful work you both are doing.

Janell Calhoun

As a person that loves to be around plants and flowers, the Herb Walks provides me with more awareness of the magic and science that surrounds us in Southern California. I recommend the herb walks to students, learners, anyone with an affinity for plants, and everyone in between!

Alyson Lucas

We really enjoyed the symposium. Thanks so very much!

Glorianna Buynak

glorybessences.com

I had such a wonderful time on Sunday with all of you! Attached are some photos of the magic Elena [Rios] created. It was as if time stood still. Thank you again for a wonderful experience, everyone!

Lisa Fimiani

President, Ballona Discovery Park Partners

I had been looking forward to this gathering for months, and it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more! What an incredible experience. I am so grateful to all of you.

Andie Lethcoe

Thank you for giving a talk in May of 2022 on medicinal plants of California, especially highlighting ones local to our area. Your enthusiasm and knowledge was much appreciated! Thank you for recognizing the importance of California’s native plants.

Carolyn Warren

California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter

Loved everything about it! Thank you 🙂 Looking forward to more adventures and to filling my brain with nature!

Jenni Campbell

Just want to say thank you very much for another enjoyable outing today to the Carp. Salt Marsh. As usual super informative. I just enjoyed burning my “own” incense. That was fun (but I think I’ll stick to some Nag-Champa :-)) I look forward to participating in another outing.

Sylvia Edney

I’m enjoying your beautiful new book- thank you for your dedication and hard work to birth it for the world.

Alison Eakin

I’ve been wanting to join one of your walks for years and it did not disappoint. I’m already searching your website for more events and look forward to continuing to learn from you.

Jessy Raspiller

https://www.jessyraspiller.com

Thanks Lanny. I really enjoyed the full moon hike. The description was accurate as to what was going to happen. I like how you stopped and told us about the plants. And of course watching the moon rise was amazing and gorgeous (although that part was mother nature😄). Really cool event and a good memory for my daughter and I to have shared. Thanks for hosting!

Kat Beckman

I am enjoying your book immensely!

Tracey Doyle

Thank you again for another great herb walk! I loved exploring a new spot. I am still blown away that I haven’t noticed the Bay fruit before!

Carrie Eller

Thanks again for such an incredible day and for the follow-up email that always amazes me!

Andie Lethcoe

I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed our walk today in the marsh! I have been through that marsh many times, but I saw it with new fresh eyes and learned so much today! Thank you so much, it was a wonderful experience!

Sue Boynton

The herbal hikes and herbal events with Lanny are filled with practical knowledge, gentleness and love for the land and those to whom the land belongs. This energy naturally pulls in some great people to share the learning with. I have enjoyed each event and look forward to more in the future! Thank you, Lanny!

Jaskaram Khalsa

Wonderful herb walk today – thank you! Looking forward to the next event!

Monica Squitieri

Dear Lanny and Rondia, we really enjoyed your nature walk in the Taft Preserve end of last month! We hope to do another one as soon as we can.
I also have a question about some huge plant that’s growing in my backyard. It has a beautiful purple plume of sage and I’ve never quite seen one like this. My guess is, if anyone, you would know what it is! All the best, Tina n Tom

Tom Lane & Tina Chappel

Thank you very much for this workshop! It was so informative and fun. I’ll definitely be back for more. It was such a pleasure meeting you, Jim [Adams], Michelle [Wong], Lisa [Fimiani], and everyone who participated in this event.

Mercedes Cornett

Just wanted to say thank you again so much for the awesome experience Saturday [at the Spring Medicinal Plant Workshop] and for this email! Just read the article about the A. californica. Look forward to joining more of your walks.

Shanah Gavia, PA-C

https://naturaldermpa.com

I have been enjoying your medicinal herbs book! I saw a bunch of hummingbird sage at Lake Cachuma this spring and now after looking it up I can’t wait to make some tea!

Teal Akeret

My husband and I have moved up to Northern CA so I’m sad to say I won’t be participating in future Herb Walks. However, I’ll always remember fondly your wonderful sharing of herbal plants and medicine with the community. I learned so much from you and it was a joy to be with like-minded folks. Blessings to you and your wife.

Carol Mondello-Settle

Oh what a glorious spring day! I convinced my hubby to join me for an @ojaiherbal walk with @lannykauferojai and oof…the beauty!!! We live in a uniquely magical place and I don’t take it for granted not even for a moment. Thank you Lanny for always bringing so much wisdom and true humility to every walk. Truly, Nature is our teacher. May we be strong, resilient and adaptable like these gorgeous oaks and wildflowers that keep being their untamed, radiant selves no matter what! I am grateful.

Erika Elizondo

Michael Zolkoski

Pacific Books

Enjoyed your talk at the Art Center. Thanks for your wisdom.

Chris King

I had such a great time, thank you so much. I’ve always been very interested on my own in herbal remedies and what is around us… So this was very nice to get back out and enjoy what I have been missing for a few years… Thank you so much.

Suzanne Blanco

That was a great Meadows walk! I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for all you do to keep our town and valley true to its natural heritage.

Christine Golden

We had such a lovely time with you at Taft [Nature Preserve]. Thank you!

Lynn Comley

Lanny’s insights and knowledge about humans and plants, and how we are intimately related for millennia, helps us reconnect with nature and feel more at home in our world. Plus we had the fun of preparing and sharing food like an ancient village!

Jeanne Black

Thank you again for the fabulous herb walk! I learned a lot and I’m looking forward to the next event.

Athena Massey

Thanks for the beautiful walk at Taft Gardens. Looking forward to the next one!

Sara de Tullio

We all had a really good time. My husband Adam and I will definitely be on your walks again in the future. My mother-in-law Penny absolutely enjoyed herself and wanted to say that she very much enjoyed the entire event.

Shelby Donald

Thank you Lanny! Thoroughly enjoyed this [Spring Medicinal Plant] workshop- sharing photos I took during the day.

[caption id="attachment_12026" align="alignright" width="150"]

Soaking feet in pain-relieving black sage footbath[/caption]

Cecilia Belmonte

Kit Stolz, Journalist

Gina & Bob Smith

Review by Jordan shared by Carol Pierce of Sespe Retreat
Carol referred us to a lovely man named Lanny (herbwalks.com) who took us on a hike in the surrounding area, teaching us about the local vegetation (herbs, flowers, trees, etc.) which was very educational and also a lovely & peaceful experience. I would highly recommend an excursion with Lanny. We found it especially helpful to meet up with Lanny at the beginning of our trip, as it made our future hikes more fulfilling.

Carol Pierce

Sespe Retreat House

Really enjoyed your lecture [for Land Trust for Santa Barbara County] and look forward to attending some of your walks. We did one — years ago — in Ojai. The Lunch & Learn lecture inspired me to try adding natives into my landscape (first attempt was like burying money). Happy to reconnect.Thanks!

Henri Albert

Thank you so much for the picture!! What a great memory. I also wanted to thank you for the walk. For me, it was a great introduction to the numerous plants in the area. I knew I should’ve been taking notes, but didn’t want to hold up my husband and daughter, so of course I’m drawing some blanks when I look at my photos, mainly for the shrubs. I got laurel sumac, holly-leaved cherry, chamise (I liked what you told us about it being a good firewood in wet weather), poison oak, toyon, basketbush, desert sage, madrone, and manzanita. Now I just have to go through and “study” them. The “flowers” I think I have under control. Thanks again so much. We loved Ojai.

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Lauren Brown and family in pool on Ventura River Preserve[/caption]

Lauren Brown

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the time and thoughtfulness that went into the earth walk for Tomas yesterday. I learned so much, as I always do, when others who knew Tomas share their stories. As a bonus I learned a few things about herbs and plants at Cluff Vista – and all over the valley! (I’m munching on toyon berries as I write this.) How lucky we are to have you here in Ojai with your extensive knowledge and most importantly your willingness to share it with all of us.

Christine Golden

I so enjoyed the walk along San Antonio Creek. Thank you so much for

the re-cap. I took a friend along that same path and I was surprised how

much I remembered. She, as I, loved the beautiful purple flowing plant that made soap.

Giuli Scott

Thank you again for the fabulous herb walk! I learned a lot and I’m looking forward to the next event.

Athena Massey

I love your book!

Kathryn Paddock

I love your new book! Lovely words and photography; I particularly love the ethnobotanical references. Thanks for creating a great local reference guide!

Jiling Lin, L.Ac. 林基玲 Acupuncturist . Herbalist . Yoga Teacher

http://jilinglin.com/

Perfect presentation — Enjoyed by all and learned so much. Thank you, Lanny.

Barb Sands

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County

I love your book and have gifted it to a few others.

Terri Burgess

Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, Ventura Land Trust

I attended your seminar at Green Thumb on Saturday 10/22/2022 and I really enjoyed it!

Laura Ray

Jo Wilmoth

An incredible book, so thorough and informative, interwoven with good story and good heart. Thank you for all the learning and knowledge that went into it. Truly an effort of love and caring.

Tom Pinkson

a new vision of living

Wow wow wow…What a wonderful experience on Saturday ! Thank you for the wealth of information and everything you do ! See you soon at another event. With gratitude…

Karina Garcia, MD

KarinaGarciaMD.com

Thank you so much for all of these recipes, resources, etc. This [follow-up] email is chock full! I so enjoyed our afternoon together and have been seeing mugwort everywhere now. 😉

Stacey Platt

DwellWellNYC.com

The notes/plant list received via email after the walk was wildly appreciated! I tend to get overwhelmed by spellings of the Latin names, and when you announced that this would be provided at a later time, a huge weight was lifted! Thank you so much!

Andie L.

The time, effort, and detail you put into this is extraordinary. I loved it that you asked late participants if they were “okay with directions,” instead of saying that they were late and we were trying to leave. It felt like every person was valued and given an opportunity to have the best, most supportive, uplifting experience possible. The pace was just right for me, enough time to enjoy the beautiful serenade of a mockingbird.

Andie L.

I enjoyed myself so heartily! It was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I want to thank you so much for everything–I just loved it! I think if I wrote everything I appreciated, this may go on for pages. A big thank you to Rondia for the kindness of getting me “caught up” after I fell behind (I suddenly realized that, while being totally mesmerized, I had become parched and sunburned, lol!). Rondia, you knew I didn’t want to miss a beat and quickly filled me in–I appreciated that so much!

Andie L.

I just wanted to send a big “thank you” for the classes this weekend! I meant to share my thanks in person yesterday as I was leaving but you were busy speaking with others. The classes were so interesting, informative, and inspired! I had a great time and learned so much. A highlight for me (among many!) was the recognition and reverence for the Indigenous people who you and the other teachers learned from. I wish I lived closer so I could attend more upcoming classes but hope to make a trip out again in the spring. Thanks again!

Kim Williams

Thank you for the exciting informational, educational, intellectual herb walk today. We enjoyed the plants, your descriptions, and the learning experience you presented to us. Thank you! Looking forward to your next events!

Bart and Ildiko Choy

Re the Fall Equinox 2022 Pine Mountain Herb Hike. It was wonderful & full of wonders. Memorable. Thank you Lanny

Michael K

Thanks again for speaking with us today. I learned so much and it was clear the audience was really engaged. We’ll all be spreading the word now about the medicinal value of our native plants. A perfect Virtual Continuing Education session.

S. Starr

San Diego Master Gardeners

I really enjoyed your book and wanted to thank you personally for writing it and organizing it in such a nice easy-to-read way.

Kali Kealoha Coultas

I read your book Medicinal Herbs of California and absolutely loved it!

Valerie Ishida

Lanny communicates a wealth of information gained from study and experience with style and humor. A real pleasure to spend time with him!

Phil McKenna

Gaviota Coast Conservancy

Loving it!

[caption id="attachment_10952" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Mela Gaskins Butcher with her copy of Medicinal Herbs of California[/caption]

Mela Gaskins Butcher

Founder & Director, Center for Ayurveda

Holly Schalla

What a completely and beautifully organized experience. Thank you. Your book, the quality of your walk complete with a “sweep,” adherence to time line, the followup resources the next day… all impressive!

Kris Mainland White

Thank you for the captivating walk and for sending the wealth of info. It was great to meet you and Rondia!

Teal Akeret

Judy Burke

Thank you so much! I learned so much and had a wonderful time [at the Mushroom Workshop]! Your book is excellent as well! Looking forward to doing an herb walk with you soon!

Michelle Auchterlonie

THIS IS AWESOME! Thank you soo much. [referring to the follow-up email notes]

Therese Cornelius

This is great, thank you! [referring to the follow-up email notes]

Judy Burke

We really enjoyed it yesterday! I have to say, I’m really quite stunned at the swelling that has gone down in my right fingers from that spray. I’m very eager to learn more as I’ve been reading books on alternative, natural remedies for 30 years.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed Jim, Enrique and Michelle 100%, I’m looking forward to learning from you more, so keep me on your list. I really liked those pancakes too and will plant those seeds on my property. Thanks so much for doing what you do! See you next time!

Therese Cornelius

Thanks for a wonderful workshop on Saturday!

Anya Ventura

Thank you for the great guidance on Pine Mountain yesterday. We are excited about your book and inspired to host a book signing gathering in the spring if you would like!

Judy Jackson

Shiatsu Rincon

Thank you!! Great walk and it was wonderful to see and learn so much, and know that I did NOT have to take notes because ‘these’ [follow-up email notes] were coming later! See you on another walk in the fall.

Susanne Lammot

Thank you Lanny & Rondia! Thoroughly enjoyed the walk and meeting everyone.

Syrie Hope

Your book arrived and it is very clear, useful and beautiful! Thank you for writing it. It was clearly a labor of love.

Donna Factor

Thanks for a great Ojai plant walk today- I was able to learn a lot about plants and Ojai!

David Yim

Wonderful walk — enjoyed it very much ! Thanks for providing such a great Super Moon!! I’m always amazed and reverent about the abundance of gifts that native plant materials provide. Look forward to more walks with you. Your site has lots of good information and I look forward to getting a copy of your new book. Enjoyed meeting your wife – She is very gracious and beautiful — Thank you again.

Donna Vaccarino

Thanks for the great hike, plant info and Chumash songs. We thoroughly enjoyed our Ojai ‘pink moment’.

Sue & Ed Berges

Just a note to say how much Joel and I enjoyed your walk tonight!!! and such a very nice group of people!

Carol MaHarry

Thanks so much Lanny for all of this information [in the follow-up email] and the great herb walk!

Samantha Maisel

Noam and I really enjoyed our day and can’t wait to do it again. Thanks again Lanny for a great day. You have ignited a wonderful hobby for both of us plus the pups to do together. We are having a blast!!!!

Chaana Rosenthal

Thank You Lanny for a wonderful full moon hike! I enjoyed the event and our conversation.

Katherine Sohigian

Wishing you and Rondia the happiest of holidays and much thanks for sharing your valuable time and knowledge. You definitely have a gift for teaching. We look forward to doing some hikes with you next year.

Christine Saito

Wow! You are amazing! Such great information [in the follow-up email]. I am so sorry to have missed this hike. Looks like it was a huge success! Thanks again for the refund. I look forward to meeting you and going on one of your future hikes.

Claire McLean

Thanks for a great hike and day up at Pine Mt. last Sunday. I’ve been on your mailing list for years and this was the first time I could join you. You’re a wonderful guide and teacher. Things have stayed with me. I look at trees differently? I can tell how much you love the land. I look forward to learning and hiking more with Herb Walks.

Alexis Genya

Thank you Lanny. It was so fun to be with you on the Full Moon walk on Saturday!

Mardi Caruso

Thank you so much for all this amazing and valuable information [in the follow-up email]. I will be camping at Reyes Peak on both October 30th & 31st, so I will do my full moon walk with you in spirit from up there.

Emma Gonzalez

Thanks Lanny for the wonderful walk yesterday. The corn moon was a sight to see!

Kimberly Tangen

Kathi Keville

American Herb Association

[Medicinal Herbs of California] is the most practical, detailed, and referenced work available on the safe use of California native plants for healing.

Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc

Thank you for the Potrero John Creek outing follow-up information. Your “follow-up” process is really, really impressive. It’s something in my opinion, created by a “master educator.” It really sets a “Gold Standard” for the top notch that is possible. Your follow-up write-up, which interested persons can print-out and save, is a really masterful and helpful educational aid. I have had these feelings about your public work for a long time. You deserve some compliments for what you do and the style you have established.

Lorenz Schaller

Kusa Seed Society

Thanks for such a great hike last Sunday. It was our first time with you, and we really enjoyed it!

Ginny Siegfried

Thank you so much Lanny, for an amazing herb walk! I learned so much, and am so inspired to learn more! I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Kim Aguilar

Thank you so much, Lanny and Rondia! It was my first herb walk with you and I so enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so abundantly with us, and your patience for all of our questions. There is so much plantain growing at the farm, I will try to collect the leaves and make my own salve soon, per the recipe you sent. See you in the near future I’m sure!

Paloma Rothschild

“Lanny, You are the best! Thank you so much.”

Jennifer Stroh

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

“Dear Lanny, Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants as well as your commentary. Thank you for your presentation.”

Judi Allen

Museum of Ventura County

“Dear Lanny, Thank you for participating in our Summer Taste of OLLI program. Your knowledge of the natural landscape would help planners to prepare for the next big fire. I hope they listen. Fondly, Curriculum Committee”

Curriculum Committee

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

I hope this cyber handshake also conveys my heartfelt gratitude to you and Rondia for your enthusiasm and kindness. It was great fun learning about the many things I have just sauntered right past, though honestly my brain hurts a little at the moment…thanks for being so good at what you do. And so nice. Not in order of importance.

Ken McAlpine

www.kenmcalpine.com

“…exhaustively-researched but easy-to-read new book Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants…”

Steven Libowitz

Montecito Journal

I never get tired of hearing about the many uses of our local plants, visiting with Rondia and meeting the wide variety of folks who participate in Herb Walks. Thanks, Lanny!

Jeanne Black

Thank you for participating in our Taste of OLLI series. You made the plant life ‘come alive’ and be so intriguing. We are all used to drug store remedies and the plant uses amazed us!

Curriculum Committee

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)

Richard Halsey

California Chaparral Institute

Thank you for the walk yesterday, and a special thank you for the birthday song. I very much enjoy discovering wild flowers, but you add so much information about their properties and the native traditions.

Nicola Bennett

Thanks for a great walk/talk, Lanny. Enjoyed you sharing your knowledge of local flora. My grandmother grew up on a farm and she had the habit of knowing the names of everything (animal and plant) around her. Her knowledge was awesome and unfortunately lost on this baby boomer

Eric Lund

WOW, Lanny! The resources and wealth of information in this [workshop follow-up] email alone are worth the cost of the event. Thank you for the generosity of your time in putting this together!

Colleen Foxworthy

Thank you so much for always putting together such wonderful events. And the work you put into the follow-up afterwards is priceless. You are an amazing find – Darren and I are honored that we found you and get to learn and be surrounded by others who value herbal medicine as much as we do. And what an honor to be in the presence of Dr. Adams and Enrique who have shared so much valuable knowledge.

Christine Saito

OMG! Lanny, that Herbal Symposium was great!!! I would have come on day two as well had I not had a prior commitment. As a community we are SO lucky to have someone like you here to bring all of this together. Thank you for your ongoing teachings about native plants and our human relationship to the environment.

Elena Rios

Thank you so much, this [follow-up email] looks like great information! I really enjoyed the workshop and plan to come to more in the future. I realize that this information is hard to come by, so I appreciate it very much.

Jordana Blacksberg

Thank you so very much for getting the Fall Medicinal Plant Workshop together. It was sooo much more than I expected!!! I was writing notes as fast as I could and taking photos, but there was so much info I was concerned I was not going to remember everything! But now I see that you are giving a summary, which will be so good to review.

Carol MaHarry

Thank you for participating in our OLLI program. The edible and medicinal plants opened a new world to your students. Perhaps they will change their ways of healthy cures

Curriculum Committee, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Thank you so much for such a wonderful talk at the SB Central Library last month. You are a treasure, with such special knowledge.

Jody Thomas

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, Library

Thank you Lanny (and Rondia!) for all that you do. Thank you for always following up, providing info, sharing knowledge and passion for our beautiful surroundings. It was a lovely night.

Sarah Karinja

https://www.nomad-herbals.com

Thank you Lanny, I had a wonderful time! Looking forward to more moments…enjoy the group photo;>)

Samantha Hoapili

Wow, you are a wealth of knowledge, thank you so much! I will definitely be linking to your site in my future foraging posts.

Hilda Sterner

https://hildaskitchenblog.com

Thank you, Lanny, for collaborating with so many wonderful professionals! I appreciate all the events you host and the amazing information you share thru Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer.

Laura Maher

Thank you for the plant list. We loved the hike – sorry we had to leave early, but sometimes there are obligations on Saturday…. We felt so lucky to be on the hike while we could. Potrero John Canyon is AMAZING!! And with all the wildflowers blooming it was magical. You are such a good leader and educator. I’m so glad I got to know you. Thanks again.

Mardi Caruso

Thank you for the beautiful hike. It was a great day in such a beautiful area with a wonderful group of people. I enjoyed learning about the plants and yes as you say getting a deeper feeling of the South California landscape. Thank you for all the attached information [in the follow-up email]. I will look more into it soon.

Ursula Boeckl

Thank you for your service, Lanny. It was great to go on a hike on my own and recognize chia, black walnut, cherry, etc.

de Vie Weinstock

Thanks again for a terrific hike on Saturday. Our friends really enjoyed learning all the lore of the canyon. Much appreciated!

Mike Swimmer

I really enjoyed the day at Taft Gardens. Thank you for your expertise and doing such a great job organizing everything.

Betsy Robertson

Lanny…what a beautiful day…Matilija Canyon was showing off in all its splendor. I had such a good time, making new acquaintances, learning a lot from your explanations, and crossing the creeks with bravado after initially being a nervous Nellie. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

Cricket Twichell

What a fantastic summary email, Lanny. Thanks for the great time yesterday! I always read your newsletter, and run your hike dates by our calendar to see if my wife (& possibly kids) & I can make one. That’s great you’re the distributor for Milt McAuley’s Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains now! It’s a great resource. We have several copies in our vegetation branch at work 😉

Mark Mendelsohn

Wildlife Biologist, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with you and like that you are able to provide a fresh look at our preserves in a way that our staff is not currently able to do.

Brian Stark

Former Executive Director, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants, as well as your commentary. Thank you for your presentation.

Judi Allen

Program coordinator for the Docent Volunteer Council, Museum of Ventura County

I saw the marquis at the Ojai Theater a few weeks ago. I enjoyed all of the information from the speakers today [at the Ojai Medical Cannabis Conference] and appreciate you coordinating the event.

Roslyn Sheuerman

Thank you and Rondia so much for another beautiful Nature Walk and all the info in this [follow-up] email! I’ve been playing around with natural inks and I appreciate your safe and ethical foraging information. Very helpful! Looking forward to learning more from you and Carol Wade next Saturday. We’re so very lucky to have Herb Walks here in Ojai!!

Cheryl Cooper

Thank you again for a great Moonrise hike, it was just so beautiful and all the information that you share. What a treat! Jim and I really enjoyed ourselves. We do not often have the chance to just sit and socialize, so the visit to the brewery was an extra touch, where we had a chance to just sit and chat with some lovely people. You make the world a better place and I thank you for that.

Cheryl Kline

The herb walk conducted by Lanny Kaufer was immensely enjoyable and an unforgettable experience. His enjoyment and enthusiasm encourages you to go out in nature and see the natural world for what it is worth. You would hardly even know that the plants in your own backyard have specific uses both herbally , medicinally, and beauty. His herb walks makes you look at the world around you in a whole new way and that native and non-native plants in your own backyard have so much value and should be appreciated. You learn valuable skills in how to properly identify plants and what plants to avoid if you are hiking by yourself or with others.

Richard Flowers

Thank you, Lanny, for all you do to further the cause of the plants!!! This [follow-up email] is a very helpful summary and resource.

Shalini Jain

I enjoyed the herb walk very much, and learned many things. As a gardener I have a great love for and appreciation of plants but you have broadened my horizons with some knowledge of the healing properties of plants. Many of the ones we saw will find a place in my garden! A part of the day that I particularly enjoyed was the blessing and welcome song at the bay tree before beginning our walk. Not only was it a lovely ceremony, but pausing for those few minutes gave me a chance to really look at the tree and notice its structure, the moss at the base, and the other plants around it. Thank you for a most enjoyable and inspiring experience!

Daveta Cooper

Thank you so very much for the super informative walk and the great info. We really enjoyed the walk and I know that I learned a lot and I think that they did as well. I do hope to be able to join again on some of your future lessons. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Sylvia Edney

You rock!! Thanks for all of these wonderful medicinal herb offerings.

Jill Cloutier

Thank you for the great intrepretive hike.

Gini Lomerson

Lanny, just wanted to say thank you so much for a wonderful walk this past Saturday. I really enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Jordan Marks

Thank you for sending this [follow-up email] and for such a fantastic walk on Pine Mountain! Pine Mountain is such an amazing place!

Sarah Raskin

Thank you and Ronda for a great day yesterday! What an incredible location, the company was outstanding, and I learned so much.

See you soon for another awesome hike!

Mardi Caruso

Jim and I had an absolutely terrific day. Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and your passion with us. Rondia, I appreciate your support at the back of the line, you were great.

Cheryl Kline

Hi Lanny, thank you for that amazing and wonderful herb walk. I learned a lot. There is an ease and Grace to your presentation which really makes it easy and fun to learn.

Thomas Boarman

Thank you so much for a great time at Potrero John, Lanny! It was really nice to meet you!

Heather Jameson

Thanks for the workshop. As I shared on Saturday, it was life-changing for me. 🙂 Now, I am off to the nursery to get started planting. Matilija Nursery has hybrid sage for sale. The Datura that we soaked our hands in wore off Monday. Boy, I wished I had taken some of it with me. Thanks again. I will sign up for more classes as time permits.

Maryjane Lavendier-Shea

After a lifetime of loving the green, growing things, spending the last better part of a decade attending as many workshops, symposiums and plant walks as possible, taking courses and studying with herbalists, botanists, and other plant enthusiasts, I wanted to let you know personally what I share with people all the time: that you are a wonderful teacher. It is rare to find someone with so much knowledge who still listens, who still is respectful of other opinions, and who still finds a sense of awe in the natural world. I really appreciate the classes you offer that give a platform for other teachers, but the ones I love most (by far!) are the ones you teach yourself. Thank you for all that you do, and all that you are. I would love to one day be able to teach just like you do!

Ashley Moore

www.womensheritage.com

I really learned a lot today and am so grateful for your wisdom and the ease that you transmit it with. Can’t wait to share with my son on the trails and take more classes with you too

Joslyn Lawrence

Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants as well as your commentary.

Judi Allen

Museum of Ventura County

Thank you so much for the informative and enjoyable herb walk yesterday. All five of us thoroughly enjoyed it! Please add me to your mailing list for future events – looking forward to the next one. It was a pleasure meeting you and Rondia and we hope to learn a lot more from you in the future!

Jackie Lacombe

Thank you for a lively, lovely and informative outing

Vera Kratochwill

Lanny…what a wonderful teacher on so many levels…your follow up [email]…impeccable!

Mary Vitullo

Great program! Many thanks,

Daren Schlecter

Many thanks for this [follow-up email] list, and for a superb walk. I asked Rondia whether you had been a teacher, and she filled me in—that you are a teacher. You’re quite a gifted one. You made the morning both exceptionally informative and, at the same time, relaxed. I came away with a good many notes, and will add this list to them to keep at hand. Deepest thanks for doing this for the Land Conservancy, and for all of us who were there.

John Broesamle

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

Thank you for the more than wonderful workshop on Saturday. And, a big thank you for all of the information contained in your email received today! I look forward to many more walks with you in the future.

Fran Stewart

THANK YOU so much again for your services on Saturday. It was even better than I could have anticipated. You are truly great at what you do!!

Jenn Deese

Columbia Sportswear

I must commend you for what you are doing.. getting people out into Nature and providing them with the tools to see and to love… and to wonder.. Please use this place always as a home and tool for your work…

John Taft

Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve

We had a wonderful time with you and we all truly appreciate your personality and your work. Many thanks.

Maya Schoop-Rutten

www.chocolatemaya.com

YOU ROCK!! Thank you SO much for everything!

Carmen Langer

Your Fall Medicinal Plant Workshop with Professor Jim Adams and yourself was the best workshop of its kind I have attended. There was so much information about several plants that I was not familiar with before. I especially appreciated the effort that went into providing a kitchen with recipes we were able to help prepare. It really helps with memory retention! I am looking forward to your Spring workshop. Please let Jim know that I appreciated the additional articles you included. Fascinating!

Donna Stewart

David Sharp

Wow! Thanks for all the great information, Lanny! And thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

David Sharp

Carrie Eller & Jimmy Harvey

Patty Peinado

Love your new book!

Judy Burke

I just finished reading your book. A very well done Field Guide. Congratulations! And the photographs are terrific.

Mike Swimmer

Swimmer Medicinal Garden in Ballona Discovery Park, Playa Vista, CA

Your book is beautiful! I hope that you’re happy with it. I’m sure that it will sell well. You’ll be doing a second printing before you know it.

Steve Junak

Author, A Flora of Santa Cruz Island; Botanist Emeritus, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Laura Gruenther

Laura Gruenther Design

Obi Kaufmann

Author, The California Field Atlas

We had a wonderful time with you and we all truly appreciate your personality and your work.

Many thanks!

Maya S.

www.chocolatemaya.com

Congratulations Lanny! Your new book is phenomenal! I am loving it! So much valuable info in an easy to read format!

Carrie Eller

Thank you so much for the wonderful day. The follow-up information is a wonderful added bonus. I look forward to attending many more hikes with you and Rondia.

Lisa Kuklenski

What a wonderful trove of information in this email. Thx again LANNY for all your research and delightful presentations!!

Baruska Knight

Thank you very much for such a delightful experience in bringing us closer to our innate bond with nature, which nourishes our souls, by teaching us about the current local flora here in our area, native and non-native. I want to tell you what impressed me most in your presentation of your knowledge to us was not only the pertinent information of each specimen discussed so much as the spiritual respect you invoked with each of those around you. I perceived this as being an all encompassing enrichment in fellowship. I appreciated the attentive manner that you, Rondia and Enrique extended to everyone in the group.

Mike Duran

Thank you so much for such complete coverage on your “plant nation.”

Bob Hass

Thanks for the hike. Am going to try to do the trail in the spring. You are a great guide and I like the nice people on the hike. My dad enjoyed it too.

Bryn Crutchfield

The kids loved the hike as well, thanks again…I am happy to help promote kids getting into nature in meaningful ways.

Adam Klaus

Thank you, Lanny. What a beautiful hike!

Sonia Nordenson

Thank you for leading us all on a wonderful nature hike on Sunday on Pine Mountain. Got to hang out with some nice folks, and learned a lot, too.

Perry Van Houten

Lanny & Rondia – Thanks for a really great experience yesterday.

Teal Rowe

Thank you so much for the list, Lanny; it is helpful to have this concise list at our fingertips. I want to express how much I enjoyed the class. You provided a wealth of information, and sharing among the class was really enjoyable. Thanks again for a terrific class.

Vivian Baer

Thank you very much for the great class and the plant list.

Marsha Meeker

Joy in the afternoon. It was a great class. I am so happy I finally met you. Looking forward to joining you for walks or classes in the future. It is so fun to know what plants are out there. Thank you, for a wonderful class. Also, you are an awesome person.

Arlene Raisner

Hi Lanny. Thank you for another informative nature walk last Saturday. I always enjoy your wealth of information about the plants and habitat and learn about some beautiful trails. Here are a few photos from the day.

Carolyn Emmons

Lanny, I have received the email. Let me say thanks again for all these walks! You and Rondia are so nice and just do an incredible job! It hasn’t gone unnoticed 🙂

Jim Dierberg

Thanks so much Lanny. I really enjoyed our time together today. You are an incredible resource to the community of practice we are building through this course. I appreciate all your efforts today. I will pass this on to the group.

Donald A. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair Environmental Science and Resource Management Program California State University Channel Islands

That was a wonderful walk in the plants. Great group and a wealth of info. Good to reacquaint myself with the flora of our amazing valley. Thanks Lanny. Rondia and Dr. Jim.

Don 'Cam' Campbell

Thanks again! I think about what I learned every day!

Anna Lee Hicks, RN

Alternative Conceptions Today, LLC

Thanks for the plant list. And please make sure that I am on your monthly mailing list.

Jason Robins

Thank you so much! That was very helpful! I appreciate you taking the time and responding to my email. You are awesome! Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

Destinee Hall

Thank you so much for your follow up information. It really helps to support the learning and helps it all sink in. Really top notch. I was also happy to see that you identified the mystery plant… I looked it up when I got home and my guess was also False Solomon’s Seal. It was exciting to read your email and confirm my guess! I’m looking forward to joining you again this weekend.

Jess Starwood

Thank you again for all of your knowledge and information! It was an excellent hike!

Barb Rugo

Thank you for the great event at the library. We had lots of positive feedback and hope to have another event with you in the future.

David Harrison

Foster Library, Ventura County Library System

Thank you for the fantastic hike today. My kids and I loved it. Spectacular scenery, wonderful hiking conditions, and so interesting to learn about the native plants. Thanks for being open to letting us come along.

Anne McCauley

Thank you for a memorable hike. I came home with strong visual memories of walking between the walls of Canyon Matilija with the dry climate plants on one side and the green flora on the other, and with long vistas of the mountains beyond. Thank you for telling us about the plants and helping us identify them. I checked out Laurel Sumac on Wikipedia and found that it is the sole occupant of the genus Malosma and that it has interesting characteristics. It will be fun to share the photos and the information you gave us with the Winston-Salem Wildflower Club.

Cama C. Merritt

Thank you for the awesome virtual hike through the Ventura River watershed area, starting from the Matilija Canyon working our way to the ocean. Your descriptions of the edible plants along with the photos gave me the feeling I was at the site tasting the plants. I know my joy was shared by many others in the class ( I saw many students picking up your card). I plan to join you and Rondia on one of your ‘real’ outings. It was wonderful for me to connect with Rondia.

Thank you for the opportunity serve as ambassador for your class. How exciting that OLLI gets to have you teach in the Fall for an in-depth study.

Irene Seda

Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

We’re still talking about our great hike with you. And my pictures confirm it. Many thanks for the plant list. We’re going to pair as many as we can with my photos … then we’ll ask you to help us fill in the gaps.

Robert E. Merritt

Thank you, Lanny, for keeping us together and giving us so much information. For an urban guy like me, it was fun to learn about so many plants. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and hope that at some point in the future I can return for another hike. My blessing to you and Rondia.

Tim Pompey

Thank you and Rondia. It was a great day.

Steve Toscher

Thanks for a great, educational, and fun hike!

Dave and Jan Teal

Thank you for leading a terrific herb walk on a perfect day. In all my years in Ventura County, that was my first venture into the Potrero. I was immediately struck by the awe inspiring view of Mt. Haddock framed by complex sedimentary rock walls forming the canyon. I was a little surprised at the diversity of the flora in the canyon. Admittedly, I probably know less about botany than anyone else on the hike. The PDF document you attached will reinforce all of the in-field learning.

A special thank you for the tribute to our nation’s veterans. You sang an inspiring song I will always remember.

Ray Bowens

Super interesting and fun outing. Thanks so much for this follow-up material that will work so well to help us remember what you shared with us. Thanks to you both.

Sue B.

Thank you for this great [follow-up email] list of all we saw in Horn Canyon, much appreciated! See you next time.

Carolyn Emmons

Your new book is fabulous in so many ways!! The multiple photos of various stages of life of plants is essential. Why aren’t all the plant books like this?

Wendy Osher

I really appreciate the post-walk lists – thanks so much for doing them!

Gideon S.

Thank you so much for all of the info and the fun day. I had a wonderful time, and I think Baby Jupiter did, too. At least he hasn’t told me otherwise ;). I hope to join many more of your herb walks; they’re fantastic.

Ashley Moore

Heritage Goods & Supply

Thanks Lanny! The class was stellar.

Kathy Nolan

Landscape Architect, Studio Landscape

Thanks, Lanny and Rondia, for a fascinating and educational walk in the woods. Ingrid and I look forward to another great herb walk in the future.

Kevin Ward

Greetings to you, Lanny and Rondia. I so enjoyed the walk along San Antonio Creek. Thank you so much for the re-cap [follow-up email]. I took a friend along that same path and I was surprised how much I remembered. She, as I, loved the beautiful purple flowering plant that made soap.

Giuli S.

Thank you so much for your jam-packed informational follow-up email! And for the wonderful opportunity of learning about Native American medicinal herbs and acorn processing. It was a wonderful day. Cheers! And thank you again 🙂

Leah Boyd-Barrett

Thank you so much for the wonderful Potrero John walk!

Susanne Pestel

Had a great time and learned a lot this weekend. Thank you so much. Regards to Rondia.

Paul Lerma

Thanks to you, Bruce, and Alexi for an enriching day in our local wilderness. I really appreciate the time, attention, and knowledge that you all so generously shared. It was truly a delight and I can’t wait to join in on the next herb walk or hike. Cheers!

Holly Woolson

Lanny, I loved the walk! Thank you so much. I like to get as few emails as possible – but I definitely want to be included if you are doing a walk – so please keep me on your emailing list.

Merie W.

Yesterday was just amazing for me. The experience of walking in plants I have known my entire life and understanding their properties and power was transformational in how I perceive my own backyard. I am grateful for your dedication and stewardship and hope to journey with you on many more adventures into healing…Praise to the plants. Praise to the Healers. Praise to those who carry the prayer sticks forward! Blessings and gratitude.

Gayle Engle

We truly enjoyed Saturday’s Herb Walk. It was not only highly informational about our coastal edible and medicinal plants (I still can’t get over how the antidote Mugwort plant was almost always growing right next to Poison Oak!), but it was such a pleasant way to get some exercise and enjoy nature simultaneously.

Maureen & Jim Finley

Thank you, Lanny. Please keep me updated of future herbs walks. I would love to attend them. The walk was very thoughtful; it refreshed my memory about wild plants.

Christian T.

I wanted to thank you on behalf of myself and my daughter, Libby, for endowing us with such wealth of knowledge. I hope you can add us to the newsletter recipients and are looking forward to participate in future nature events. Many thanks.

Rinat T.

Thanks, Lanny. We had an absolutely great time on the hike! So glad we had a chance to join the group. Hope to do it again one day when we are in the SB area.

Laura K.

Thank you for bringing back Jim Adams for another wonderful herb walk! Hope to join another walk in the future – each one is different and exciting!

Letitia Grimes

Hi Lanny and Rondia. Aileen and I both had a wonderful day on Sunday, thanks to both of you. You have a genuine reverence for nature and a wealth of knowledge which you share so graciously. Thank you, again.

Donna M.

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Herb Walk on Saturday! I am so glad that you offer them and learned so much! I hope I can join you again soon! Thanks again!

Angelina Sanchez

Thanks again for another great learning experience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Marti Reid

Thank you for a fantastic walk today. In all the dendrology classes I took in college, had they been even half as interesting as your walk today I would have paid so much more attention! You do a wonderful job leading a group and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Tania Parker

Deputy Director, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

What a wonderful day we had on Pine Mountain last month. The experience from that day has stayed with me, breathing that cool, fresh mountain air and learning about all the different conifers. Thank you for leading and educating us so well. I really enjoyed the story about the old timers making the trip up. Those were real intrepid hikers and campers. Keep the newsletters coming as I would be interested in attending another walk some time. Thanks.

Carolyn Emmons

Thank you so much for following up with this rich curriculum for us…good to meet you, enjoyed the company very much!

Liz Memel

Thanks for the very informative and enjoyable walk at Lake Casitas! We enjoyed this beautiful salad last nite made with mustard greens, milk thistle, fennel, tasty California black walnuts, tomatoes and local avocado. We drizzled it with a sweet peach balsamic and olive oil. Great flavors! Thank you again.

Kalena & Craig Lanuza

Thanks again Lanny for a wonderful day! FYI, I want to share some of the great feedback I’ve been getting back on this 5-star meetup with you:

Very informative and fun – Keri

Very informative. The instructor kept it simple but interesting for us beginners. – Donna

We had such great time… – Cecilie

Thanks to Lanny for a great nature walk and getting a better understanding of the edible and “not so edible” plants in our region! Great event, perfect size group! – David

It was a great meetup. We enjoyed Lanny’s expertise in getting to know more about our consumable and medicinal wild plants. Next time I go on a hike I’m bringing salad dressing! – Kevin

Amy Herron

I really enjoyed you today. I learned so much. But the best part was discovering how much I enjoyed discovering plant life and how they can work for us. Thanks for a great learning experience.

Donna W.

Thanks so much for leading a wonderful walk yesterday! I found it to be quite inspiring and humbling to think about native trees, herbs and lettuces from a new angle.

Julie G.

What a great walk and talk! Not only a good introduction to native herbs, but as a newcomer to the area, it was a perfect chance to get acquainted with the Sulphur Mountain Trail. I’ll keep my eyes open for the plants you showed us. I walk at least once a week at Lake Casitas. Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

Audrey McPherson

Thank you so much for the very informative and enjoyable herb walk and all the great follow up! I appreciate your thoroughness! It was wonderful to meet you and Rondia and it was a beautiful day to be out exploring the plants. I am grateful to have some new plant friends to work with and I have already tried the black sage foot soak! I started the sun tea as soon as I got home yesterday and soaked last night. It really seemed to help the ache I was feeling in my hips and low back! I will look forward to another walk in the spring…please keep me on the list for future walks.

Tamara G.

I truly appreciate the friendly and easy academic way you have of presenting the essential information.

Kevin Ward

We wanted to thank you again for our walk on Thursday. It was fun, entertaining and educational to say the least. You made a lasting impression on all of us. Your passion for nature and history along with your personable way makes you the perfect guide. Thanks again to you and Rondia.

Erica and Pete B.

The Horn Canyon Walk was very enjoyable and informative. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing important information! Your great enthusiasm for native plants is evident in all your communications and talks — how wonderful that you are passionate about sharing as well. You have opened up a wondrous world for me in Ojai with your well-planned herb walks and I am especially grateful. Looking forward to all your future offerings!

P.S. My gratitude too for helping me with my car malfunction on the Rose Valley Falls walk. You’re an amazing person!

Terri G.

Thank you, Lanny, for such an excellent walk and for the follow-up email!

Shiranda Z.

Lanny’s herb walks have opened my eyes to the many traditional herbs and plants that are available around Ojai and how the local Chumash Indians used them. His deep botanical knowledge has also inspired me to learn and study more the names of the plants and trees growing in Southern California. I can not recommend Lanny’s herb walks enough and I look forward to each one.

Khabir Southwick

Therapeutic Dietitian, Wholefood Nutritionist, Ayurveda Consultant

Medicinal Herbs of California is a very useful resource that is filled with facts and stories about California plants. The book is fully referenced for more in-depth reading.

James D. Adams

Professor Emeritus, USC School of Pharmacy, Author of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West

Roy Upton, RH

President, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Ron Teeguarden

Medicinal Herbs of California is an indispensable resource for nature enthusiasts and herbalism students alike.

Jess Starwood

Author, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying, and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi

Whether you’re a beginning or a more advanced herbalist, Kaufer’s field guide is a must-have for your library. The book gets my highest praise and recommendation.

Christopher Nyerges

Author, Foraging California and Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America; Co-founder, School of Self-Reliance

Mary Hardy, MD

Integrative Medicine Physician; Founder/Director, Wellness Works; Coauthor: Best Remedies: Breakthrough Prescriptions that Blend Conventional and Natural Medicine

Emily Sanders

Founder/Director, Artemisia Academy of Herbal Arts & Healing

Steve Junak

Author, A Flora of Santa Cruz Island; Botanist Emeritus, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Lanny Kaufer brings together all the best elements to create a classic compendium of ethnobotany.

David Crow

Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Co-Founder of Floracopeia, Inc.

Carol Wade

Founder/Director, Earth Island Herbs and Ojai School of Herbal Studies

John Hickey

Licensed Acupuncturist, Co-Founder and former Academic Dean, Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine

Amanda McQuade Crawford

MA, MFT; Author, Herbal Remedies For Women; Director, PhytoHumana: Integrative Medicine

POSTPONED: Spring Equinox Nature Hike & Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 21

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Happy New Year 2026!

Slideshow Herbal Course at Native Plant Fest: Saturday, January 24

Wetland Walk at the Ojai Meadows Preserve: Sunday, January 25

Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike: Sunday, February 1

Nature Preserve Walk at Taft Gardens: Saturday, February 21

Foraging & Firemaking with Christopher Nyerges: Saturday, February 28

“Wild Food and Medicine of Early California:” A 2-Part Experiential Class for OLLI

Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike

Ojai Herbal Retreat

Visit OjaiHerbal.org

Get in touch

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Visit OjaiHerbal.org

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