Rose Valley Falls Herb Walk

Rose Valley Falls, June 13, 2015 Photo: Lanny Kaufer

JUMP TO REGISTRATION

Please join me for an Herb Walk to Rose Valley Falls on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You will experience a local scenic wonder 300 feet high and learn about Rose Valley’s diverse plant communities. After a drive up California Scenic Highway 33, the outing will begin with a stop at Upper Rose Valley Lake, followed by a walk through Rose Valley Campground and a shaded walk in the forest of less than 1/2 mile each way to the Falls.

We will see and smell aromatic California Bay trees, see native Brookfoam and Maidenhair Ferns growing right on the Falls, and search for the elusive Sweet Cicely and California Violet herbs on the trail to the Falls. It’s a great time of year to see a variety of spring wildflowers.

Rose Valley Falls seen from downstream in Rose Valley. The tall conifers on the mountainside are Bigcone Douglas-Fir. Photo: Lanny Kaufer

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. As I do on all my walks and hikes, I will demonstrate and discuss the modern and ancient uses of wild plants. Poisonous plants will also be identified.

Trailside discussion will include topics such as the difference between native and naturalized plants, the role of humans in the ecological balance, sustainable foraging, and other topics generated by the participants. I’ve been leading informative and entertaining Herb Walks and Nature Hikes to Rose Valley Falls and other locations in Southern California since 1976.

The day will begin with a caravan/carpool from the Maricopa Plaza parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and return there by 12:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for all ages.  Children 12-and-under are free, one per adult, by prior arrangement. No dogs or smoking, please. Registrants will receive a confirmation email beforehand with all necessary info and a follow-up email after the walk with a plant list and other info.

My 2021 book, Medicinal Herbs of California, along with the rest of my mobile bookshop will be available at the meeting place in the morning for sale and signing.

Weather policy: Walks and hikes will go on RAIN OR SHINE unless there is a steady downpour on the morning of the event, probability of thunderstorm, or a solid forecast of either the day before. Light rain or drizzle typically will not result in cancellation on my part. I will update registrants by email and text, as needed, and issue refunds if I need to cancel because of the weather.

Dog Policy: Years of experience have taught me that dogs on herb walks, even on a leash, are not a good fit. They can transfer poison oak oil on their fur, may accidentally frighten another hiker who has a fear of dogs, or may end up in a confrontation with another dog, all despite the best intentions of the owner and the pet. That being said, I do allow certified service dogs

Cancellation policy: I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee. 

REGISTRATION

Please REGISTER HERE FIRST before completing payment below.

---

TICKETS

If you haven’t already, please REGISTER FIRST above before completing payment below.

There is just one all-ages ticket option for this event.

Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $25 for all ages (one child 12-and-under free per adult) as long as there is still time for mail delivery.