Fall Equinox Full Moon Nature Hike

Full moon rising over Ojai. Photo: Joe P. Powers

JUMP TO REGISTRATION

The full moon closest to the fall equinox is commonly known as the Harvest Moon in most of North America. Here in Southern California it’s more like the “Acorn Drop Moon.” In any case, I’m calling this hike the Fall Equinox Full Moon Nature Hike because the full moon will rise at 90 degrees due east on Friday, September 25, just as the sun will do the day before.

Please join me and Rondia on Friday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. as we hike to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the sunset afterglow and rising of the moon. Both will happen around 6:15 p.m.

We’ll meet at the trailhead at 4:15 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. start, then gradually hike about 1.5 miles to the viewing site, experiencing some elevation gain on a well-worn, dirt fire road with uneven footing in places. We’ll hike back by moonlight and flashlight, returning to the trailhead around 7 p.m.

Along the way we’ll stop to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants, including:

Toyon
Purple Sage
Brickellbush
Coastal Sagebrush
Passionfruit
California Buckwheat and
Chaparral Yucca

We’ll also identify Poison Oak.

My 2021 book, Medicinal Herbs of California, will be available at the trailhead for sale and signing.

Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email a few days prior to the event with all necessary info, including what to bring, weather forecast, and directions to the trailhead. Afterwards, they also will receive a follow-up email with a list of all plants and wildlife seen.

Adult tickets are $35, tickets for students 13-17 or adult full-time students are $25. Children 12-and-under may attend for free, one per adult, with advance notice and approval. Please note: one supervising adult must accompany each child 12 years old or younger. Senior discount is available by request.

No dogs or smoking, please. 

MY 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 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.

MY 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 FIRST before purchasing ticket below.

TICKETS

Please REGISTER FIRST above before purchasing ticket below.

There are two ticket options. Please choose the one you qualify for. You may select more than one ticket.

Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $35/adult or $25/student. Children 12-and-under may attend for free, with advance notice and approval. Please use registration form to request approval for a child. One supervising adult must accompany each child 12 years old or younger. Senior discount is available by request.

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.