Are you interested in joining a year-long field course limited to just 6 students?
In January of 2025, a longtime friend of mine and Herb Walks attendee asked if she could study plant identification with me to supplement her college class in Ecological Restoration. After we brainstormed how that might look, she created a draft of a course description, including duration, goals, cost of program, and a cost breakdown per student for 6 students.
The course became a reality for 24 Monday mornings from January into November. Those students have signed on for a second-year course in 2026. So I’m now offering a new first-year course on Tuesday mornings from January to November. No previous knowledge is required. My use here of the word “herbalists” in the course title is broad, along the lines of Merriam-Webster’s definition #2: “a person who collects or grows herbs.” Most likely you fit that definition.
Course Goals & Summary:
- Introduce a group of 6 students to useful wild plants and their seasonal life cycles
- Develop skills in plant identification, botanical terminology, and ecological observation
- Track changes in native plants over time at several sites for comparative learning
- Two 2.5 hour Tuesday morning classes a month, on average, with fewer classes in August and alternate dates scheduled in case of rain
- January 13 – November 17, 2026
Cost of Program:
- Duration: 24 sessions (2.5 hours each, approximately twice a month)
- Cost : $1200 total for the year ($50 per student for each class)
- Payment Schedule: Payments of $300 due 12 weeks apart on January 1, March 26, June 18, and September 10
Testimonials:
“This engaging, informative, and entertaining outdoor class is freeform, motivating, and encourages you to explore the world of medicinal and edible California native plants in greater depth. Lanny is enthusiastic and happy to share stories and his wide range of knowledge, while also promoting participation, questions, comments, and observations. If he doesn’t know something, he will find out. He loves learning from others and fosters group discussions and involvement. If you enjoy plants and nature, you’ll develop a greater appreciation and knowledge of how to identify plants correctly, while also gaining a new perspective on the plant world.” – Richard Flowers, California Certified Nursery Professional, Green Thumb Nursery
“Lanny Kaufer teaches with a rare reverence that transforms plants from specimens into living stories. Each leaf, flower, and root becomes part of a larger narrative of ecology and Indigenous wisdom, revealed through his thoughtful guidance. On guided walks through the shifting seasons, you’ll witness native plants grow, adapt, and endure – an experience that deepens your knowledge while restoring your sense of belonging to the land itself.”
– Tara Saylor, Upper Ojai Search & Rescue
“As the naturalist John Muir said, ‘In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.’ Perfect description of Lanny’s class! Did I mention, it’s fun as well!” – Jeff Grimes, JeffGrimesPress.com
“Lanny’s Botany Field Course has been a journey into real relationship with local plants and ecosystems. I have lived in Ojai my entire life and have had a close connection to the plants and animals here, but it wasn’t until this class that all those little pieces of knowledge I had picked up over the years began to weave themselves together into more holistic patterns of wisdom. Lanny moves slowly and intentionally, and gives space for you to really get to know each plant on an intimate level. I have found a deeper appreciation for the world around me, a more profound respect for the process of learning in community, and an incredible expansion of confidence in my skills and understanding. If you have any interest in the plants and herbs of our local area; you owe it to yourself to learn from the guy who quite literally wrote the book on Medicinal Herbs of California!” – Lauren Snyder, Lead Herbalist & Owner of Thimble & Seed
“It’s been almost a year of cruising around with Lanny Kaufer, asking: ‘Hey, Lanny, what’s that?’ What began as a 6-month class will continue into another year, at our request. The good news is, he loves it as much as we do, so he will start another group up in January. It’s a natural way to learn (no pun intended), just hanging out with someone talking about what they know and love, right in your own backyard. It’s more than learning to identify a plant, it’s also a deepening connection with place, and a satisfying way to start a Monday morning.” – Alicia Morris, Lymphatic Therapist, Ayurvedic Health Counselor