Earth Day Herb Walk in Matilija Canyon

Photo: Herb Walk group gathered on Upper North Fork of Matilija Creek

Please register first by clicking on the REGISTER link below. Then use the PayPal button at the bottom of the page to secure your space. Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days before the walk. 

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In December 2017 the Koenigstein Fire ravaged Matilija Canyon, leaving a barren landscape of ash and black sticks. Join us as we celebrate the lushness of the 5th spring since then with an Earth Day Herb Walk on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. This will be our first time back since 2016 as we’ve patiently waited for the vegetation and wildlife to return. The walk will take place northwest of Ojai on Matilija Creek, deep in the mountains of the Matilija Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest. Matilija Wilderness (29,600 acres in the USFS Ojai Ranger District) was established in 1992 by the Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act.

We will cover approximately 1 mile each way on a mostly level trail with very little elevation change through chaparral and riparian settings. The terrain includes two short creek crossings. Otherwise, we will be on a wide, level, dirt road most of the time. This walk is suitable for physically fit beginning hikers with the proper footwear. The day will begin with a caravan from the Maricopa Plaza parking lot in Ojai at 9:00 am and return there by 12:30 pm. Along the way we’ll take a relaxing snack break on the upper north fork of Matilija Creek.

We’ll identify useful wild herbs and their plant families and explore the many ways native plants have been used by the Indigenous Chumash, herbalists, campers and gardeners for food, medicine, wildcrafting, survival, landscaping and more. The canyon is home to White Sage, Coastal Sagebrush, Yerba Santa, Matilija Poppy, California Bay and many more wonderful and useful native plants.

We will also look for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and discuss the ecology of the Southern Los Padres National Forest. As always, we’ll cover traditional and modern methods of sustainable foraging, resource conservation, and mindful enjoyment of nature.

This walk is presented under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service designed for guides who provide recreational and interpretive services to the public. After the hike participants will receive a detailed follow-up email including a list of all plants identified.

The cost is $35. Senior, student, and child discounts are available by request. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Light rain will not cancel. Heavy rain or thunderstorms will. Once you register you will receive weather updates, as needed.

Please register first by clicking on the REGISTER link below. Then use the PayPal button at the bottom of the page to secure your space. Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days before the walk.

REGISTER

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