Wheeler Gorge Nature Hike

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Please join me on Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for another nature hike on the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail. The February hike sold out quickly so I scheduled another to accommodate all those who want to visit this special place just 9 miles up scenic Highway 33 from Ojai. The trail loop is less than 1 mile long and features a rushing mountain stream under a canopy of trees, long views of the surrounding mountains, and plenty of native plants for identifying, demonstrating and discussing their many uses by foragers, herbalists, and naturalists for food, herbal medicine, first aid, home remedies, survival, crafts, ceremony and more. This time of year we can expect to find Coast Live Oaks, White Alders, Mugwort, California Blackberry, Black Sage, Chamise, Canyon Pea, and Soap Plant, among many others. Poison Oak will also be identified (and avoided). Participants will receive an email afterwards with a plant list (including common and scientific names) and other useful notes.

Trailside discussion will include sustainable foraging, Chumash plant uses, and other topics generated by the participants. This is designated as a “nature hike” rather than an  “herb walk” because the trail includes some short but steep inclines with stretches of rocky footing. Rocks may be slippery if it has rained recently. Good balance and hiking shoes are required.

We will meet at Maricopa Plaza parking lot in Ojai at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. caravan/carpool to the trailhead. We’ll walk for two hours beginning at 9:30 and return to Maricopa Plaza by approximately 12:00 p.m. An optional visit to the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center on the way back to town is also possible. The cost for all ages of participants is $25. Please email me if you have questions about bringing children.

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.

This event in the Los Padres National Forest is presented under a Special Use Permit from the U. S. Forest Service for wilderness outfitters and guides.

Before the walk, at the caravan meeting place, I will have my mobile bookstore on display, including copies of my book, Medicinal Herbs of California, available for sale and signing.

Registration

Please REGISTER HERE FIRST before completing payment below.

TICKETS

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PAYPAL BUTTON:

Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $25/person.

If the event sells out, PayPal will not accept your payment. You will see a message that says this event “is not available at this time” and you will be returned to this page. If that happens, be sure to click on the REGISTER button below to sign up for the waiting list. If spaces become available they will be filled based on date and time of waiting list signup.

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.