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Wheeler Gorge Nature Hike
Wheeler Gorge Nature Hike & Optional After-Party
January 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Please join me and my wife Rondia on Saturday, January 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (including drive time) for a 2-hour plant identification hike on the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail, a special place just 9 miles up scenic Highway 33 from Ojai. The trail loop is less than 1 mile long but features two distinct plant communities. Starting in the riparian habitat along a rushing mountain stream under a canopy of shade trees, we’ll climb over the saddle into the sunny chaparral with long views of the surrounding mountains. There is a diversity of native plants to identify while 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, Chamise, and Chaparral Currant, 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 a couple of short but steep stretches of rocky footing. 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 hike for two hours beginning at 9:30 and ending at approximately 11:30, putting you back at Maricopa Plaza by 12 noon if you wish to head straight back.
The After-Party: An optional after-party is planned in the picnic area outside the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center on the way back to town for those who wish to gather around a campfire with their sack lunches and hang out with like-minded folks. If enough people are interested, Rondia will make her popular vegetarian chili. Fun in the forest!
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. The Visitor Center also carries it.
The cost of the hike for all ages of participants is $25. Please email me if you have questions about bringing children.
No dogs or smoking, please.
This event in the Los Padres National Forest is presented by Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer under a Special Use Permit from the U. S. Forest Service for wilderness outfitters and guides. Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer is an equal opportunity service provider.
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.
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.
Registration
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TICKETS
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Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $25/person.
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.