In Lanny Kaufer’s new book Medicinal Herbs of California, A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants (Falcon Guides, 2021), we find an encyclopedic presentation of a subject that transcends rote identification and gets to the heart of what it means to understand the land as a function of being human. By exploring the conservation status, the traditional and modern usage, and the cultivation of the entries, Kaufer’s holistic exploration of California’s herbarium reveals an inroad to an intimate identity with actually being from and learning to honor the place of his study. In Kaufer’s exhaustive, and yet exciting, exploration of California’s botanical portfolio, we have a treasured key to understanding, loving, and protecting the most special and sacred aspect of our local, natural world.

Obi Kaufmann

Author, The California Field Atlas

Thank you for the great guidance on Pine Mountain yesterday. We are excited about your book and inspired to host a book signing gathering in the spring if you would like!

Judy Jackson

Shiatsu Rincon

I am especially impressed with your expansive coverage of the science involved and double checking your historical sources. Up until now, I’ve never seen anyone do that before. All the rest just repeat the same old stories about native plant use without any effort to see if the stories actually hold up to scrutiny. And your thorough treatment of each species is excellent. For example, yerba santa. Great stuff!

Richard Halsey

California Chaparral Institute

I am so excited to receive your book today! Love the layout, photos, and size. This will be a go-to reference book as well as a field guide. Amazing how you have fit in so much information in an easy to read format. This book is unmatched in quality and quantity of information – so like you! It is yet another valuable legacy gift you provide the world!

Carrie Eller & Jimmy Harvey

Love your new book! I have to say your book is absolutely excellent. I love how you’ve organized it so that those of us who don’t have a botany background can start seeing the classification categories and details. That way everything doesn’t look like just another green leaf. Michelle [Wong]’s advice to pick an area and revisit it during different times of the year has been SOOOOOO helpful! I would never have found the plant without having seen it under post-rain lush circumstances.

Judy Burke

Lanny, just a quick text to let u know how much I am enjoying going thru each chapter of yr book, slowly, & learning all kinds of new plant/herb info. I esp. appreciated the Oatstraw tea reference in relation to Harold & Maude as I’ve seen the movie many times and actually remember that exact scene. Lol. Kudos for a great book!

Holly Schalla

Loving it!

Mela Gaskins Butcher

Founder & Director, Center for Ayurveda

This is an outstanding book! As a professional field botanist, I really appreciate the author’s focus on the conservation status of the plants that he discusses, his many years of experience with these plants, his inclusion of propagation hints so that readers can avoid over-harvesting plants in the wild, the references that are cited, and the extensive bibliography that empowers the serious readers to do further study and research on their own.

Steve Junak

Author, A Flora of Santa Cruz Island; Research Associate, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

I am still reading your book. Really well written. Such a great resource. I went straight to the section on nettles and read that section first. I drink nettle tea daily. I remember at the workshop…watching you roll and eat the stinging nettle leaf right off of the plant!

Patty Peinado

Your new book is fabulous in so many ways!! The multiple photos of various stages of life of plants is essential. Why aren’t all the plant books like this?

Wendy Osher

This is an outstanding resource for any herbalist, botanist, or conservationist in California! …Both practical and humorous, the tales of our local herbal allies are beautifully illustrated and brought to life. I will be recommending this book to my students for years to come!

Emily Sanders

Founder/Director, Artemisia Academy of Herbal Arts & Healing

This well-researched and fact-filled guide goes further than most to dive into phytochemistry. It explains the inner workings of plant medicine, such as how manzanita’s (Arctostaphylos spp.) arbutin becomes antiseptic in the urinary tract. Most of the 70 herbs are Southern California natives, with a few venturing more northerly. I like the inclusion of traditional and modern uses identified by the tribe that uses them. Ideas of wild plant experts such as Michael Moore and Greg Tilford are shared while many misconceptions corrected.

Kathi Keville

American Herb Association

Thank you so much! I learned so much and had a wonderful time [at the Mushroom Workshop]! Your book is excellent as well! Looking forward to doing an herb walk with you soon!

Michelle Auchterlonie

Congratulations Lanny! Your new book is phenomenal! I am loving it! So much valuable info in an easy to read format!

Carrie Eller

Your book arrived and it is very clear, useful and beautiful! Thank you for writing it. It was clearly a labor of love.

Donna Factor

I am reading your book and it is just fantastic. The writing is clear and concise. The photos are good; the layout is fantastic. Well done. Congratulations! I am going to enjoy this book for years to come.

David Sharp

I just finished reading your book. A very well done Field Guide. Congratulations! And the photographs are terrific.

Mike Swimmer

Swimmer Medicinal Garden in Ballona Discovery Park, Playa Vista, CA

Medicinal Herbs of California is an indispensable resource for nature enthusiasts and herbalism students alike.

Jess Starwood

Author, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying, and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi

Whether you’re a beginning or a more advanced herbalist, Kaufer’s field guide is a must-have for your library. The book gets my highest praise and recommendation.

Christopher Nyerges

Author, Foraging California and Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America; Co-founder, School of Self-Reliance

Lanny Kaufer’s years of experience and passion for hiking, exploring nature, and learning and teaching about the native plants of the West have found beautiful expression in his new book Medicinal Herbs of California. His rich knowledge of the history, botany, and biomedical research of some 70 plants is clearly presented. His book is a blend of scientific scholarship that satisfies the intellect along with Indigenous and naturalist experiential insights to nourish the spirit.

John Hickey

Licensed Acupuncturist, Co-Founder and former Academic Dean, Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine

“…exhaustively-researched but easy-to-read new book Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants…”

Steven Libowitz

Montecito Journal

[Medicinal Herbs of California] is the most practical, detailed, and referenced work available on the safe use of California native plants for healing.

Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc

Fourth-generation herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant, botanist, and author of more than 20 books, including co-authoring the Peterson Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Got your book, thanks ~ and wow, it’s fantastic, so comprehensive, a lifetime of knowledge. Already using it to identify what we think is an elderberry tree. Great to have now that we’re cool hiking again after hot summer. Love it! Congratulations!

Laura Gruenther

Laura Gruenther Design

As a practicing herbalist for 52 years, my three libraries are treasuries of hundreds of great herb books. This book is great. In his terrific field guide, Medicinal Herbs of California, Lanny Kaufer methodically describes dozens of important California herbs in wonderful, rich, easy-to-understand language, including all the ‘scientific nerdy details,’ precautions, and a robust section on endangered plants and what we can do about them. . . . I have twelve professional herbalists who work for me. I’m going to give each of them a copy for required reading.

Ron Teeguarden

Certified Master Herbalist, ordained Taoist Master, author of Chinese Tonic Herbs, and The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, and Founder, President and Master Herbalist of Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs, based in Santa Monica, California

Lanny Kaufer’s exquisite attention to botanical science is balanced with respect for Indigenous systems of healing wisdom. Whether you are a beginner or a Ph.D., I trust that this will be your favorite new field guide. I love this book!

Amanda McQuade Crawford

MA, MFT; Author, Herbal Remedies For Women; Director, PhytoHumana: Integrative Medicine

This is a well-documented field guide for layperson and herbalist alike, excellent for responsible gatherers to find and use helpful medicinal plants. So, get the book, put on a hat, and go out into our glorious California wild areas. Happy hunting!

Mary Hardy, MD

Integrative Medicine Physician; Founder/Director, Wellness Works; Coauthor: Best Remedies: Breakthrough Prescriptions that Blend Conventional and Natural Medicine

Medicinal Herbs of California represents an immense undertaking in bringing the worlds of traditional herbal medicine together with modern science. . . . This book belongs on the shelves of every herb and plant enthusiast, especially those in California but also beyond.

Roy Upton, RH

President, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Medicinal Herbs of California is a very useful resource that is filled with facts and stories about California plants. The book is fully referenced for more in-depth reading.

James D. Adams

Professor Emeritus, USC School of Pharmacy, Author of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West

Amazing work! What a joy to dip into such a concentrated yet accessible resource! Here we have a field guide that in its thorough, accurate and comprehensive coverage crosses the boundary from field guide to outright herbal.

Carol Wade

Founder/Director, Earth Island Herbs and Ojai School of Herbal Studies

Lanny Kaufer brings together all the best elements to create a classic compendium of ethnobotany.

David Crow

Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Co-Founder of Floracopeia, Inc.

Your book is beautiful! I hope that you’re happy with it. I’m sure that it will sell well. You’ll be doing a second printing before you know it.

Steve Junak

Love your new book!

Judy Burke

Thank you for participating in our OLLI program. The edible and medicinal plants opened a new world to your students. Perhaps they will change their ways of healthy cures

Curriculum Committee, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Thanks, Lanny. We had an absolutely great time on the hike! So glad we had a chance to join the group. Hope to do it again one day when we are in the SB area.

Laura K.

Thanks again for a terrific hike on Saturday. Our friends really enjoyed learning all the lore of the canyon. Much appreciated!

Mike Swimmer

Thank you for the great intrepretive hike.

Gini Lomerson

Thank you so much for the list, Lanny; it is helpful to have this concise list at our fingertips. I want to express how much I enjoyed the class. You provided a wealth of information, and sharing among the class was really enjoyable. Thanks again for a terrific class.

Vivian Baer

What a great walk and talk! Not only a good introduction to native herbs, but as a newcomer to the area, it was a perfect chance to get acquainted with the Sulphur Mountain Trail. I’ll keep my eyes open for the plants you showed us. I walk at least once a week at Lake Casitas. Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

Audrey McPherson

Hi Lanny. Thank you for another informative nature walk last Saturday. I always enjoy your wealth of information about the plants and habitat and learn about some beautiful trails. Here are a few photos from the day.

Carolyn Emmons

Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants, as well as your commentary. Thank you for your presentation.

Judi Allen

Program coordinator for the Docent Volunteer Council, Museum of Ventura County

You rock!! Thanks for all of these wonderful medicinal herb offerings.

Jill Cloutier

Thanks for the plant list. And please make sure that I am on your monthly mailing list.

Jason Robins

Thanks so much Lanny. I really enjoyed our time together today. You are an incredible resource to the community of practice we are building through this course. I appreciate all your efforts today. I will pass this on to the group.

Donald A. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair Environmental Science and Resource Management Program California State University Channel Islands

I enjoyed the herb walk very much, and learned many things. As a gardener I have a great love for and appreciation of plants but you have broadened my horizons with some knowledge of the healing properties of plants. Many of the ones we saw will find a place in my garden! A part of the day that I particularly enjoyed was the blessing and welcome song at the bay tree before beginning our walk. Not only was it a lovely ceremony, but pausing for those few minutes gave me a chance to really look at the tree and notice its structure, the moss at the base, and the other plants around it. Thank you for a most enjoyable and inspiring experience!

Daveta Cooper

Thank you, Lanny. What a beautiful hike!

Sonia Nordenson

Thank you Lanny, I had a wonderful time! Looking forward to more moments…enjoy the group photo;>)

Samantha Hoapili

That was a wonderful walk in the plants. Great group and a wealth of info. Good to reacquaint myself with the flora of our amazing valley. Thanks Lanny. Rondia and Dr. Jim.

Don 'Cam' Campbell

Thank you, Lanny, for all you do to further the cause of the plants!!! This [follow-up email] is a very helpful summary and resource.

Shalini Jain

Thank you for the fantastic hike today. My kids and I loved it. Spectacular scenery, wonderful hiking conditions, and so interesting to learn about the native plants. Thanks for being open to letting us come along.

Anne McCauley

Thanks for a great walk/talk, Lanny. Enjoyed you sharing your knowledge of local flora. My grandmother grew up on a farm and she had the habit of knowing the names of everything (animal and plant) around her. Her knowledge was awesome and unfortunately lost on this baby boomer

Eric Lund

I saw the marquis at the Ojai Theater a few weeks ago. I enjoyed all of the information from the speakers today [at the Ojai Medical Cannabis Conference] and appreciate you coordinating the event.

Roslyn Sheuerman

The Horn Canyon Walk was very enjoyable and informative. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing important information! Your great enthusiasm for native plants is evident in all your communications and talks — how wonderful that you are passionate about sharing as well. You have opened up a wondrous world for me in Ojai with your well-planned herb walks and I am especially grateful. Looking forward to all your future offerings!

P.S. My gratitude too for helping me with my car malfunction on the Rose Valley Falls walk. You’re an amazing person!

Terri G.

Wow! Thanks for all the great information, Lanny! And thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

David Sharp

THIS IS AWESOME! Thank you soo much. [referring to the follow-up email notes]

Therese Cornelius

Wonderful walk — enjoyed it very much ! Thanks for providing such a great Super Moon!! I’m always amazed and reverent about the abundance of gifts that native plant materials provide. Look forward to more walks with you. Your site has lots of good information and I look forward to getting a copy of your new book. Enjoyed meeting your wife – She is very gracious and beautiful — Thank you again.

Donna Vaccarino

Thank you again for all of your knowledge and information! It was an excellent hike!

Barb Rugo

The herb walk conducted by Lanny Kaufer was immensely enjoyable and an unforgettable experience. His enjoyment and enthusiasm encourages you to go out in nature and see the natural world for what it is worth. You would hardly even know that the plants in your own backyard have specific uses both herbally , medicinally, and beauty. His herb walks makes you look at the world around you in a whole new way and that native and non-native plants in your own backyard have so much value and should be appreciated. You learn valuable skills in how to properly identify plants and what plants to avoid if you are hiking by yourself or with others.

Richard Flowers

We had a wonderful time with you and we all truly appreciate your personality and your work. Many thanks.

Maya Schoop-Rutten

www.chocolatemaya.com

Thank you so much for such complete coverage on your “plant nation.”

Bob Hass

“Lanny, You are the best! Thank you so much.”

Jennifer Stroh

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Lanny’s herb walks have opened my eyes to the many traditional herbs and plants that are available around Ojai and how the local Chumash Indians used them. His deep botanical knowledge has also inspired me to learn and study more the names of the plants and trees growing in Southern California. I can not recommend Lanny’s herb walks enough and I look forward to each one.

Khabir Southwick

Therapeutic Dietitian, Wholefood Nutritionist, Ayurveda Consultant

This is great, thank you! [referring to the follow-up email notes]

Judy Burke

Thanks so much for leading a wonderful walk yesterday! I found it to be quite inspiring and humbling to think about native trees, herbs and lettuces from a new angle.

Julie G.

THANK YOU so much again for your services on Saturday. It was even better than I could have anticipated. You are truly great at what you do!!

Jenn Deese

Columbia Sportswear

Thank you Lanny & Rondia! Thoroughly enjoyed the walk and meeting everyone.

Syrie Hope

Thank you very much for the great class and the plant list.

Marsha Meeker

Thank you again for a great Moonrise hike, it was just so beautiful and all the information that you share. What a treat! Jim and I really enjoyed ourselves. We do not often have the chance to just sit and socialize, so the visit to the brewery was an extra touch, where we had a chance to just sit and chat with some lovely people. You make the world a better place and I thank you for that.

Cheryl Kline

Thank you for leading us all on a wonderful nature hike on Sunday on Pine Mountain. Got to hang out with some nice folks, and learned a lot, too.

Perry Van Houten

Thank you for the awesome virtual hike through the Ventura River watershed area, starting from the Matilija Canyon working our way to the ocean. Your descriptions of the edible plants along with the photos gave me the feeling I was at the site tasting the plants. I know my joy was shared by many others in the class ( I saw many students picking up your card). I plan to join you and Rondia on one of your ‘real’ outings. It was wonderful for me to connect with Rondia.

Thank you for the opportunity serve as ambassador for your class. How exciting that OLLI gets to have you teach in the Fall for an in-depth study.

Irene Seda

Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Thanks again for another great learning experience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Marti Reid

Thank you so very much for the super informative walk and the great info. We really enjoyed the walk and I know that I learned a lot and I think that they did as well. I do hope to be able to join again on some of your future lessons. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Sylvia Edney

We’re still talking about our great hike with you. And my pictures confirm it. Many thanks for the plant list. We’re going to pair as many as we can with my photos … then we’ll ask you to help us fill in the gaps.

Robert E. Merritt

Lanny…what a wonderful teacher on so many levels…your follow up [email]…impeccable!

Mary Vitullo

Thank you and Rondia so much for another beautiful Nature Walk and all the info in this [follow-up] email! I’ve been playing around with natural inks and I appreciate your safe and ethical foraging information. Very helpful! Looking forward to learning more from you and Carol Wade next Saturday. We’re so very lucky to have Herb Walks here in Ojai!!

Cheryl Cooper

Lanny, I have received the email. Let me say thanks again for all these walks! You and Rondia are so nice and just do an incredible job! It hasn’t gone unnoticed 🙂

Jim Dierberg

Yesterday was just amazing for me. The experience of walking in plants I have known my entire life and understanding their properties and power was transformational in how I perceive my own backyard. I am grateful for your dedication and stewardship and hope to journey with you on many more adventures into healing…Praise to the plants. Praise to the Healers. Praise to those who carry the prayer sticks forward! Blessings and gratitude.

Gayle Engle

Thank you for a fantastic walk today. In all the dendrology classes I took in college, had they been even half as interesting as your walk today I would have paid so much more attention! You do a wonderful job leading a group and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Tania Parker

Deputy Director, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

I wanted to thank you on behalf of myself and my daughter, Libby, for endowing us with such wealth of knowledge. I hope you can add us to the newsletter recipients and are looking forward to participate in future nature events. Many thanks.

Rinat T.

Thank you Lanny (and Rondia!) for all that you do. Thank you for always following up, providing info, sharing knowledge and passion for our beautiful surroundings. It was a lovely night.

Sarah Karinja

https://www.nomad-herbals.com

Jim and I had an absolutely terrific day. Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and your passion with us. Rondia, I appreciate your support at the back of the line, you were great.

Cheryl Kline

Thank you and Ronda for a great day yesterday! What an incredible location, the company was outstanding, and I learned so much.

See you soon for another awesome hike!

Mardi Caruso

Thank you so much for your jam-packed informational follow-up email! And for the wonderful opportunity of learning about Native American medicinal herbs and acorn processing. It was a wonderful day. Cheers! And thank you again 🙂

Leah Boyd-Barrett

Thank you Lanny. It was so fun to be with you on the Full Moon walk on Saturday!

Mardi Caruso

What a fantastic summary email, Lanny. Thanks for the great time yesterday! I always read your newsletter, and run your hike dates by our calendar to see if my wife (& possibly kids) & I can make one. That’s great you’re the distributor for Milt McAuley’s Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains now! It’s a great resource. We have several copies in our vegetation branch at work 😉

Mark Mendelsohn

Wildlife Biologist, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Thank you so much for all of the info and the fun day. I had a wonderful time, and I think Baby Jupiter did, too. At least he hasn’t told me otherwise ;). I hope to join many more of your herb walks; they’re fantastic.

Ashley Moore

Heritage Goods & Supply

Your Fall Medicinal Plant Workshop with Professor Jim Adams and yourself was the best workshop of its kind I have attended. There was so much information about several plants that I was not familiar with before. I especially appreciated the effort that went into providing a kitchen with recipes we were able to help prepare. It really helps with memory retention! I am looking forward to your Spring workshop. Please let Jim know that I appreciated the additional articles you included. Fascinating!

Donna Stewart

Thanks, Lanny and Rondia, for a fascinating and educational walk in the woods. Ingrid and I look forward to another great herb walk in the future.

Kevin Ward

What a wonderful day we had on Pine Mountain last month. The experience from that day has stayed with me, breathing that cool, fresh mountain air and learning about all the different conifers. Thank you for leading and educating us so well. I really enjoyed the story about the old timers making the trip up. Those were real intrepid hikers and campers. Keep the newsletters coming as I would be interested in attending another walk some time. Thanks.

Carolyn Emmons

Just a note to say how much Joel and I enjoyed your walk tonight!!! and such a very nice group of people!

Carol MaHarry

The kids loved the hike as well, thanks again…I am happy to help promote kids getting into nature in meaningful ways.

Adam Klaus

Thank you so much for a great time at Potrero John, Lanny! It was really nice to meet you!

Heather Jameson

We truly enjoyed Saturday’s Herb Walk. It was not only highly informational about our coastal edible and medicinal plants (I still can’t get over how the antidote Mugwort plant was almost always growing right next to Poison Oak!), but it was such a pleasant way to get some exercise and enjoy nature simultaneously.

Maureen & Jim Finley

Thank you for the great guidance on Pine Mountain yesterday. We are excited about your book and inspired to host a book signing gathering in the spring if you would like!

Judy Jackson

Shiatsu Rincon

Great program! Many thanks,

Daren Schlecter

Thank you for this great [follow-up email] list of all we saw in Horn Canyon, much appreciated! See you next time.

Carolyn Emmons

I hope this cyber handshake also conveys my heartfelt gratitude to you and Rondia for your enthusiasm and kindness. It was great fun learning about the many things I have just sauntered right past, though honestly my brain hurts a little at the moment…thanks for being so good at what you do. And so nice. Not in order of importance.

Ken McAlpine

www.kenmcalpine.com

Thanks for the great hike, plant info and Chumash songs. We thoroughly enjoyed our Ojai ‘pink moment’.

Sue & Ed Berges

Thanks for the very informative and enjoyable walk at Lake Casitas! We enjoyed this beautiful salad last nite made with mustard greens, milk thistle, fennel, tasty California black walnuts, tomatoes and local avocado. We drizzled it with a sweet peach balsamic and olive oil. Great flavors! Thank you again.

Kalena & Craig Lanuza

What a wonderful trove of information in this email. Thx again LANNY for all your research and delightful presentations!!

Baruska Knight

I really learned a lot today and am so grateful for your wisdom and the ease that you transmit it with. Can’t wait to share with my son on the trails and take more classes with you too

Joslyn Lawrence

Thank you so much for the wonderful Potrero John walk!

Susanne Pestel

Thank you very much for such a delightful experience in bringing us closer to our innate bond with nature, which nourishes our souls, by teaching us about the current local flora here in our area, native and non-native. I want to tell you what impressed me most in your presentation of your knowledge to us was not only the pertinent information of each specimen discussed so much as the spiritual respect you invoked with each of those around you. I perceived this as being an all encompassing enrichment in fellowship. I appreciated the attentive manner that you, Rondia and Enrique extended to everyone in the group.

Mike Duran

Thank you so much for always putting together such wonderful events. And the work you put into the follow-up afterwards is priceless. You are an amazing find – Darren and I are honored that we found you and get to learn and be surrounded by others who value herbal medicine as much as we do. And what an honor to be in the presence of Dr. Adams and Enrique who have shared so much valuable knowledge.

Christine Saito

Thank you so much for the very informative and enjoyable herb walk and all the great follow up! I appreciate your thoroughness! It was wonderful to meet you and Rondia and it was a beautiful day to be out exploring the plants. I am grateful to have some new plant friends to work with and I have already tried the black sage foot soak! I started the sun tea as soon as I got home yesterday and soaked last night. It really seemed to help the ache I was feeling in my hips and low back! I will look forward to another walk in the spring…please keep me on the list for future walks.

Tamara G.

Thanks for a great, educational, and fun hike!

Dave and Jan Teal

Thanks Lanny for the wonderful walk yesterday. The corn moon was a sight to see!

Kimberly Tangen

Thanks again Lanny for a wonderful day! FYI, I want to share some of the great feedback I’ve been getting back on this 5-star meetup with you:

Very informative and fun – Keri

Very informative. The instructor kept it simple but interesting for us beginners. – Donna

We had such great time… – Cecilie

Thanks to Lanny for a great nature walk and getting a better understanding of the edible and “not so edible” plants in our region! Great event, perfect size group! – David

It was a great meetup. We enjoyed Lanny’s expertise in getting to know more about our consumable and medicinal wild plants. Next time I go on a hike I’m bringing salad dressing! – Kevin

Amy Herron

Thank you for a lively, lovely and informative outing

Vera Kratochwill

Thanks for a great Ojai plant walk today- I was able to learn a lot about plants and Ojai!

David Yim

Thank you for the beautiful hike. It was a great day in such a beautiful area with a wonderful group of people. I enjoyed learning about the plants and yes as you say getting a deeper feeling of the South California landscape. Thank you for all the attached information [in the follow-up email]. I will look more into it soon.

Ursula Boeckl

Thank you for your service, Lanny. It was great to go on a hike on my own and recognize chia, black walnut, cherry, etc.

de Vie Weinstock

Thank you so much! I learned so much and had a wonderful time [at the Mushroom Workshop]! Your book is excellent as well! Looking forward to doing an herb walk with you soon!

Michelle Auchterlonie

Thank you for the Potrero John Creek outing follow-up information. Your “follow-up” process is really, really impressive. It’s something in my opinion, created by a “master educator.” It really sets a “Gold Standard” for the top notch that is possible. Your follow-up write-up, which interested persons can print-out and save, is a really masterful and helpful educational aid. I have had these feelings about your public work for a long time. You deserve some compliments for what you do and the style you have established.

Lorenz Schaller

Kusa Seed Society

What a completely and beautifully organized experience. Thank you. Your book, the quality of your walk complete with a “sweep,” adherence to time line, the followup resources the next day… all impressive!

Kris Mainland White

Wow! You are amazing! Such great information [in the follow-up email]. I am so sorry to have missed this hike. Looks like it was a huge success! Thanks again for the refund. I look forward to meeting you and going on one of your future hikes.

Claire McLean

Thank you for participating in our Taste of OLLI series. You made the plant life ‘come alive’ and be so intriguing. We are all used to drug store remedies and the plant uses amazed us!

Curriculum Committee

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)

Thank You Lanny for a wonderful full moon hike! I enjoyed the event and our conversation.

Katherine Sohigian

I must commend you for what you are doing.. getting people out into Nature and providing them with the tools to see and to love… and to wonder.. Please use this place always as a home and tool for your work…

John Taft

Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve

Thanks for such a great hike last Sunday. It was our first time with you, and we really enjoyed it!

Ginny Siegfried

Thank you for the walk yesterday, and a special thank you for the birthday song. I very much enjoy discovering wild flowers, but you add so much information about their properties and the native traditions.

Nicola Bennett

Thank you for a memorable hike. I came home with strong visual memories of walking between the walls of Canyon Matilija with the dry climate plants on one side and the green flora on the other, and with long vistas of the mountains beyond. Thank you for telling us about the plants and helping us identify them. I checked out Laurel Sumac on Wikipedia and found that it is the sole occupant of the genus Malosma and that it has interesting characteristics. It will be fun to share the photos and the information you gave us with the Winston-Salem Wildflower Club.

Cama C. Merritt

Wow, you are a wealth of knowledge, thank you so much! I will definitely be linking to your site in my future foraging posts.

Hilda Sterner

https://hildaskitchenblog.com

Hi Lanny and Rondia. Aileen and I both had a wonderful day on Sunday, thanks to both of you. You have a genuine reverence for nature and a wealth of knowledge which you share so graciously. Thank you, again.

Donna M.

Thank you for bringing back Jim Adams for another wonderful herb walk! Hope to join another walk in the future – each one is different and exciting!

Letitia Grimes

Thanks again! I think about what I learned every day!

Anna Lee Hicks, RN

Alternative Conceptions Today, LLC

We wanted to thank you again for our walk on Thursday. It was fun, entertaining and educational to say the least. You made a lasting impression on all of us. Your passion for nature and history along with your personable way makes you the perfect guide. Thanks again to you and Rondia.

Erica and Pete B.

Super interesting and fun outing. Thanks so much for this follow-up material that will work so well to help us remember what you shared with us. Thanks to you both.

Sue B.

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with you and like that you are able to provide a fresh look at our preserves in a way that our staff is not currently able to do.

Brian Stark

Former Executive Director, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

Noam and I really enjoyed our day and can’t wait to do it again. Thanks again Lanny for a great day. You have ignited a wonderful hobby for both of us plus the pups to do together. We are having a blast!!!!

Chaana Rosenthal

Thanks for a wonderful workshop on Saturday!

Anya Ventura

Thank you for the plant list. We loved the hike – sorry we had to leave early, but sometimes there are obligations on Saturday…. We felt so lucky to be on the hike while we could. Potrero John Canyon is AMAZING!! And with all the wildflowers blooming it was magical. You are such a good leader and educator. I’m so glad I got to know you. Thanks again.

Mardi Caruso

After a lifetime of loving the green, growing things, spending the last better part of a decade attending as many workshops, symposiums and plant walks as possible, taking courses and studying with herbalists, botanists, and other plant enthusiasts, I wanted to let you know personally what I share with people all the time: that you are a wonderful teacher. It is rare to find someone with so much knowledge who still listens, who still is respectful of other opinions, and who still finds a sense of awe in the natural world. I really appreciate the classes you offer that give a platform for other teachers, but the ones I love most (by far!) are the ones you teach yourself. Thank you for all that you do, and all that you are. I would love to one day be able to teach just like you do!

Ashley Moore

www.womensheritage.com

Thank you so very much for getting the Fall Medicinal Plant Workshop together. It was sooo much more than I expected!!! I was writing notes as fast as I could and taking photos, but there was so much info I was concerned I was not going to remember everything! But now I see that you are giving a summary, which will be so good to review.

Carol MaHarry

Thanks to you, Bruce, and Alexi for an enriching day in our local wilderness. I really appreciate the time, attention, and knowledge that you all so generously shared. It was truly a delight and I can’t wait to join in on the next herb walk or hike. Cheers!

Holly Woolson

Wishing you and Rondia the happiest of holidays and much thanks for sharing your valuable time and knowledge. You definitely have a gift for teaching. We look forward to doing some hikes with you next year.

Christine Saito

Thank you so much for your follow up information. It really helps to support the learning and helps it all sink in. Really top notch. I was also happy to see that you identified the mystery plant… I looked it up when I got home and my guess was also False Solomon’s Seal. It was exciting to read your email and confirm my guess! I’m looking forward to joining you again this weekend.

Jess Starwood

Thank you for sending this [follow-up email] and for such a fantastic walk on Pine Mountain! Pine Mountain is such an amazing place!

Sarah Raskin

Thanks for the hike. Am going to try to do the trail in the spring. You are a great guide and I like the nice people on the hike. My dad enjoyed it too.

Bryn Crutchfield

I truly appreciate the friendly and easy academic way you have of presenting the essential information.

Kevin Ward

Thank you, Lanny, for collaborating with so many wonderful professionals! I appreciate all the events you host and the amazing information you share thru Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer.

Laura Maher

Thank you!! Great walk and it was wonderful to see and learn so much, and know that I did NOT have to take notes because ‘these’ [follow-up email notes] were coming later! See you on another walk in the fall.

Susanne Lammot

Lanny, I loved the walk! Thank you so much. I like to get as few emails as possible – but I definitely want to be included if you are doing a walk – so please keep me on your emailing list.

Merie W.

Thank you, Lanny, for such an excellent walk and for the follow-up email!

Shiranda Z.

Thank you for leading a terrific herb walk on a perfect day. In all my years in Ventura County, that was my first venture into the Potrero. I was immediately struck by the awe inspiring view of Mt. Haddock framed by complex sedimentary rock walls forming the canyon. I was a little surprised at the diversity of the flora in the canyon. Admittedly, I probably know less about botany than anyone else on the hike. The PDF document you attached will reinforce all of the in-field learning.

A special thank you for the tribute to our nation’s veterans. You sang an inspiring song I will always remember.

Ray Bowens

I really appreciate the post-walk lists – thanks so much for doing them!

Gideon S.

Lanny…what a beautiful day…Matilija Canyon was showing off in all its splendor. I had such a good time, making new acquaintances, learning a lot from your explanations, and crossing the creeks with bravado after initially being a nervous Nellie. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

Cricket Twichell

“Dear Lanny, Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants as well as your commentary. Thank you for your presentation.”

Judi Allen

Museum of Ventura County

I really enjoyed you today. I learned so much. But the best part was discovering how much I enjoyed discovering plant life and how they can work for us. Thanks for a great learning experience.

Donna W.

Thank you so much for following up with this rich curriculum for us…good to meet you, enjoyed the company very much!

Liz Memel

Thanks Lanny! The class was stellar.

Kathy Nolan

Landscape Architect, Studio Landscape

I never get tired of hearing about the many uses of our local plants, visiting with Rondia and meeting the wide variety of folks who participate in Herb Walks. Thanks, Lanny!

Jeanne Black

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Herb Walk on Saturday! I am so glad that you offer them and learned so much! I hope I can join you again soon! Thanks again!

Angelina Sanchez

Thanks for the workshop. As I shared on Saturday, it was life-changing for me. 🙂 Now, I am off to the nursery to get started planting. Matilija Nursery has hybrid sage for sale. The Datura that we soaked our hands in wore off Monday. Boy, I wished I had taken some of it with me. Thanks again. I will sign up for more classes as time permits.

Maryjane Lavendier-Shea

Thanks so much Lanny for all of this information [in the follow-up email] and the great herb walk!

Samantha Maisel

Thank you so much, this [follow-up email] looks like great information! I really enjoyed the workshop and plan to come to more in the future. I realize that this information is hard to come by, so I appreciate it very much.

Jordana Blacksberg

Had a great time and learned a lot this weekend. Thank you so much. Regards to Rondia.

Paul Lerma

Thank you, Lanny. Please keep me updated of future herbs walks. I would love to attend them. The walk was very thoughtful; it refreshed my memory about wild plants.

Christian T.

Thank you so much for the informative and enjoyable herb walk yesterday. All five of us thoroughly enjoyed it! Please add me to your mailing list for future events – looking forward to the next one. It was a pleasure meeting you and Rondia and we hope to learn a lot more from you in the future!

Jackie Lacombe

Greetings to you, Lanny and Rondia. I so enjoyed the walk along San Antonio Creek. Thank you so much for the re-cap. I took a friend along that same path and I was surprised how much I remembered. She, as I, loved the beautiful purple flowing plant that made soap.

Giuli S.

Lanny & Rondia – Thanks for a really great experience yesterday.

Teal Rowe

Many thanks for this [follow-up email] list, and for a superb walk. I asked Rondia whether you had been a teacher, and she filled me in—that you are a teacher. You’re quite a gifted one. You made the morning both exceptionally informative and, at the same time, relaxed. I came away with a good many notes, and will add this list to them to keep at hand. Deepest thanks for doing this for the Land Conservancy, and for all of us who were there.

John Broesamle

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

YOU ROCK!! Thank you SO much for everything!

Carmen Langer

Lanny, just wanted to say thank you so much for a wonderful walk this past Saturday. I really enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Jordan Marks

WOW, Lanny! The resources and wealth of information in this [workshop follow-up] email alone are worth the cost of the event. Thank you for the generosity of your time in putting this together!

Colleen Foxworthy

Thanks for a great hike and day up at Pine Mt. last Sunday. I’ve been on your mailing list for years and this was the first time I could join you. You’re a wonderful guide and teacher. Things have stayed with me. I look at trees differently? I can tell how much you love the land. I look forward to learning and hiking more with Herb Walks.

Alexis Genya

Thank you for the great event at the library. We had lots of positive feedback and hope to have another event with you in the future.

David Harrison

Foster Library, Ventura County Library System

Your program was terrific! We docents all appreciated the great slides of the native plants as well as your commentary.

Judi Allen

Museum of Ventura County

Thank you so much Lanny, for an amazing herb walk! I learned so much, and am so inspired to learn more! I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Kim Aguilar

We really enjoyed it yesterday! I have to say, I’m really quite stunned at the swelling that has gone down in my right fingers from that spray. I’m very eager to learn more as I’ve been reading books on alternative, natural remedies for 30 years.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed Jim, Enrique and Michelle 100%, I’m looking forward to learning from you more, so keep me on your list. I really liked those pancakes too and will plant those seeds on my property. Thanks so much for doing what you do! See you next time!

Therese Cornelius

Hi Lanny, thank you for that amazing and wonderful herb walk. I learned a lot. There is an ease and Grace to your presentation which really makes it easy and fun to learn.

Thomas Boarman

Thank you and Rondia. It was a great day.

Steve Toscher

Thank you so much, Lanny and Rondia! It was my first herb walk with you and I so enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so abundantly with us, and your patience for all of our questions. There is so much plantain growing at the farm, I will try to collect the leaves and make my own salve soon, per the recipe you sent. See you in the near future I’m sure!

Paloma Rothschild

Thank you, Lanny, for keeping us together and giving us so much information. For an urban guy like me, it was fun to learn about so many plants. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and hope that at some point in the future I can return for another hike. My blessing to you and Rondia.

Tim Pompey

Thank you for the captivating walk and for sending the wealth of info. It was great to meet you and Rondia!

Teal Akeret

OMG! Lanny, that Herbal Symposium was great!!! I would have come on day two as well had I not had a prior commitment. As a community we are SO lucky to have someone like you here to bring all of this together. Thank you for your ongoing teachings about native plants and our human relationship to the environment.

Elena Rios

Joy in the afternoon. It was a great class. I am so happy I finally met you. Looking forward to joining you for walks or classes in the future. It is so fun to know what plants are out there. Thank you, for a wonderful class. Also, you are an awesome person.

Arlene Raisner

Thank you so much! That was very helpful! I appreciate you taking the time and responding to my email. You are awesome! Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

Destinee Hall

Thank you so much for the wonderful day. The follow-up information is a wonderful added bonus. I look forward to attending many more hikes with you and Rondia.

Lisa Kuklenski

Thank you for the more than wonderful workshop on Saturday. And, a big thank you for all of the information contained in your email received today! I look forward to many more walks with you in the future.

Fran Stewart

“Dear Lanny, Thank you for participating in our Summer Taste of OLLI program. Your knowledge of the natural landscape would help planners to prepare for the next big fire. I hope they listen. Fondly, Curriculum Committee”

Curriculum Committee

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

I really enjoyed the day at Taft Gardens. Thank you for your expertise and doing such a great job organizing everything.

Betsy Robertson

Thank you so much for such a wonderful talk at the SB Central Library last month. You are a treasure, with such special knowledge.

Jody Thomas

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, Library

We had a wonderful time with you and we all truly appreciate your personality and your work.

Many thanks!

Maya S.

Spring Equinox Nature Hike is Weekend Pick on KEYT Channel 3

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Happy Holidays!

Meet Ron Singer of the Ojai Meadows Nursery

Herb Walk and Native Landscaping Workshop this Saturday, December 6

Wonderful day on Pine Mountain!

Seaside Wilderness Park, Ventura

A California-Friendly Guide to Native and Drought Tolerant Gardens

September Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike

Fall Equinox Nature Hike on Pine Mountain

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Herb Walk

Fall Medicinal Plant Workshop with Professor Emeritus Jim Adams of USC School of Pharmacy

Fall Harvesting & Survival Workshop with Christopher Nyerges

Free Herb Walk & Book Signing at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Fall Foraging Workshop with Jess Starwood and Lanny Kaufer

The Forest Table: A Seven Course Wild Food Dinner with Jess Starwood

Visit OjaiHerbal.org

Get in touch

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Visit OjaiHerbal.org

Get in touch