President’s Day Herb Walk on San Antonio Creek

Join Ojai-based author and naturalist Lanny Kaufer for an Herb Walk on Presidents’ Day afternoon, February 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on San Antonio Creek Trail in Goleta. Scheduled on a Monday for the weekend warriors, this affordable, family-friendly walk will include identifying, demonstrating and discussing the many uses of wild plants by foragers, herbalists, and naturalists seeking them out for food, herbal medicine, first aid, home remedies, survival, crafts, ceremony and more. This time of year you can expect to find California Bay, Miner’s Lettuce, Mugwort, California Blackberry, Hummingbird Sage, Black Sage, and Chickweed, among others. Toxic plants such as Poison Oak and Poison Hemlock will also be identified.

Please note: A morning walk of the same description is also scheduled that day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m if that is a better time for you. See separate event listing.

Trailside discussion will include sustainable foraging, Chumash plant uses, and other topics generated by the participants. This slow-paced walk is suitable for all hikers able to walk less than 2 miles round-trip on a level trail and stand for periods of time. Participants will receive an email afterwards with a plant list (including common and scientific names) and other useful notes.

Please note: This walk will take place RAIN OR SHINE unless there is a steady downpour that afternoon.

Before and after the walk, Kaufer will have his mobile bookstore on display, including copies of his book, Medicinal Herbs of California, available for sale and signing.

Photo of San Antonio Creek by James Wapotich.