Intro to Plant Identification (Winter 2024)

Have you every wanted to know the names of the plants in your backyard?

Join local herbalist & nutritionist Emily Sanders for a 6 week hybrid course on Introductory Plant Identification & Ecosystems Tour of Santa Barbara. Explore common plant communities of Southern California and meet the herb allies your own backyard. Each week, we will discover a new set of plants on different trails, and create a Plant ID journal to use as a resource for years to come.

As herbalists, we are the storytellers of the land, and voices for the plants. In this class you will learn ourstory of California, the story of our land, our water, and the natural cycles. Learn how to build a two-way relationship with the plants and become part of a community committed to protecting this land.

During this class you will learn the basics of leaf, flower, and tree identification , as well as the 10 most common edible and poisonous plant families in the area. Learn over 50 common local plants , how to detect what general plant ecosystem you are in, and what medicinal herbs grow in each one of them. Our last class we will visit a local farm or nursery to learn the basics of growing & harvesting herbs, so you can start your own herbal garden in your backyard!

In this class you will learn:

• Over 50 medicinal, edible & poisonous plants and their uses
• The basic botanical terms used describe leaves, trees, & flowers
• 10 of the safest and most deadly poisonous common plant families
• Key features of the ecosystems in southern California & beyond
• The principles of ethical wild harvesting and protecting native plants

This is hybrid online/outdoor class, with light hiking of up to 2 to 3 miles per class. Students will have the option to attend 100% in person, OR be able to attend FULLY online.

In person classes will meet at a different location each week in the Santa Barbara area. Schedule, locations and driving directions will be emailed out the week before class starts.

Online classes will meet for one LIVE zoom class each week. Students will also spend 2-3 hours each week of independent study watching videos of plant profiles, and a weekly hike in the wilderness to identify local plants in the field.