San Antonio Creek Herb Walk

Ojai herbologist and native plant guide Lanny Kaufer will make his annual visit to his favorite Santa Barbara front-country trail on San Antonio Creek out of Tuckers Grove County Park. With weekend workers in mind, he will lead a 3-hour Herb Walk there on Monday, February 18, Presidents Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thanks to the winter rain the area has had so far, water has returned to San Antonio Creek along with Miner’s Lettuce and other native and non-native edible greens. On this family-friendly walk, Kaufer will identify, demonstrate and discuss the many uses of wild plants by foragers, herbalists, and naturalists seeking out plants for food, first aid, home remedies, survival, crafts, ceremony and more. Poisonous plants will also be identified. Trailside discussion will include humankinds role in the ecological balance, sustainable harvesting, Chumash plant uses, and other topics generated by the participants. This slow-paced walk is suitable for hikers of all levels able to walk 2 miles round-trip and stand for periods of time. ‘Herb Walks’ originated in Santa Barbara in the early 1970’s, the creation of renowned herbalist William LeSassier who was living in the Montecito foothills at the time. Kaufer was a neighbor, friend and student of William and began leading his own Herb Walks around the Ojai Valley in 1976 after LeSassier moved east. Kaufer also studied with Juanita Centeno, the late Chumash plant expert — right here on the San Antonio Creek Trail — in the late ’70s. The cost is $25 for adults or $20 for full-time students and seniors 62-and-older. No pre-payment is required to register. Kids 5-12 can go free with an adult by prior arrangement. Toddlers must be in a carrier. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No smoking and no dogs, please, as they can transmit poison oak on their fur. Register now by clicking on the REGISTER button at the event listing on HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info. Please note: This hike will go on RAIN OR SHINE with the exception of a heavy downpour that morning and/or a 100% chance of heavy rain that day. Photo: Ben Grangereau