Please arrive early at 1:00pm to join the nature hike. It will last approximately one hour. Your guide will take you on a journey through the foothills overlooking Diamond Hitch Camp along the Los Padres National Forest, stopping along the way to admire the wildflowers in full bloom and the views of the surrounding terrain. Please wear appropriate shoes for a moderately strenuous hike, long pants, hats and sunscreen. Upon arriving to Thacher School, follow the signs to the parking area where your guides await.

 YOUR GUIDES

Lanny Kaufer has been leading Herb Walks — native plant interpretive walks and hikes — in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties of Southern California since 1976. His interpretive walks focus on the native plants of our region, with a specific focus on native “herbs,” i.e. those that can be used for food and medicine. Along the trails he encounters many herbs that have multiple uses for survival, crafts, home remedies, gardening, ceremony, fiber-making and wildcrafting of all sorts.

Julie Manson works at The Thacher School and has lived in the Ojai Valley for more than twenty years. During that time, she's explored the foothills and is excited to share her knowledge of local plants, particularly the wildflowers that are in full bloom this time of year. Her favorite pastimes are hiking the Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak, appreciating the subtle changes in the seasons as they unfold right in her own backyard, and finding just the right time to search for miner's lettuce to add to her favorite salad.

Rick Mexico has been interested in the wild world as far back as he can remember. He has been an award-winning Life Science Teacher for the past 9 years. An avid birder, he's been a team member of the Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction Program in Santa Barbara County for the past decade. An avid nature photographer, his philosophy about photography is that it freezes time for a split second, and when you view the shot, you become a traveler back in time.

Derek Poultney is a field biologist, wetlands restoration project manager, and watershed conservation coordinator that has worked for several local environmental protection organizations. Derek earned a Master of Science in Environmental Studies and a B.A. in Music Composition. Along with spending time with his wife and kids, Derek enjoys music, wildlife and hiking -- all the while pursuing the dream of writing a hit song lucrative enough to purchase key wilderness areas.