Last month we coordinated a couple hikes for our Spanish-speaking community in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. This is an effort to expand access to our forest, provide an outdoor experience that is culturally relevant, and promote the many health benefits the Los Padres forest provides to our communities.
In Santa Barbara, we visited a section of the Jesusita Trail and discussed the medicinal properties of plants along the trail, while participants engaged by sharing personal stories of connections to the land.
Several hikers expressed a long-standing interest in getting more acquainted with our public lands that stems back to childhood, but language and cultural barriers have prevented them from engaging. For some, it was their first time on the trail and the hike left them ready for more exploration.
In Ojai, we hiked up Horn Canyon through the Thomas Fire burn scar, crossed multiple streams, before stopping for a lunch break at Thacher Creek to admire the Alder trees and high rock walls. A few toddlers joined the group and we adjusted by slowing down, and allowing their natural curiosity to take precedence. Thanks to volunteer Andrea Vega from Ojai for helping us coordinate the hike!
The hikes are intended to be beginner friendly, and take place once a month in both Ventura and Santa Barbara county. Please visit our calendar for a schedule of upcoming hikes, and share with any community members who may benefit.
For more information, email Graciela@lpfw.org or call: 805-770-8740
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