Due to fire, flood, COVID, and lengthy highway repairs, it's been 8 years since I've been able to lead a walk to Rose Valley Falls. Please join me for an Herb Walk on Sunday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You will experience a local scenic wonder 300 feet high and learn about Rose Valley’s diverse plant communities.

After a drive up California Scenic Highway 33, the outing will begin with a stop at Upper Rose Valley Lake followed by a walk through Rose Valley Campground and a shaded walk of 1/2 mile each way to the Falls. 

We will see and smell aromatic California Bay trees, see native Coral Bells and Maidenhair Ferns growing on the Falls, and search for the elusive Sweet Cicely and California Violet herbs on the trail to the Falls. It’s a great time of year to see a variety of wildflowers.

This walk is presented under a Special Use Permit from the Ojai Ranger District Office of the U.S. Forest Service designed for guides who provide recreational and interpretive services to the public. As I do on all my walks and hikes, I will demonstrate and discuss the modern and ancient uses of wild plants. Poisonous plants will also be identified. 

Click on this link to learn more and sign up.

At 3,272 acres, Rancho Tajiguas is the largest ranch between Goleta and Gaviota State Park. In operation since 1798, the ranch is home to many plant and animal species. The Gaviota Coast Conservancy (GCC) recently purchased it and they now are offering the first public tour. This special event is available only to my newsletter subscribers and visitors to my website.

Rancho Tajiguas will eventually be a center for conservation, agriculture, and public access.

Tajiguas Creek creates its own riparian environment as it weaves its way across the landscape to the nearby ocean. On Sunday, May 18, we will walk up a ranch road about a half-mile along Tajiguas Creek to the old ranch bunkhouse and then proceed up Tajiguas Canyon for another quarter-mile on a seldom-used trail for a shaded herb walk in a pristine riparian habitat. We will retrace our steps and then you’ll proceed in your car to the beautiful and historic Hacienda where you can enjoy your sack lunch in the courtyard and utilize the restroom facilities.

GCC board member Phil McKenna will be along to share some of the history and lore of this special property.

The cost is $50/person, which includes a $15 donation to GCC.  It's already filling up fast and is likely to sell out. 

To learn more and register, click this link.

Pine Mountain is at risk. The federal court has cleared the way for the Pine Mountain Project, an unnecessary and destructive logging and vegetation removal project, to proceed. Despite overwhelming public opposition and years of engagement from thousands of community members, Indigenous leaders, scientists, businesses, conservation groups, and local governments.

now might be our last opportunity to save Pine Mountain.

Pronunciation of Biological Latin,

Including Scientific Names of Plants and Animals (Peter Ommundsen)

This handy-dandy little book is now available free online as a PDF. Afraid to say the Latin name of plants for fear of grossly mispronouncing them? Fear no more.