This class is designed for nature lovers and enthusiastic learners alike, and offers an introduction to the amazing California native plants growing right around us. Led by Seth Johnson, an enrolled member of the Gabrieleño San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, we’ll open with an engaging group discussion covering key Southern California plant species. Honoring the ecosystem is central to our time together, so Seth will share Traditional Ecological Knowledge and teach ethical gathering protocols that ensure sustainable, respectful foraging. Next, we’ll step outside for a guided walk through the gardens. Here, you’ll practice spot-on plant identification, observe growth habits, and discuss proper gathering techniques. To round out the experience, we’ll head back to discuss recipes that you can take home to try in your own garden.

Seth Johnson is an enrolled member of the Gabrieleño San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. He is a graduate of UC Davis where he earned his MA in Native American Studies. He is a certified Naturalist and Fire firefighter tier 2 certified. He has experience in cultural burning and prescribed fire behavior and history. Seth has served on restoration crews in Yosemite and in Los Angeles County preparing the land for fire including removal of dead and down debris, the removal and composting of invasive species, junk removal, and the reintroduction of Native plant species to urban and rural environments. Seth also utilizes this knowledge to help his community through education of Gabrieleno Tongva people, California Native plants, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Seth is currently the program manager for the Gabrieleno Tongva Stewardship Crew and serves as the crew captain.

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Pricing:

$45 Public | $35 Member