Urban and Wild Food Exploration @ Griffith Park

Join me on an exploration of wild food and urban edible plants in Los Angeles' famed Griffith Park. Wild food has been my jam since I was 4. If it's not [yet] yours, there's no need to be jelly! We'll explore the shaded Fern Dell trail, rich in a diversity of landscaped plants with medicinal, edible, or artistic properties. Then we can head up a sun-dappled hill lush with native chaparral vegetation towards the Griffith Observatory. Those interested can explore the observatory's many exhibits. Admission to the Observatory is free. Restroom facilities, a cafe, and vistas greet you at the top of the hill. Optional group lunch after the hike at the All Trails Cafe or at the Griffith Observatory cafe. A great way to walk off that holiday food, while learning about wild food!

On the descent down the hill, we can discuss astronomy and meteorology, with a focus on weather and climate in Southern California.

WHEN: Sunday, December 29th, 2019 10:30AM-2:30PM
WHERE: Meet at intersection of Los Feliz Blvd and Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA.

PARKING: Free first-come first-serve parking available on Fern Dell Dr. Carpooling and public transit/biking is encouraged as park is expected to be a bit busy.

DIFFICULTY: moderate. ~3 miles round-trip. Initially flat, wide, paved trail. The second part is a well-traveled wide dirt trail, some parts of the trail get a little steep.

TERRAIN: rocky, gravel, uneven surfaces. Potential for stream crossings.

SAFETY: Bring first aid kit, 1 liter of water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots. Possible hazards include rattlesnakes, mountain lions, unstable ground, stream crossings, warm weather/sunburn, dehydration. Plan accordingly. Weather is forecast to be mild.

FOOD: bring your own lunch and snacks for the trail. Group lunch optional at choice of cafes in Griffith Park.

CARPOOL: If you have a vehicle and are willing to provide transport to/from Griffith Park from somewhere in Southern California, or are in need of a ride, please comment on the event discussion. The park is fairly accessible by public transit.

ABOUT ME: Hi I'm Jen and I'm returning to SoCal for a short while again! I studied plant biology at UC Riverside. I lived in SoCal for 10 years and became well-versed in local ecology and flora. I'm currently based in Oregon as a botanist studying to become a nutritionist (focus on medicinal botany) at Oregon State University.

COST: Suggested donation: $10-20/person. If you appreciate my trips, I'd appreciate your tips! Donations help me cover cost of travel from Oregon. PayPal or cash donations accepted.

QUESTIONS: Email jenn@naturalist-for-you.org or call/text 828-475-2689 (828-4-PLANTZ). Please do leave a message if I don't answer a call.

DISCLAIMER: For each plant we find, we will discuss identification, edible and medicinal properties. Information provided is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult a trusted medical professional for questions regarding your health. (In a few years, I'll be licensed for that!)

I'm your wild food guide and I can't wait to see you on the mountainside!
~ J-plant