Author and Herbalist Lanny Kaufer Celebrates 50 Years of 'Herb Walks' in Santa Barbara and Ojai

Kaufer's anniversary celebration kicks off with a March 14 walk on the San Antonio Creek Trail in Goleta.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Local author and herbalist Lanny Kaufer is celebrating 50 years of leading 'Herb Walks' in the Santa Barbara and Ojai areas. He is kicking off the anniversary celebration with a walk on the San Antonio Creek Trail in Goleta on March 14, where he will identify and discuss the many uses of wild plants by foragers, herbalists, and naturalists.

Why it matters

Kaufer's Herb Walks have introduced generations of locals and visitors to the medicinal and practical uses of the region's native plants. His work helps preserve traditional ecological knowledge and connects people to the natural world around them.

The details

Kaufer started leading Herb Walks in 1976 after being mentored by the late herbalist William LeSassier, who coined the term 'Herb Walk' in the early 1970s. Kaufer's walks focus on identifying plants that can be used for food, medicine, first aid, home remedies, and more. The March 14 walk will highlight the teachings of the late Chumash artisan and plant expert Juanita Centeno, who Kaufer first learned from on the San Antonio Creek Trail.

  • Kaufer started leading Herb Walks in 1976.
  • The first scheduled walk for the 50th anniversary celebration on February 16 was rained out.
  • The 50th anniversary celebration Herb Walk will take place on March 14, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The players

Lanny Kaufer

A local author and herbalist who has been leading 'Herb Walks' in the Santa Barbara and Ojai areas for the past 50 years.

Juanita Centeno

A late Chumash artisan and plant expert who Kaufer first learned from on the San Antonio Creek Trail.

William LeSassier

A late herbalist who coined the term 'Herb Walk' in the early 1970s and led walks in Santa Barbara, which Kaufer later adopted the name for his own walks.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Santa Barbara, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Lanny Kaufer, Herbalist

What’s next

Kaufer will continue his 50th anniversary celebration with additional Herb Walks throughout 2026 in the Santa Barbara and Ojai areas.

The takeaway

Lanny Kaufer's decades-long dedication to leading Herb Walks has helped preserve traditional ecological knowledge and connect people to the natural world around them in the Santa Barbara and Ojai regions.