Please arrive early at 1:45pm
to join the nature walk. It will last approximately one
hour. Your guide will take you on a journey through the
foothills overlooking Diamond Hitch Camp along the Los Padres
National Forest, stopping along the way to admire the
wildflowers in full bloom and the views of the surrounding
terrain. Please wear appropriate shoes, long pants, hats and
sunscreen.
YOUR GUIDES
Joel Robinson is the
founder and lead naturalist for Naturalist For You, a nonprofit
organization working to connect all of us to the diverse natural
areas in our own backyard. He has guided thousands of curious
individuals on professional wilderness tours throughout southern
and central California since 2001. He is a Certified
Interpretive Guide with the National Association for
Interpretation. His vision is to connect the majority of the
public to our local natural areas, so their preservation is
guaranteed for future generations.
 Julie
Manson works at The Thacher School and has lived in the Ojai
Valley for more than twenty years. During that time, she's
explored the foothills and is excited to share her knowledge of
local plants, particularly the wildflowers that are in full
bloom this time of year. Her favorite pastimes are hiking the
Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak, appreciating the subtle changes
in the seasons as they unfold right in her own backyard, and
finding just the right time to search for miner's lettuce to add
to her favorite salad.
 Brian
Pidduck, a Thacher graduate, returned to work at his alma
mater in 1997 after graduating from Whitman College. He serves
as the Director of the Outdoor and Camping Programs, teaches AP
Environmental Science, and instructs (and inspires) students in
the rock climbing program, where he uses his long experience as
an elite Exum Mountain Guide in Wyoming's Grand Teton National
Park. Brian enjoys the complementary roles of working with
students in the outdoors and in the classroom. His passion for
the outdoors also fills his free time, as he enjoys climbing,
skiing, and running. |
