Join Earthroots Instructor Macy Pilkington on a native plant walk in Big Oak Canyon!
Discover the rich diversity of Big Oak Canyon, a 39-acre property nestled in the shared ancestral lands of the Juañeno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation and neighboring Tongva/Gabrieleño and Payómkawichum/Luiseño tribes, located in Silverado Canyon. This beautiful land is home to 200+ year-old oak trees and a wide variety of native flora, making it the perfect setting to learn about the plants that have been integral to local ecosystems for centuries.
In this outdoor class, participants of all backgrounds and experiences will embark on a plant walk to connect with the land and its plant life. You’ll learn to identify and distinguish between edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants, and explore how they’ve been used by people throughout history for food, medicine, and more.
Whether you’re new to plant identification or looking to deepen your knowledge, this class is designed to foster a deeper relationship with the natural world. Together, we’ll explore the vital connections between people and plants while building community and a shared understanding of how plants can be integrated into daily life.
Each class will feature a seasonal plant walk and a hands-on activity, giving you practical knowledge that you can take with you into the world.
Come explore, learn, and connect with the wild plants that surround us!
Class Details
Who: Ages 16 and up
When: Sundays | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 21, 2025
January 11, 2026
March 22, 2026
Where: Big Oak Canyon | Silverado Canyon
Price: $47 per session
What to bring
- Backpack
- Plenty of drinking water in a refillable water bottle
- Personal snacks
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, bandana
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dress in layers for sun or cold weather
- Nature Journal (optional)
Scholarships Available
Earthroots is committed to creating nature connection opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) participants and families in need.
Meet the Instructors
Macy Pilkington
Macy Pilkington is all about empowering children to trust themselves, to trust each other, and to trust that the world is beautiful and safe. This southern California native grew up in the shadow of Saddleback Mountain. As soon as she could drive, the canyons became her sanctuary. Her search for nature led her to spend countless nights under the stars in Holy Jim Canyon, hiking the trails around Blackstar, and admiring the rural charm of Modjeska and Silverado canyons. She believes that the best way to heal our planet is to empower children with love and nurturing for themselves and the ground beneath their feet.