Join Earthroots instructor Macy Pilkington on a wild plant walk in Big Oak Canyon! Big Oak is a 39-acre property located on shared ancestral lands of the Juañeno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation and neighboring Tongva/Gabrieleño and Payómkawichum/Luiseño tribes in Silverado Canyon.
This land is home to 200+ year old oak trees and diverse, native flora, and is the ideal setting to learn about local native plants. During the class, participants will go on a plant walk and connect to flora and fauna. Learn how to identify and distinguish between edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants and explore how they can be used in daily living.
This women-only class is designed to revive the sisterhood of our ancestors who lived in relationship with plants for thousands of years! Gather together with us to learn about local plants while building community and connection.
Each class will include a plant walk and a seasonal hands-on activity.
Class Details
Who: Women ages 16 and up
When: Monthly on Sundays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Sunday, January 12, 2025 : Mosses, Lichens and Mushrooms & Natural Dyes
Sunday, February 9, 2025 : Cleveland Nat’l Forest Exploration Day (Longer Hike Day)
Sunday, March 9, 2025 : Wild Edible Plants & Salad Walk
Sunday, April 6, 2025 : Riparian Plant Walk BOC & Weaving
Sunday, May 18, 2025 : Wildflower Walk & Eco-printing (Nature Dyes)
Where: Big Oak Canyon (Silverado Canyon)*
*Classes will occasionally be held at other natural areas around Orange County.
Price: $47 per session
What to bring
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Shoes/clothes for walking on trails
- Drinking water in a reusable container
- Personal snacks
- 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.