More than a dozen people showed up at Pine Tree Circle on Jan. 24 for the first session of this new weekly event led by Lola Babalon (right). “We encountered, sniffed and talked about Pine trees, Lavender, Calendula, Black Sage, Rosemary, Olive leaf, White Sage and California Sagebrush, all of which are easily cultivated in our local climes and have powerful properties,� said Babalon. Among topics covered were why gathering any plant material on public land is illegal; the importance of mindfulness and plant communication; and how some of these plants can be made into tea, tinctures or liniments. “There will be absolutely no foraging on public lands,� she says. “Any plant we can find outdoors, native or ‘immigrant’ can be grown in gardens or obtained commercially,� she says. “It’s all about communing with Mother Nature and to simply visit in her springtime finest as we partake of the upcoming super bloom. “In these walks we are getting to know them, creating resonance and discovering if and how these plants can help us. We’ll visit various areas near the creek, woods, meadows and hilltop habitats. It’s all educational and immersive by sight, smell and taste.� Every week the group will explore different parts of the canyon within the radius of a 15-minute carpool ride and a fairly brief walk into habitat. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan uary 31st, at 10 a.m. at Pine Tree Circle and carpool to a woodsy area and walk from there. All ages are welcome and please, no dogs. “We are here to honor, work with and adore Mother Nature,� Babalon said.