BIOGRAPHY:

Lanny Kaufer is a life long learner and educator. His 4 decades in the Ojai Valley have shaped his perspective on nature and life. Working for his mother and step-father at Wheeler Hot Springs, he started his Herb Walks while working at various positions on the property.

His walks focus on plants that are prominent at that particular time of year and what they are used for. He always begins his walks with acknowledging the Chumash people who were the original herbalists of this area. He supports the concept of sustainable harvesting. "I am what you call a lifetime learner. That always been a part of my philosophy. I like to say we are there to learn the language of the plants."

Kaufer taught full time at Happy Valley School in science, health, and drama. He also worked as librarian, bus driver, and P.E. instructor.

As a freshman at UC, Santa Barbara he traveled to Sussex County, Virginia for civil rights voter registration. As a member of SCOPE (Summer Community Organization and Political Education) he met Martin Luther King while there. His life was changed when he moved out of his middle class life to live in a poor black community in a Southern segregated community.

As an activist, he participated in the Stop Uranium Now group to block uranium mining in the Lake Casitis watershed area and opposed the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. He promoted solar energy.

He quoted Ernest Hemingway: "No man is an island". So anyone who is a Living Treasure has many people to thank for helping to put them in that position in the public's perception. "I have to mention my wife, Rondia, as well because she's mhy partner in everything."