A group of hikers culminate before a white fence that reads “Private Road.” At first glance, every hiker’s shoes in this group make my hiking shoes seem inadequate.
From leather-clad high-tops to waterproof boots, these hikers are prepared for a 7-mile roundtrip hike through a boulder maze stream tucked in between two canyon walls with the goal of reaching Black Star Canyon Falls.
Of course, there is one hiker that makes my shoes feel overzealous and my gear seem over-packed: Joel Robinson.
His humble nature camouflages himself as part of the group, yet he leads the tour, barefoot, of course.
Along the stream-wading journey, Robinson points out various native and non-native plant species with medicinal qualities as well as plants to watch out for, such as Poison Oak, and, ironically, the cure for it, Mugwort, which grows adjacent to it. “Watch out not to step on any Newts,” Robinson cautions as the group meanders one by one, scrambling over rocks and ducking under Poison Oak.
It’s no coincidence that Robinson is leading this tour nor is it a rare occasion.
Robinson is the founder, executive director and head naturalist for Naturalist For You.
He has guided thousands of curious individuals on professional wilderness tours since 2001.
Many organizations and agencies have utilized his talents, including the U.S. Forest Service, Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, The Wildlands Conservancy, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Los Padres Forest Association, Silverado Modjeska Park & Recreation District, Santa Ana Mountains Wild Heritage Project, City of Santa Ana, City of Lake Forest and Orange County Department of Education.
He is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation.
You do not need to drive five hours away to see a 50-foot waterfall or go to GNC to get medicine; instead of looking beyond the horizon, it’s time we started looking at what’s in our own backyards.
Southern Californians will travel miles upon miles to reach destinations such as Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and the Rainforest. However, what most residents are not aware of is the fact that despite the sprawl and urbanization of southern California, places such as Modjeska, Silverado and Black Star Canyon - and the hills cascading away from them - are still pristine and majestic as ever.
By reaching out and connecting to as many people as possible, Robinson hopes he can make people fall in love with it. He points out that although science is very much a part of the tours Naturalist For You offers, an overwhelming elation for nature and a spirituality boost is at the core of the tours, and “the public may be inclined to pass environmentally conscious legislation if they have an emotional bond to our local wilderness.”
In an interview with IFN, Robinson elaborated on crucial concerns and shed some light on the Santa Ana Mountains:
What are the goals of Naturalist for you?
Our main goal is to connect everyone to their local wilderness. Our national forests are the most expansive wilderness areas in the country, featuring millions of acres of undeveloped scenic landscapes, incredible biological diversity, and infinite outdoor recreation opportunities. Unfortunately, our forests have suffered from major budget cuts, devastating fires, pollution, habitat degradation and neglect. In order to guarantee a healthy, sustainable future for everyone, the forests must be preserved. As a free service to the general public and the U.S. Forest Service, our program provides professional guided wilderness tours and community outreach services on a daily basis to increase the active stewardship of our forests.
Of all the hikes you lead, which one would you say is your favorite and why?
I really enjoy our “Wet ‘n’ Wild” adventures to local waterfalls. Black Star Canyon Falls and Matilija Canyon Falls are tied for my all time favorite wilderness tours.
It is exciting to follow a flowing stream and scramble over boulders without the aid of a formal trail.
The senses of exploration, isolation, and natural stimulation are intoxicating!
What are the dangers of not protecting the Santa Ana Mountains?
We may lose many plant and wildlife species to extinction. If we are not careful, the scenic beauty, ecological function, and passive recreation opportunities will no longer exist for the millions of people that surround the mountains. If we acknowledge that we are part of the ecosystem, there is also the threat of losing clean air, water, and pollinators, which are needed to sustain our human community.
Most people would look at a Coastal Sage Scrub/ Chaparral ecosystem and see a dry, unappealing landscape … so what is it that they are missing? What is so important about these ecosystems and how would they compare to a Rainforest or the Redwood forests?
We invite the public to participate in our regular tours, so they may have the opportunity to observe the unique adaptations that allow our Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral plant communities to survive in our Mediterranean climate zone.
Because we receive much less rainfall then the Pacific Northwest or the Amazon Rainforest, our landscape is primarily dominated by shrubs of various sizes, colors, and fragrances. In fact, the diversity of invertebrates, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals is so impressive that coastal Southern California is part of a biological hotspot just like the Amazon Rainforest. Even though there are less tall trees at the most populated elevations, it does not mean that the ecosystem is any less appealing. Our extensive shrubland community forms a vibrant mosaic of life.
It is worthy of celebration because it is different, yet comparable in value to other admired ecosystems. Color perception has a significant impact on whether or not a natural landscape is worthy of appreciation. For those who only appreciate evergreen environments, the Chaparral plant community is virtually emerald throughout the entire year.
Coastal Sage Scrub may feature a period of dormancy during severe drought periods, but it quickly responds to the rainy season with new foliage in every shade of green.
Surprisingly, some of the driest looking areas that are under-appreciated are disturbed valleys and foothills that have been altered by people for hundreds of years.
When Europeans first colonized the region, they actively removed the shrubland community and replaced it with a monoculture of imported grasses and other crops to feed livestock. Most of these imported plants from Europe and Asia are annuals with short growing seasons, which means that they are the first to turn brown or yellow in the summer. Our dry season is an integral part of our ecosystem and we encourage everyone to embrace its challenges and benefits.
Disappointingly, many people have been conditioned to believe that colors of dormancy or death are unacceptable or undesirable. Various shades of brown, yellow, black, and gray are as visually striking as any other color when found on the stem, fruit, seed, or leaf of a particular plant in a wilderness area.
What motivates you to be a naturalist and share these hidden areas with people you have never met before?
From a very early age, I was privileged enough to be able to explore hidden canyons, broad valleys, and forested mountains with my family and friends. I reflect on those memories with a deep fondness and gratitude. I experienced countless emotional and physical benefits from wandering though unpredictable wild places. Many of the areas from my childhood are now threatened, severely altered, or destroyed because the majority of the public did not care to preserve them.
I believe that the quality of life for future generations depends on having the same opportunities to experience our remaining hidden gems.
Now that I have a young daughter, my motivation has grown stronger.
What is an example, in your opinion, of an emotional based law?
I think all laws are based on emotions. I think they are typically a reaction to a situation or a series of situations.
Usually an individual or a group proposes a law to improve the situation for the benefit of the majority of a population.
Considering many of our precious wilderness areas have been destroyed for various emotional reasons, I believe that the majority of the public may be inclined to pass environmentally conscious legislation if they have an emotional bond to our local wilderness.
We can help everyone to establish that crucial emotional bond.
What is your favorite word?
Wild.
What is your least favorite word?
Realistic.
Why do you walk barefoot?
I am not a fan of the shoe industry because it is not environmentally friendly. The materials that are used in most shoes are derived from petroleum products which are toxic and not biodegradable.
Shoes wear out quickly and are disposed in our landfills. They very much a part of environmentally degrading consumerism. Since I am trying to minimize my negative impact to the environment, I have chosen to be barefoot and not buy new pairs of shoes anymore.
I was also inspired by an old, white-bearded man who was walking barefoot in Horn Canyon.
I told him that I was impressed that he was hiking barefoot on the trail and he said in a sarcastic tone, “All you gotta to do is take them off.”
Who is your inspiration?
My parents, grandparents, friends, John Muir and the local tribes that survived in California for thousands of years.
If you were only allowed to take one medicinal plant that comes from a native ecosystem with you on a journey, which one would it be and why?
Mugwort, because I can stick it up my nose and it smells great!
What are the most common fears hikers need to be reassured about and how do you ease their fears?
The most common fear is the possible attack by a wild animal.
I explain to them that the urban environment is much more dangerous to human life, especially when one considers the likelihood of being involved in a car collision. Shootings, household chemicals, air pollution, bathtub accidents, and malnourishment are some of the biggest risks to everyone’s health and safety.
Wildlife attacks, especially by mountain lions, are statistically rare. I also warn that the worst dangers on the trail are dehydration and tripping and falling.
Once tour participants understand that they are the greatest risk to themselves, it is easier to provide techniques on how to be safe and comfortable in a wilderness area. If they are still fearful, I tell them that I have been hiking almost daily for 10 years and have never been attacked by anything.
According to OIF, during 2005, 76.7 million American hikers went on 844 million total hiking outings and that number has been increasing over the years.
Hiking has been proven to lower cholesterol, anxiety, and stress-related health problems.
There is no fee to go on any of Robinson’s hikes, but donations are greatly appreciated to keep his organization running. To participate, please visit www.naturalist-for-you.org.
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