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Prickly Pear Foraging &…Ice Cream!
Last week I spent some time in Arizona visiting my family while taking some time to get rebalanced and find my center again. Going home is always good for that, right? And what better way to do that than in the enchanting desert full of radiant sunsets, captivating monsoon storms and the intense, relentless heat.… Continue reading
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Communication through Plants and the Subconscious
I had a surreal experience last week. A reminder that underneath all this superficial drama that we experience in the physical and waking world, there is a deeper connection… threads of a subconscious web that exists whether we are sensitive to it or not. We get so caught up in our daily lives that we… Continue reading
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On the nature of seeing… & the Arroyo Conejo Trail
I’ve been hiking almost daily since the first of June. And with that, a significant amount of time to spend quality time by myself which means more than enough time to listen to my own thoughts. Today I explored the Arroyo Conejo trail which is part of the Wildwood Regional Park trail system in Thousand… Continue reading
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Exploring the wildflowers along the Mishe Mowka trail
I was planning to hike to the top of Sandstone Peak this weekend as part of my five day stint of time alone. It has been on my to-hike list for a few years now but it wasn’t always convenient to get over to that area of the Santa Monica Mountains. I decided today was… Continue reading
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“Within nature lies the cure for humanity..”
In the midst of a great life transition, I have found myself immersed deep in the embrace of nature, of the wildness that surrounds us and lies at the very core of our souls. I have witnessed greater truths and deeper knowledge out there, whether its from an awe-inspiring mountaintop view or a single blossom… Continue reading
About Jess
Jess Starwood is an established author, chef, herbalist and educator. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Herbal Medicine and Holistic Nutrition. In 2021, she wrote and photographed her first book, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi.
She also writes regularly for Edible Ojai & Ventura County, Edible San Fernando magazines and The Mycophile—the publication of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA).
Jess founded The Wild Path School where she teaches foraging, wild foods, herbalism and nature education classes for adults and children. She is a member of the Culinary Committee for NAMA and is on the board of directors for the Arizona Mushroom Society and the newsletter editor for the Los Angeles Mycological Society. She has also worked as a wild food consultant and forager for Michelin starred chefs Niki Nakayama and Aitor Zabala. Jess has been featured in National Geographic, The Guardian, and the Orange County Register.
Classes and workshops for adults and children are held regularly in the Greater Los Angeles area and west coast. Weekend and week-long wild food adventures are also occasionally available. Be sure to check out the event calendar or join the mailing list to be notified first of openings and availability.
Jess Starwood 