Rare Plant Habitats and Ethnobotanical Traditions of the Motherlode

El Dorado County covers 1% of California, yet hosts over 30% of the state's native plant species, an astounding 2,300 species. This hot spot of biodiversity provided a nurturing environment for large populations of Indigenous peoples over many thousands of years. Come explore this rich flora, varied plant habitats, and Indigenous plant uses with naturalist John Kipping. He will also share a selection of baskets and plant-derived tools.

John Kipping is an arborist, writer, photographer, wildlife guide, and all-around naturalist. His interest in the natural world began at age 7 with back packing and children’s classes and activities, which formed the foundation for a lifetime of careers in the outdoors. These included Director of Education at Strybing Arboretum, resident naturalist for Audubon Canyon Ranch, Instructor of field studies for UC Extension, and Lepidoptera field researcher for Dr. Paul Ehrlich. His love of backpacking/river trips in Alaska led to his becoming a wilderness river guide in the Northwest. In off-seasons he learned the arborist trade with his brother Ted, which led to the establishment of his own tree service for almost 30 years. He still writes, consults, and co-leads photography and wildlife boat tours in Alaska

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1550 Evans Ave, 1550 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, United States