Join me for a night of camping—and two days of hiking, swimming, and dyeing—at Malibu Creek State Park on the autumnal equinox, September 21-22.

We’ll welcome fall: the dusk of the year, time of half light and half dark (equinox translates to ‘equal night’), when night and day briefly fall into balance as a new season is birthed.

The theme of balance permeates through the ecology walks and dye projects we’ll engage in together. Healthy ecology relies on a series of myriad balancing acts: some of which we’ll notice (as the seasons change and we observe the thriving and dying off of various flora around us), and some of which we’ll take part in (dyeing with locally wild-gathered invasive plants as symbolic and tangible creative care for the land which we’ll learn about and get to know on the retreat).

We’ll take time to explore the beautiful land—and learn about the fascinating geology and natural history—surrounding Malibu Creek, which has been stewarded by the Chumash for thousands of years. The park and our campsite sit near two Chumash villages, Ta’lopop and Humaliwo (meaning “where the surf sounds loudly”). We’ll get to know the area’s diverse plant life, discussing ethnobotany, ecology, plant lore, and science on our extended ecology walk/hike—which will end with a dip at the creek’s cool, deep rock pool swimming hole.

Meals are included on the retreat, with camp chef Kylie of Kitchen Sink creating delicious seasonal food to nourish us during our time together. A taste of our tentative plant-based camp menu: 

• Dinner: Fire-roasted vegetables (think sweet potato, kabocha, bell peppers, portobello) with ginger white miso sauce and koshikari rice

• Snacks: Mom’s granola - dried cherries, 5 spice, coconut, all kindsss of nuts and seeds

• Breakfast: Savory steel cut oats with cherry tomatoes, ‘vegan parmesan,’ balsamic glaze, fresh herbs 

No extensive camping experience necessary to attend, but you’ll need your own tent and sleeping arrangement. Nearly all other camping essentials will be provided (see notes below).

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ACTIVITIES:
After setting up camp on Thursday afternoon, we’ll head out for an afternoon of learning and experiencing this area of the Santa Monica Mountains’ ecology, covering plant life, ethnobotany, and the area’s fascinating natural history and breathtaking geology. Our walk will end with a visit to Malibu Creek’s gloriously deep, cool rock pool swimming hole, where we’ll have the option of taking a reviving dip after our hike. 

Back at camp, chef Kylie will craft a nourishing dinner infused with seasonal ingredients and flavors (see note below about dietary needs) while we unwind under the dense shade of oak trees at our spacious group campground. We’ll work on a relaxing, ritual-themed dye project where we’ll infuse silk bandanas overnight in jars of local plant and mineral color; results to be revealed in the morning.

An evening gathered around the campfire (weather/conditions permitting, see note below) invites the possibility of singing and sharing stories—think plant & folklore—as we enjoy camp snacks with artisanal touches, an alcohol-optional drink, and if the mood strikes later on, a gentle night hike down to the creek.

In the morning, there will be breakfast, coffee, and tea, after which we’ll work on a project utilizing abundant local non-native plants to dye ceremonial oversized textiles in a variety of colors and patterns—the result will be wearable as a scarf, or apropos as a beautiful wall hanging tapestry, ritual flag or altar cloth.

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FOOD:
Meals, light snacks, and drinks are included in the cost of the retreat. Seasonal fare (made with delicious love and care and seasonal ingredients) will be prepared at camp by chef and farmer Kylie of Kitchen Sink. Kylie’s food is yummy and very special—everything I’ve had the pleasure of eating from her has nourished my heart, soul, and stomach.

Together we’ll share:

• Thursday dinner

• Campfire snacks & drink

• Friday breakfast, coffee & tea

The campsite has fresh, potable water, and we’ll bring a backup supply of filtered or spring water. If you have dietary restrictions, needs, or allergies, please let us know in the menu that pops up at check out. Any questions or other needs to share, don’t hesitate to reach out to me by email: erin@berbo.studio

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LOGISTICS:

• You must bring your own tent and sleeping arrangement (mattress, pad, sleeping bag, bedding, etc.) on the retreat.

• I’ll bring nearly all other camp necessities, and will create a google doc to coordinate shared camping gear (like lanterns/flashlights, camping chairs, etc.) that we can pool together for communal use.

• Keep in mind that it may be quite warm on this trip—average highs in the low 90s, with evening temps around 65º.

• The group camp parking lot is located 100 yards from campground; all camping supplies will need to be carried this distance from your car. I’ll have a folding cart to lend out (or BYO if you have one).

• Malibu Creek follows a tiered fire safety protocol that signals what kind of campfires are allowed. A “green” day means wood fires are allowed, “yellow” means duraflame or charcoal fires only, and “red” means no fires in the fire pit (gas stoves only). Let’s hope for a “green” day, but remain open to the unknowns of fire season and its limitations! In any case, I’ll take care of bringing all supplies and building whichever fire is allowed.

• Our campsite allows for a limited number of cars. I’ll share specific loading and parking instructions with you after registration. Overnight parking, good for both Thursday and Friday in the park, is $12 per car – you’ll pay this fee to a ranger at the entrance station.

• Showers are available at the campground for purchase by token. Tokens can be paid for with one-dollar bills only, so bring a few if you plan to shower.

• Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on the retreat. Malibu Creek is a state park, and they enforce a strict “no dogs allowed” policy on all hiking trails and public areas.

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Detailed itinerary, load-in, parking and other details will be sent in an email after registration. Please ensure your email address is correct when checking out.