Central Park offers an excellent opportunity to explore the world of wild foods during the mid-spring season. This is the peak time for wild salad greens and renewable ingredients. Spicy mustard greens, including garlicky garlic mustard, hot hedge mustard, and the even spicier poor man's pepper, flourish on lawns and under trees. Lemony sheep sorrel thrives in sunny locations throughout the park. Balance their bold flavors in a salad with milder-tasting greens such as violet leaves, lamb's-quarters, Asiatic dayflower, and chickweed, which are also quite abundant. The addition of tender, cucumber-flavored cattail shoots creates the foundation for one of the best wild salads you will ever taste. Wild mushrooms, when present, provide a gourmet side dish to complete the experience.
Please Note:
- Wear clothing appropriate for current weather conditions and be aware that subway service can be unreliable, with trains frequently canceled due to track work.
- Do not wear sandals due to mosquitoes, thorns, and poison ivy exposure. Bring plastic bags for vegetables and herbs, paper bags for mushrooms, drinking water, lunch, and extra layers for cooler weather.
- Digging implements and pocket knives are optional.
- Please bring a pen for sign-in purposes.
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Children are encouraged to attend.
- No smoking is permitted at any time during the tour.
School Notes:
If you can't attend the class you signed up for, please call or email "Wildman" Steve Brill a day before the start of the class. No-call/no-show creates an inconvenience to all participants since we can’t tell if absentees are having transportation issues, and this delays the start of the tour/class.
Kindly note that price posted is our suggested donation only.
Please call your guide Steve at (914) 400-9135 the night before to confirm your class/tour will still be happening at its intended time as various circumstances may affect the start time.
