Forest Park stands as one of the premier locations for foraging during mid-spring, offering an abundance of edible wild plants throughout its diverse ecosystems. Venture into this expansive woodland, and you will discover an array of gourmet plants waiting to be harvested. Learn from Violet Brill, America's leading foraging expert, who will teach you to identify over a dozen edible species, understand sustainable harvesting practices, and prepare these wild foods for cooking. You will explore burdock, an expensive herb commonly sold in health food stores for its detoxifying properties. Near the park's playgrounds, burdock grows prolifically. The cooked root delivers a remarkable smoky flavor reminiscent of a combination of potatoes and artichokes, and the parboiled, peeled immature stems can be prepared similarly to artichoke hearts.
Meeting Location and Important Details:
The meeting point is at the stone wall located at Forest Park Drive and Park Lane (not Park Lane South), near the Park Department's Overlook Building at 8030 Park Lane in Kew Gardens. Do not go to the Woodhaven or Richmond Hill sides of the park.
What to Bring and How to Prepare:
- Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for occasional public transportation disruptions
- Trains are frequently cancelled due to maintenance work, so allow extra travel time
- Wear closed-toe shoes rather than sandals due to mosquitoes, thorns, and poison ivy in the forest
- Bring plastic bags for vegetables and herbs; paper bags for mushrooms, which deteriorate if stored in plastic
- Bring containers for collecting berries during late spring through fall
- Pack adequate water and a lunch or snacks for the tour duration
- Bring additional clothing layers for cooler weather
- Digging implements and pocket knives are optional but useful for harvesting roots
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the tour
- Children are strongly encouraged to participate and learn about the natural world
- 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.
