Description
The area in and around Cambridge is home to over 50 species of edible wild plants, some of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Many of these species grow within the Fresh Pond Reservation. While gathering wild edibles is not permitted within the Reservation, it is a good place to learn about them. Many of these same species can readily be found elsewhere in Cambridge, perhaps even in your own backyard. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten, for a two-hour ramble at Fresh Pond to learn about at least 18 species of edible wild plants. Species expected to be encountered include Hazelnut, Black Walnut, Chicory, Burdock, Elderberry, Black Raspberry, Blackberry, Shagbark Hickory, and Staghorn Sumac. Russ will present information for each species on identification tips, edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as general guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging.
Meets outside the Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. Please be sure to email fpr@cambridgema.gov to register!