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Cambridge is home to over 80 species of edible wild plants, some of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. These include native species like Fox Grape and Shagbark Hickory; non-native weeds like Chicory and Burdock; and invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and Autumn Olive. Join expert forager Russ Cohen on a 2.5 hour ramble around Fresh Pond to learn about over two dozen species of edible wild plants. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with info on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe, ethical and environmentally-responsible foraging. NOTE that this is an educational walk only: no actual foraging will take place, as that activity is prohibited with in the Fresh Pond Reservation. We will meet at Fresh Pond, in the main parking lot by the ranger station and water department. Russ Cohen is a naturalist and wild foods enthusiast from Weston, Mass., currently in his 52nd year of leading walks and talks about wild edibles. He has led talks for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the New England Forestry Foundation, and The Trustees of Reservations. Russ' foraging book, Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten, is now in its ninth printing. Russ has taken on the role of Johnny Appleseed for edible native species, collaborating with land trusts, cities and towns, and other groups (including one in Cambridge) to plant plants from his nursery in appropriate places on their properties.

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is in order of importance. It is better to reduce than reuse; better to reuse than recycle. Reducing and reusing prevent the environmental impact of making new items. All disposal has financial costs to the city. Recycling and composting cost the City less than trash. Still, preventing waste in the first place is best for Cambridge and the environment. It is one of the key recommendations in the Cambridge Zero Waste Master Plan.

Drop by the Central Square Branch's Lewis Room to read and discus a short story together. Copies of the story will be provided, along with snacks. No preparation or registration required! The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.