MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center is offering families a unique opportunity to learn foraging techniques firsthand from “Wildman” Steve Brill, America’s go-to guy for foraging wild edible plants.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce that a novel and exciting class on foraging will be held on Saturday, May 28, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Trailside in Mountainside. This class is recommended for adults and families with children, ages 6 and older.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about wild edibles from an expert and to see what is growing in the Watchung Reservation, as well as in our own backyards,” said Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “In case of severe weather, the program will be held indoors, with a slideshow and specimens of wild edibles.”
The fee per person is $10 for adults, ages 18 and older, and $5 per child, ages 6-17. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. The program will be held rain or shine. Attendees are asked to wear appropriate clothing for the outdoors and to bring plastic bags for gathering wild edibles.
Participants in this class will be introduced to world famous naturalist and author, “Wildman” Steve Brill, who has led thousands of foraging tours and is best known for his many tours in Central Park in New York City. This class is a unique opportunity to join the “Wildman” for a two-hour foraging tour in the woods and fields of the Watchung Reservation.
Attendees will learn to identify, harvest ecologically and use many of the common, tasty, healthful, overlooked renewable mid-spring shoots, greens and herbs, otherwise considered “weeds.” The class will culminate with a tasting menu of such unwanted plants as lamb’s quarters, curly dock, common milkweed, pokeweed, sassafras, burdock and many more.
To register for the May 28 foraging class or for information on any other programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
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