These were the opening words of Sean Rowe as he led twenty-five people on a foraging outing at the East Greenbush Town Park on Saturday May 10. The first activity of the morning was to a taste a wild mustard pesto made with butternuts-Yum! Using a traditional digging stick, Sean explained what parts of various plants were edible, when the best time of year to harvest them is, and key identifying characteristics. Just as importantly, he pointed out what not to pick and why. In a free-ranging discussion that included forays into the philosophy of foraging, traditional uses for various plants, whether the "float test" for the goodness of nuts was valid, and the logistics and methods of turning red oak acorns into gluten-free flour, the afternoon adventure was a source of inspiration and laughter. As Sean noted, while knowing some botany is very helpful, the main difference between botanists and foragers is that "foragers have more fun."

For those of you who missed this workshop, Sean has agreed to an encore performance. By being on this e-Blast list, you will be the first to find out when!