This program has been canceled due to the early arrival of plants this spring. This program was scheduled for a date too late for the foraging activities as intended. We look forward to hosting this program next year, this time earlier in the spring!

Join us for a beginner-friendly journey into the world of everyday edible and useful plants!

PVAS Host: Susan Wolcott, Emily Gordon

$10/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). For ages 16 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

Perfect for beginners, this workshop is designed for anyone who isn’t yet confident in identifying wild plants. Together, we’ll focus on six abundant and useful species: dandelion, nettle and dead nettle, lamb’s quarters, violets, and garlic mustard.

By learning a few clear identifying features, you’ll gain the confidence to recognize these plants wherever you encounter them. Participants will receive a simple handout with key identification tips along with basic culinary, medicinal, and practical uses.

Along the way, we’ll explore how paying attention to common plants can deepen your connection with the landscape around you. Some of these species are invasive, so learning to identify and harvest them can also help support local ecosystems.

• Walking Distance: 1 mile or less
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe).
• Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full exposure/clear view of the sky.
• Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail in some areas, mowed grass in other areas. Gentle slopes/rolling hills
• Restroom: Port-a-Pottys will be available.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet in the Cool Spring parking lot near Case Nature Center.
• What to Bring: Paper and something to write with; something to put plants in, if desired (paper bag, notebook)

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Susan: Susan earned her Master Naturalist certification in 2022. As a lifelong maker, Susan enjoys many creative pursuits, and especially likes working with paper and in nature. She has explored journal making for several years and finds the process satisfying and relaxing. She is interested in projects and activities that help people make a connection with nature. She also has a keen interest in edible and medicinal plants. “ One of the great things about being older is that I have a lot of knowledge to share.”

About Emily:

Image credits:

• Dandelion: H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0)
• Deadnettle (Kira Sims, CC0)
• Garlic mustard (NY State IPM Program, CC BY 2.0)
• Lamb’s Quarters (NY State IPM Program, CC BY 2.0)
• Nettle (Robert Vicol, CC BY 2.0)
• Violet (Kjetil Lenes, CC BY 2.5)