Join us at our Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk where Eric Izzo of The Conservation Foundation will lead a walk showing participants wild leafy greens and other wild edible plants that are common in our local landscapes. Eric will discuss plant identification, which parts of the plants to eat and how to prepare them, safety, and foraging ethics. This event is best suited for ages 18+ or 14+ with an adult and is co-hosted by The Wilder World Trust and The Conservation Foundation.
What should I bring to get the most out of the plant walk?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants; dress in layers and bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Pack water, a small notebook and pen, a camera or smartphone for photos, and a field guide or plant identification app (e.g., iNaturalist, Seek). Bring small pruning shears or a pocketknife, gloves, and a few reusable bags or containers if the instructor allows sampling. Also bring tick repellent and hand sanitizer. Important: do not harvest or taste plants unless the leader explicitly says it's safe and permitted.
How can I forage safely and ethically during the walk?
Follow the instructor's guidance first and always: only harvest when given permission and only take small amounts from abundant populations. Avoid protected or rare species and do not forage near roadsides, industrial areas, or places that may be contaminated. Learn to identify poisonous look-alikes and never eat anything you are not 100% certain about. Practice leave-no-trace—minimize trampling, replace moved stones or litter, and avoid removing entire plants. If you have food allergies or medical conditions, inform the leader before sampling.
I'm new to foraging — what will be covered and how can I keep learning afterward?
The walk will cover local wild leafy greens and other edible plants: how to identify them, which parts are edible, preparation and preservation tips, safety rules, and foraging ethics. After the event, continue learning with recommended field guides, local workshops, online resources, and apps like iNaturalist. Join The Conservation Foundation and Wilder World Trust mailing lists or local naturalist/foraging groups for more walks and volunteer opportunities, and practice safe identification before harvesting on your own.
How can I support the cause and help make the event more effective for conservation?
Support the organizers by donating or becoming a member of The Conservation Foundation or co-hosts, sharing the event with friends and on social media, and attending other educational or volunteer events (habitat restoration, invasive species removal, citizen science projects). Practice and promote sustainable foraging habits, report notable plant observations to local conservation groups or iNaturalist, and consider volunteering to help run future events or to assist with outreach and education.
Are there weather- or health-related precautions I should take?
Check the forecast and dress in layers; bring rain gear if showers are possible. Wear sun protection and bring extra water on warm days. Use insect/tick repellent and perform a tick check after the walk. If you have respiratory issues, severe allergies, or food sensitivities, notify the organizers in advance and carry necessary medications (e.g., epinephrine). Stay home if you are feeling ill to protect other participants.
Did you know?
Many wild edible greens and weeds are highly nutritious — often rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — and can be an easy way to diversify and supplement your diet when foraged responsibly.
USDA FoodData Central; university cooperative extension research on wild edibles
Learning to identify and safely harvest wild plants strengthens people's connection to nature and has measurable mental-health benefits associated with time spent in green spaces.
World Health Organization (reviews on green space and health); peer-reviewed research on nature contact
Practicing sustainable harvesting techniques (take small amounts, leave roots, avoid rare species) helps protect plant populations and supports long-term biodiversity in local landscapes.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics; USDA Forest Service guidance on sustainable wild plant use
Some invasive 'weed' species are edible (for example, garlic mustard and certain knotweeds); focused, repeated removal by foragers can be a useful tool in invasive-species control when done with proper guidance.
National Park Service / USDA resources on invasive species management
Safety and legality matter: proper identification, awareness of look‑alike toxic species, and knowledge of local rules about removing plants from parks and preserves are essential — learning from experienced guides or extension services greatly reduces risk.
Cornell Cooperative Extension and other state university extension services; state natural resources regulations
Foraging workshops and community forays build local food knowledge, strengthen social ties, and contribute to local food resilience and seasonality — skills that benefit communities beyond a single meal.
USDA resources on local food systems and community resilience; community food and sustainable agriculture programs
FAQ
Did you know?