Prospect Park (Kids 12 & Under)

Prospect Park offers an exceptional variety of wild edible plants during mid-spring, far more than can be covered in four hours. Our foraging journey begins at the Grand Army Plaza entrance, where we identify and taste spicy hedge mustard, corn-flavored chickweed, and spinach-flavored lamb's quarters.

As we move through the park along the path near the Vale of Cashmere and other sections, we encounter goutweed, an invasive European herb with flavors reminiscent of parsley, celery, and carrots. We continue sampling sweet-sour redbud flowers and discover the asparagus-flavored Devil's walkingstick trees growing alongside sour Japanese knotweed shoots.

Meeting Place:

We will meet at the entrance of the park at Grand Army Plaza, at the stone benches next to the street that runs through the park, between the columns with the eagles. Not under the traffic circle and not in front of the library.

Important Information:

• Bring lunch, a pen, plastic bags, paper bags, containers, closed shoes (poison ivy is present), appropriate weather clothing, and drinking water. Digging implements are suggested. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and be aware that subway service can be unreliable with frequent track work cancellations.
• Avoid sandals due to mosquitoes, thorns, and poison ivy.
• Bring plastic bags for vegetables and herbs, paper bags for mushrooms (which deteriorate in plastic), containers for berries (available late spring through fall), water, lunch, and extra layers for cold weather. Digging implements and pocket knives are optional.
• Dogs and children are welcome and encouraged to participate.
• Smoking is prohibited at all times.