Wild food is not only local - it’s also available just for the taking, in many cases right in your own back yard! For those looking to add a little extra spice to their Go Local culinary experience, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Julia Grimaldi will join wild food enthusiast, Pam Kristan and The Franklin Park Coalition on Saturday, April 30 at 4 pm for a free spring “Weeds as Feed” edible plant walk through the 200-acre Franklin Park. This annual foraging walk attracts youth and adults and teaches them that food comes from the earth, not just the market, and that wild food is not only tasty to eat but safe too! The walk will cover responsible harvesting techniques, as well as foraging areas to avoid. Make sure you bring a bag to 
collect samples. Pam will bring a tasty treat and will teach us what to do with different spring weeds and woodland plants. Meet at the Williams Street entrance to the park along Forest Hills Street in Jamaica Plain. Please RSVP: 617-442-4141 or rsvp@franklinparkcoalition.org.
Massachusetts offers the nature lover many local foraging sites and experiences. In Stockbridge on Sunday, May 1 from 1 to 4 pm, Berkshire Farm & Table will host Russ Cohen, professional environmentalist, wild foods connoisseur and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten” (2004) for a foraging walk as part of a month-long celebration of wild spring edibles being presented in partnership with Berkshire Grown’s Farmed & Foraged culinary events.
With 37 years of experience, Russ finds wilderness walks a great way to enrich the time he spends outdoors. He offers a dynamic schedule of wild plant walks and courses all season long, as well as “Harvest Parties” 
where groups can prepare dishes utilizing wild ingredients. This spring is a perfect time to begin your discovery and understanding of wild foods while adding to your culinary repertoire with recipes like Sour Cream Japanese Knotweed Crumb Cake and Multi-seasonal Soup. Learn what's tasty, safe to eat, and will spice up your locally grown food preparations. Speaking of which, lots of fresh locally grown food is coming to farmers’ markets near you soon!
Find a market in your area.
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