Wild Edible + Medicinal Plant Intensive, Chestnut Ridge (June 17th)

June 17th, 10am—2:30pm

Chestnut Ridge Park, Shelter #11

6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

This workshop is for folks who want to go deeper with wild edible & medicinal plants. (No prior experience needed.) Explore the diverse plant life at Chestnut Ridge with Community Herbalist Sarah Sorci. We’ll get acquainted with WNY plants that prefer sunny lawns, water’s edge, shady woodlands, and the spaces in between.

You’ll also sample a few of my favorite dishes and preparations made with nutritious wild greens! You’ll receive recipe sheets to take home.

You’ll leave feeling comfortable identifying a range of useful plants. You’ll know whether there are poisonous look-alikes to watch out for in our region. We’ll discuss environmental contamination considerations when harvesting wild plants, such as pesticide application and lead in soils near older buildings. Sustainable harvesting considerations will also be addressed.

Investment: $48 for adults.

Your kids come free! Space is limited in the shelter. If you’re bringing older kiddos, please provide folding chairs or blankets for them to sit on. They’ll have front-row seats if they wish!

We’ll meet at Shelter 11, which I’ve reserved for the day. Chestnut Ridge Shelter Map.

Approximate Schedule:

• 9:45am-10am: Arrive at Shelter 11

• 10am-10:15am: Introduction at shelter

• 10:15am-noon: Plant walk

• Noon-12:45pm: Lunch break (*bring your own*) and sample time. Sarah will provide herbal iced tea, plus wild greens recipes and samples.

• 12:45pm-2:15pm: Plant walk at Commissioner’s Cabin area

• 2:15pm-2:30pm: Answer lingering questions, part ways.

I suggest arriving at least 10 minutes early. It may take several minutes to arrive at the shelter from the entrance, depending on which gate you use. We’ve got a lot of plants to meet, so I’ll be starting right on time :)

BRING:

• Bagged lunch

• Spare cup or mug for iced tea (Sarah will provide if you forget!)

• Notebook if desired. Taking photos is also welcome! This might help you remember the plants we discuss.

• Sun protection

• Water bottle

• Comfy walking shoes

  *Do you use a wheelchair, walker, or have other needs related to a disability? Please get in touch so we can make this event work for you!

WEATHER: Since we have a shelter to retreat to, I plan to run the event rain or shine. If the forecast looks rainy, I’ll bring a large selection of plant cuttings to examine, taste, and discuss together.

No harvesting is permitted at Chestnut Ridge Park.

Photography by Katie Schneider Photo