Fred Elser First Sunday Science: Foraging with the "Wildman"

This will be followed by a foraging tour of Greenwich Point Park from 2:30–3pm. The event will conclude with a book signing.

This is an excellent time for berries. This is a great time for berries. We could taste juneberries and mulberries, both delicious and unavailable commercially.

Most roots are out of season, but burdock, an expensive detoxifying herb sold in health food stores, is an exception, and it abounds in human-disturbed areas throughout our region. Instead of brewing it as a
tea, it's so abundant, you can cook it like potatoes, or even marinate and slow-bake its slices, to make the "Wildman's" Vegan Beef Jerky!

Sassafras root, the original source of root beer, stays in season all year. You can use the roots of this renewable tree to make tea and root beer, or as an exotic cinnamon-like seasoning.

There are plenty of summer herbs and greens in season. We may look at mugwort and motherwort, both tonics for the female reproductive system. Since "Wildman" learned these herbs, he's never suffered a monthly cramp!

We may get to taste Asiatic dayflower, lady's thumb, lamb's quarters, and purslane, all great for salads, sandwiches, soups, and stews.

With lots of rain beforehand and a bit of luck, gourmet oyster mushrooms, chicken mushrooms, chanterelles, boletes, and russulas may be emerging, and you'll get to collect whatever has come up.

This program is free of charge. No beach pass is required if you are attending the Fred Elser First Sunday Science. Please let them know at the gate you are attending the Bruce Museum Seaside Center lecture. First Sunday Science programs take place at the Floren Family Environmental Center at Innis Arden Cottage, Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, CT.