Drott Lodge Spring Foraging Expedition
On Sunday, May 22nd from 3 pm - 4:30 pm, Drott Lodge will embark on a spring walk in Wheaton Regional Park to forage for native spring edibles: mushrooms, ramps, edible flowers, and berries. Following our foraging trip, participants will meet for fika at picnic shelter G at the park. Join us for a pincic before the hike at 1:30pm - and those wishing to continue the festivities with friends are invited to join at the fire pit for a cozy spring fire. Bring your own marshmallows to roast!
Our Spring Foraging Walk will be led by Matt Cohen of Matt’s Habitats. Matt is a landscaper who became interested in foraging after spending time working on an organic farm; he hosts between 10 - 15 walks each year in the Takoma Park and Silver Spring area in search of wild edibles such as henbit, a member of the mint family, which can add a gourmet touch to a pesto.
You never know quite what you’ll find underfoot once you start learning to identify the local flora. A wildflower known as the Virginia Spring Beauty yields not only mild-tasting flowers, but also has roots resembling tiny potatoes (It’s also been given the whimsical nickname of “fairy spuds.”) This wildflower is rich in carbs and can be boiled like its larger namesake. “Some wild foods are really packed with vitamins and nutrients,” Cohen says. Knowing how to identify and safely —and legally— collect wild plants, fruits, and nature’s other treats can net nutritional benefits and help supplement your grocery bill with fresh greens, especially this time of year when young plants boast the sweetest flavor from warm days and cool nights.
During the walk, Cohen points out more than two dozen types of plants and trees, giving a bit of historical background on some and cooking recommendations on others.
Registration for the event is required – Deadline is May 17
Members $ 0.00
Non-Members $15.00
Children (non-Member) 6-14 years $ 5.75
Children under 6 (with parental supervision only) $ 0.00
Please join us at 1:30 for a picnic lunch prior to our foraging trip. You may bring your own or order a boxed lunch from Panera. Box lunches will be available for pre-order for the event. These include your choice of a Tuna Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, or Veggie Sandwich. Each comes with a cookie and chips for $10. These must be ordered by May and more information will be sent closer to that time.
Be sure to wear sturdy boots or shoes, and comfortable clothes for our walk in the woods.
Learn more about our guide on his website: https://sites.google.com/a/mattshabitats.com/www/
Come Early ~ Stay Late! Although our foraging trek does not begin until 3 pm, we have reserved Picnic Shelter G from 9 am until 8 pm. This gives us the wonderful opportunity to plan an outdoor breakfast (for early birds) and lunch before our hike as well as s’mores or fika afterwards. Come for time with friends or other members that you have wanted to know better. We hope to have games available to add to the fun! The park offers many recreational opportunities: fishing, the adventure playground, walking trails, ponds, and nearby “Brookside Gardens” as well as a nature center that offers displays of live reptiles and mammals to delight young naturalists.