Wildflowers of the Adirondack Park: Bunchberry (July 2011)

Explore the Adirondack Mountains:
Wild Edibles Walks
Summer 2015

Wild Edibles at the VIC: Dandelion, Bunchberry, and Wintergreen Wild Edibles at the VIC: Dandelion, Bunchberry, and Wintergreen

Join Wild Edibles instructor Pat Banker, from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, to learn how to identify wild edibles, while exploring the history, culinary uses, and historic medicinal uses of many of the plant species found in the Adirondacks. From the non-native, lowly dandelion (taraxacum officinale) to the exotic sounding, yet truly native, Jerusalem artichoke (helianthus tuberosus), there is a veritable feast in the forest and fields of the Adirondacks and the Northeast.  Learn what plants are protected, how to sustainably harvest and care for many others, and where it is both legal and safe to forage.

Each walk will last approximately two hours, with a follow-up in the VIC Building to sample flours made from white pine cambium, dandelion, and red clover. There may even be samples of Adirondack Pine Cookies or an herbal tea for participants to enjoy. Recipe samples using many of the plants identified on the walk will be shared and samples of ointments and tinctures will be on hand with how-to directions for making them at home.

The dates for the summer 2015 walks are:

These walks are informal and will happen rain or shine. The cost is $20 per person; $15 per person for Friends of the VIC.  Please call 518-327-6241 to register by 5:00 PM the day before the walk. 



Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.