Central Connecticut is home to over 100 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join expert forager, Russ Cohen, author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, to learn about the comestible qualities of at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible spring mushroom species may be encountered as well. Keys to the identification of each species are provided, along with information about edible portions, seasons of availability, preparation methods, and  guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.  Fisher Meadows, a large area of floodplain along the Farmington River in Avon, is used for recreational fields, public water supply and other purposes, and has a good diversity of wild edibles.   Plants may include native species like ostrich fern and sweet cicely (below) as well as weeds and invasive species like chicory and autumn olive. This program, to be held Saturday, May 15 beginning at 9:30 am, is co-sponsored by The New England Wild Flower Society and by the Farmington River Watershed Association. Fee for members of the co-sponsoring organization is $24 per person, and $27 for nonmembers. You may register on line at www.newfs.org, and you will receive directions.
