This remarkable natural habitat, often overlooked by many, provides access to extraordinary wild foods found along the seashore. This complimentary tour is presented in partnership with The Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity. The sandy soil presents challenging growing conditions that limit tree and grass development; however, this constraint creates ideal circumstances for other species to flourish by providing unobstructed sunlight and nutrient-sparse conditions.
Wild greens thrive in this environment, and dozens of plant species do exceptionally well in sunny autumn fields. Field garlic, a delicious relative of cultivated onions and garlic, offers both edible leaves and bulbs. According to tour guides, consuming field garlic provides an unexpected benefit: your breath becomes so distinctive that no one will venture close enough to transmit any illness!
Sheep sorrel presents another flavorful green option. Its arrow-shaped leaf resembles a sheep's face and contains abundant vitamin C, along with a pleasant, lemony taste.
The empty field lots yield additional edible plants, including curly yellow dock (completely unrelated to Moe Dock or Larry Dock; the reference brings comedic value), garlic mustard, poor man's pepper, and Asiatic dayflower.
Root vegetables are currently in season, and participants will dig up wild carrots and common evening primrose roots. During a 2021 tour, instructors discovered one evening a primrose root in a compost pile that measured remarkably long; it could rival the length of a famous political figure's nose if he were a puppet character.
Northern bayberry bush leaves, with their leathery texture, function similarly to bay leaves and work beautifully in soups, sauces, and bean preparations.
Seasonal wild fruits represent another highlight of the experience. Wrinkled rose hips, autumn olive berries, and crab apples will be abundant and ready for harvest.
Autumn also marks an excellent season for mushroom foraging. Participants may encounter substantial quantities of pear-shaped puffballs, honey mushrooms, and other edible varieties.
Important Information:
- Dress appropriately for current weather conditions and prepare for potentially unreliable subway service, as trains frequently experience cancellations due to track maintenance.
- Avoid wearing sandals because mosquitoes, thorns, and poison ivy are present. All attendees should bring plastic bags for vegetables and herbs, paper bags for mushrooms that deteriorate in plastic, containers for berries spanning late spring through fall, drinking water, lunch provisions, and additional layers for cold weather. Digging tools and pocket knives are optional but may prove useful.
- Dogs are welcome. Children are actively encouraged to participate.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited at all times and in all locations.
