Kissena Park
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Persimmon Tree in Kissena Park
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This former colonial nursery, with a young forest, meadows, fields, and wetlands, was once part of a major river system, along with Alley Pond Park's wetlands and Flushing Meadow Park. Then ice age glaciers diverted the water to the newly formed Hudson. So you won't have to hold your breath while searching for the great variety of early spring wild foods these habitats contain. Garlic mustard, field garlic, and sassafras abound in the woodlands. Lawns and meadows provide the first tasty violet greens, bitter dandelions and chicory, corn-flavored chickweed, and sour sheep sorrel. Thickets conceal wild carrots and common evening primrose, and the wetlands conceal spicy Pennsylvania bittercress and pungent winter cress. |
Wild Carrot Otherwise known as Queen Anne's Lace, the flavorful taproot is more chewy than its commercial descendent, making it ideal for soups, cakes, and cookies. |
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There may even be gourmet enoki mushrooms or tree ear mushrooms emerging from dead tree trunks or branches, or oyster mushrooms arising from dead willow trees in the wetlands if there's been enough rain beforehand.
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The 4-hour walking tour begins at 11:45 AM Sunday, March 16, at Booth Memorial Ave. and 164 St.
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Call (914) 835-2153 at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a place.
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