WHEN I agreed to this assignment , I knew two things about foraging and eating wild plants . First , you should know what you ’ re doing . Second , if you don ’ t have an abundance of the first thing , or at the very least a workable baseline , then you should probably seek guidance from books or local foraging experts . Or both .
B y D a n M c C a r t h y // P h o t o s B y O l i v i a D o u h a n
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Something Wild
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WITHIN THE BREATHTAKING NATURAL SCENERY OF THE BERKSHIRES , THERE ’ S PLENTY FOR YOU TO FORAGE IN THE FALL
WHEN I agreed to this assignment , I knew two things about foraging and eating wild plants . First , you should know what you ’ re doing . Second , if you don ’ t have an abundance of the first thing , or at the very least a workable baseline , then you should probably seek guidance from books or local foraging experts . Or both .
Of course , a foliage walk focused on finding delectable and edible flora is not exactly a sui generis escapade in the Berkshires . It just has to be led by someone who knows the rich forest canopy in our region , is familiar with the cosmos of plant power at your feet ( even your own backyard ), and regularly says “ definitely do not eat that mushroom ” every time it needs to be said .
Arianna Alexsandra Collins , a 25-year veteran wild edible expert leads walks at the Clark Art Institute ( the next one is September 24 ) and showcases different habitats and wild food options around the Berkshires . She also hosts other walks at a variety of sites in Williamstown in partnership with her own business , Offerings for Community Building , and Wild Soul River , a woman-led herbalist shop . Proceeds from those walks are donated to the Hoosic River Watershed Association , a citizens group dedicated to the conservation and habitat restoration of the Hoosic River and its watershed . Collins serves as its executive director , fusing her knowledge and passion for understanding the needs of the people and plants living among the banks and lands around local riverways . “ I ’ m out in the Hoosic watershed constantly ,” beams Collins . “ These wild edible walks are a great way to give back to the watershed and highlight its work .” That work is focused on monitoring water quality and attending to the needs of the Berkshire tributaries within the 720
76 // // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall Holiday 2024 2023