Hempstead Lake State Park offers a remarkable diversity of natural habitats that showcase an abundance of native plants and seasonal offerings. In the early spring months, the park becomes a destination for those seeking edible, medicinal, and renewable plant species that grow throughout the varied terrain.
The park features an exceptional population of sassafras trees. This shade-intolerant species, often labeled a "weed tree," can be selectively harvested in appropriate locations. The roots can be used to brew tea, make root beer, or incorporated into culinary applications as a distinctive flavoring agent.
Throughout the sunny and open grassland areas, chickweed thrives as a nutrient-dense micro-green offering a flavor reminiscent of corn silk. Hairy bittercress populates the moist lawn environments, providing a delicious spicy mustard taste that belies its commonly misunderstood name. In sunny and partially shaded zones, field garlic grows abundantly. This onion relative features leaves that function like scallions and bulbs with a pronounced garlic flavor and spicy character.
Location and Access: The northernmost parking lot off Eagle Avenue, Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway, West Hempstead, NY
School Notes:
If you can't attend the class you signed up for, please call or email "Wildman" Steve Brill a day before the start of the class. No-call/no-show creates an inconvenience to all participants since we can’t tell if absentees are having transportation issues, and this delays the start of the tour/class.
Kindly note that price posted is our suggested donation only.
Please call your guide Steve at (914) 400-9135 the night before to confirm your class/tour will still be happening at its intended time as various circumstances may affect the start time.
