Russ Cohen, noted author and wild food expert, came to Acton Town Hall to share his knowledge and recipes at the Middlesex Conservation District (MCD) Annual Meeting on Monday, December 8. Nearly 50 guests came out for the brief business meeting and the talk, entitled “Nibbling on the Wild Landscape of Middlesex County.”
First, Andrea Grossman, District Administrator for MCD gave a brief review of events and activities across the 54 cities and towns of the District in 2025. The organization’s mission is to help all landowners in Middlesex County to conserve water, soil, and native wildlife.
Russ then took the stage to explain the natural history, identifying characteristics, and culinary suggestions for over two dozen common wild plants. Though most were native to North America, many of the plants Russ described have found their way here from Europe or Asia. He promised that all could provide tasty and nutritious food in their season. Russ also gratefully acknowledged the efforts of our indigenous forebears over many thousands of years to discover and propagate some of the plants for efficient gathering.
Before dismissing us, Russ invited us to taste samples from some of his favorite recipes, including fox grape sorbet, autumn olive fruit leather, knotweed-infused pastries, maple hickory cookies, and birch twig wintergreen tea.
To read more about Russ Cohen and the art of foraging, visit his website or check out his guide, “Wild Plants I have Known…and Eaten.”
Rob Gogan is a West Acton resident and compiler of the Acton Nature Watch, a monthly column in the Acton Exchange.
