Foraging Walks New York

Alley Pond Park Ecology Walk

We will meet on Friday 07/17 at 5pm outside the stone house bathrooms, west of the main parking lot in Alley Pond Park, right by the soccer field. This will be a 2 hour guided walk where we will explore the beautiful woodland of Alley Pond Park. On this walk, we can expect to find some interesting fungi and plants. As always, we will also learn to identify the various trees that grow in these woods. People of all ages are welcome! Bring water to stay hydrated! The cost of the 2 hour walk is $25 per adult. Children under 18 are free. Cash or Zelle / Venmo is accepted. For any questions, please text me at 917-434-9934

Join Us for the 2026 Great Goat Graze-Off Walk

**Date:** Saturday, July 18, 2026 (rain date July 19). **Time:** 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. We begin walking **at 10:45 a.m. sharp**. We’ll spend about an hour at the 2026 *Great Goat Graze-Off*, featuring three of Riverside Park’s weed‑eating goats. **Distance:** \~6.5 miles at a moderate pace, with several drop‑out points. **Meeting Location:** NW corner of Broadway & West 145 St, at the exit of the #1 train’s 145 St station, in front of McDonald’s. **Bring:** Water, sunscreen, hat, snacks, lunch. **Restrooms:** Riverbank Park before heading north; additional restrooms available later along the Hudson River Greenway. **🐐 About the Walk** We’ll kick off the day with an unconventional spectacle: a competitive eating event starring Riverside Park’s famous weed‑eating goats. The 2026 *Great Goat Graze-Off* begins at 11 a.m. just north of Ten Mile River Playground (near W. 151 St). The event is overseen by George Shea of Major League Eating — the same host of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest — and is currently the only professional eating competition between goats. After enjoying the festivities, we’ll head south along the Hudson River Greenway, stopping for lunch near the West Harlem Piers. We’ll continue to W. 59 St and finish at Columbus Circle. If the day is hot, we’ll shift to the upper-level paths of Riverside Park for shade and breezes. **🌿 Background: The Goats Are Baaaaack** For the past six summers, the Riverside Park Conservancy has brought in goats from upstate New York to clear poison ivy and invasive plants from steep slopes. These hard‑working animals can eat **up to 25% of their body weight in vegetation daily**, and have already restored areas around W. 120 St and W. 143 St. This year, they’re tackling a new site near W. 137 St. See more details at [https://riversideparknyc.org/goatham/.](https://riversideparknyc.org/event/goatham-2026-the-great-goat-graze-off/) Hike leader: Brigitte, 646-651-3911 (day of walk only).

LET'S WALK FOR ICE CREAM! 8 mile loop

**Our i-conic🍦🍨ice cream walk is back—AGAIN!! ✨😃🤘** **This walk is all about ice cream, perfect for a hot summer day in the city:** * **Brisker 8 mile loop with start/ end at Columbus Circle.** * **About 5 hours on city streets (Upper West / East Side) and Central Park paths.** * **Numerous drop out points.** **Meet:** **Columbus Circle behind the Maine Monument in the shade at 4pm.** **We will start on time.** **Subways: 59th street station (Columbus Circle): A, B, C, D, 1; 57th street station (Carnegie Hall): N, Q, R.** **What to expect on this walk:** * **Mix of modern creameries and old-school parlors with a blend of traditional and innovative gelato, kosher, vegan and even Mexican-inspired ice cream. Most of the stops are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars!** * **We will visit 3 ice cream places on the West Side and 3 on the East Side, which includes some hidden treasures and delicious surprises.** * **This is the ultimate happy walk… 🥰** **Important:** * **Bring water, cash, and wet wipes for the sticky fingers (optional).** * **Use bathrooms before the walk in Central Park (Merchants' Gate Public Restroom) or Columbus Circle shops (Wholefoods or upstairs).** * **There is a bathroom at the 3rd gelato 🍨 shop.** * **We will have a bathroom break in Central Park by the tennis courts about half way on the walk.** * **Only 30 walkers due to limited capacity in ice creams shops. If you don't get on this walk, don't worry: we will repeat the walk in July and August. Watch out for the posts on Meetup.** * **We walk in all weather, except for thunderstorms.** **Hike leaders:** **Tiffany Mills—718-300-1655** **Sigrid Stropnik—404-991-8229** **Maureen Barodin—718-954-1581** **📝 When texting, please announce yourself!**

Manhattan Pizza Crawl

NYC is known for having some of the best pizza in the world. Do you know what the best spots are to grab a slice? Let’s walk to try some of the best rated pizza in the city! On this walk we will sample 5 top rated pizzerias in Manhattan, starting in Harlem and ending on the Lower East Side. All of them offer pizza by the slice so you can easily grab a sample. Try a slice at each location, pick only the ones you’ve been meaning to try or just walk to check out these highly rated places. This year we will visit some past favorites while also trying some new locations: •Patsy’s •Mama’s Too •My Pie Pizzera Romana •NY Pizza Suprema •Scarr’s Pizza This walk will be approximately 13 miles. The pace will be brisk walking from location to location but we will make frequent stops and spend a few minutes at each location so that everyone who wants to can purchase and enjoy a slice. Be prepared to stand and eat your slice like a New Yorker because there is limited seating! This walk is not for those who are in a rush or who don’t like to make stops. Bring water, comfortable shoes and your appetite! Contact walk leader Jessica with any questions (347) 603-8447.

Guided Mindful Walking in Nature - Prospect Park Edition

Though the body we move in nature, with our mind/consciousness we are part of nature. MINDFULNESS - the practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heighted or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis. MINDFUL WALKING - a practice that enhances mental clarity and reduces stress by fostering a deep connection with the present moment (the here and now) through awareness of each individual step and the Sight, Sound and Smell of the surrounding environment. Please read the below information carefully and take the time to view the myriads of videos available that explain the concept of Mindful Walking. Let me begin by thanking you for accompanying me on a work in progress to develop a methodology for teaching and leading a Mindful Walking workshop, my goal is to guide/lead the novice through an unfamiliar or complex procedure in a step-by-step process so that they can attain a basic level of skill and knowledge in the practice of Mindful Walking. Upon entering "Brooklyn's Jewel" the stunningly beautiful Prospect Park, we will commerce with a breathing and exercise session followed by several training practice walks that will introduce the attendees to the techniques of Mindful Walking. For the remainder of our Prospect Park adventure, we will alternate long bouts of conversation flowing walking sessions with shorter bouts of silent guided Mindful Walking sessions. The route that we will follow will include specific areas of the park of such stunning scenic beauty (in every season of the year) that will inspire and uplift all who attend. Because of the workshop nature of this event, I will limit the number of attendees to ten (10) people. When you sign up, you will be placed on the Waiting List. Attendees will be manually moved from the Waiting List to the Going List. Am looking for First Timers to attend these training events. My future vision for this method of training is to present many workshops for first-timers, mixed with separate events for those adepts with the Mindful Walking concept. Furthermore, I will expand the range of this event to scenic natural locations (including waterside venues) around the Greater New York area. We will exit Prospect Park by the Grand Army Plaza entrance. The nearest Subway Station will be the Grand Army Plaza Station of the #2 and #3 Trains. Will be walking at a moderate (not slow) pace. The walk will last three and a half hours and will cover about 4 miles. There will be ample restrooms stops and a thirty-minute lunch break. Heavy rain/snow or other forms of extreme weather will cancel the walk. Please check this site for updates. LEADER: Bob Lazzaro email: rlazzaro4@aol.com. I will use a voice amplification device to foster better understanding and clarity between myself and attendees.

Let's Walk!! Brookdale Park

If entering from Bellevue Avenue and park in the first parking lot on the left. We will be gathering near the the playground area. if entering from Watchung Ave, park and walk up to the upper parking lot near the playground area. We will be walking the outer path. There are several break-off points if you do not want to walk the entire path. The walk will be about an hour or at least 3-4 miles. Wear comfortable shoes! Please plan to arrive 5 minutes early. The walk will start promptly. Brookdale Park offers the public access to both passive and active recreational activities as well as picturesque vistas. Trails for walking and running, lush groves and extensive lawns, playgrounds, sports fields, track facilities, tennis courts, an archery range and stadium grandstand are just some of the numerous attractions that make Brookdale Park a magnet for nature lovers, families, and physical fitness enthusiasts for miles around. https://www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/brookdale-park Disclaimer: If you join us for a hike, please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap.

Coastal Mindfulness Walk & Picnic on the North Shore

[Register here](https://plantpoweredmetrony.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/plantpoweredmetrony/event.jsp?event=3993&)! Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a restorative summer afternoon on the North Shore, featuring mindfulness practices, gentle movement, a bring-your-own picnic lunch, and community connection in a coastal setting. Led by Natalie Zolotareva, PPMNY Nutrition Educator, the morning will begin at the [Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NAxXHpWna2zZxAPe7) trailhead with a brief guided meditation focused on sensory awareness. Next, we'll take a mindful walk along a 4-mile out-and-back coastal path at an easy pace. The walk will include guided mindfulness prompts and opportunities for conversation. After the walk, we'll gather for a second mindfulness practice for sensory awareness through sight, smell, touch, and taste prior to enjoying lunch together. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and a picnic lunch in a backpack to enjoy following the program. The event will [start at the trailhead off of West Shore Road and end at Bar Beach in North Hempstead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdounSem3D1Xep2i9), about a 10-minute drive from the Port Washington LIRR station. Carpool rides from the station are available if requested. If you would like a ride, please contact [corey.simoneau@ppmny.org](mailto:corey.simoneau@ppmny.org) in advance to arrange pickup. *Hosted by PPMNY's Natalie Zolotareva and Corey Simoneau*

Hiking, Swimming and Eating Raspberries in Black Rock Forest

Join me on a hike in Black Rock Forest Those who joined me last year on this hike could remember the enormous amount and sweetness of wild raspberries grown there. Looks like this weekend is the right time. Subject to the weather condition - can be re-scheduled. **Please, be advised that the return time is just an estimate and the hike can take longer, so plan the rest of your day accordingly not to disrupt our and your plans** Trails and pace will be moderate. Distance: approx. 10-11 miles *(Please read the whole description including Q&A to avoid any confusion or inconvenience)* **Parking coordinates: 41.4187250191924, -74.0104010424375 (fee $5/car)** *ATTENTION! PLEASE USE PARKING LOCATION COORDINATES GIVEN IN THIS DESCRIPTION ABOVE ONLY. DISREGARD ANY OTHER MAPS OR PINS.* We will do a loop hike visiting several vistas, and will have a lunch at a hidden spot at Sutherland Pond (subject to the weather and spot availability) Swimming is legal, optional but highly recommended. Do not forget your swimwear. Raspberries are also optional and unlimited (subject of their readiness), and we will pick them up on the way back, otherwise we will never get to the swimming/lunch spot :-) I will try to call park service to find out if raspberries are ready *For those who register but do not want to stay with us the whole route I will appreciate if you let me know well ahead of time to see if the hike will happen at all*. I limit the size of the group to 10 as it is hard to care for a larger group. I will kindly ask those who register to stay with the group. Those who do not want to stay with the group are welcome to join us but, please, do not register and we consider you to be on your own. Please, be at the parking lot by 9am. Cell phone connection may be not available. Please, give yourself enough time to get there - we will get on the trail in time to be back in time and still have daylight time in reserve. **BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME, please, check this announcement for the last minute cancellation or changes (anything could happen and I will do my best not to waste your time)** **And if you register, please, be responsive to my messages regarding your attendance. In the case you change your mind please un-register or let us know ASAP so that we do not waste our time waiting. It is ESPECIALLY important if you are the only one registered - me and the whole trip depends on you, so please be respectful to my time also.** Bring hiking boots, at least 2 quarts of water, snack/lunch, layers, rain gear etc. *In the case you or your guests did not hike or had issues hiking before, please be considerate about your or your guests' physical shape and readiness to keep up with the group. Though un-predictable delays, even accidents, are always possible we all come to enjoy some physical activity to be on schedule and while we are all different, care for each other and stay together as a group I would like to avoid predictable unreasonable delays and slow downs.* If in doubt, feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns. FAQ: Q: Do you have a link to AllTrails? A: No. I usually plan my hikes using a map. It leaves some uncertainty and feel of adventure (otherwise it would be like eating partially digested food). If I have one I will post it in the description. Q: Do you know total accent for the hike? A: No. I plan hikes based on the length, available parking, good lunch spot or POI. Ups and downs are unavoidable. Usually it will be between 1500 and 3000 feet. Q: Is your hike still on? A: As soon as I decide to cancel the hike on any reason I will notify participants and cancel it on Meetup. That is why I ask to check this site periodically and before leaving your home. Otherwise it is still on, no matter how few people are registered. Q: What is a preferable way to communicate with you? A: Please, use preferably Meetup chat for communication (I just cannot monitor Meetup, Facebook, Telegram, SMS etc) On the day of the hike please call my phone (hopefully, provided that morning) as I will be driving and cannot use other ways of communications. Please have Meetup application installed on your phone as it is the only way for me to reach you if anything happens **Except of a very un-ordinary situations, no responses are provided and no calls are answered after 9pm** \-\-\-\-\-\- If you join us for hiking (or any other event), understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. It is your responsibility to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. Your attendance on this trip signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver

Central Park Bird Walk

Bird, butterflies and dragonflies. We will explore the southern portion of Central Park from 59th street to 67th street visiting the Pond, Hallet Preserve, Gapstow Bridge and Dene Slope looking for birds, butterflies and dragonflies. We will be walking on paved paths. To join please send $15/person via Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or Paypal @ editconsul@aol.com

Self Guided 6-Day Hike Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls in Iceland

Guided Mindful Walking in Nature - Bay Ridge Edition

**Though the body we move in nature, with our mind/consciousness we are part of nature.** **MINDFULNESS - the practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heighted or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.** **MINDFUL WALKING - a practice that enhances mental clarity and reduces stress by fostering a deep connection with the present moment (the here and now) through awareness of each individual step and the Sight, Sound and Smell of the surrounding environment.** **Please read the below information carefully and take the time to view the myriads of videos available that explain the concept of Mindful Walking.** **Let me begin by thanking you for accompanying me on a work in progress to develop a methodology for teaching and leading a Mindful Walking workshop, my goal is to guide/lead the novice through an unfamiliar or complex procedure in a step-by-step process so that they can attain a basic level of skill and knowledge in the practice of Mindful Walking. From the Library we will make our way to John Paul Jones Park where we will commerce with breathing and exercises, followed by several training practice walks that will introduce the attendees to the techniques of Mindful Walking.** **For the remainder of our Bay Ridge adventure, we will alternate long bouts of conversation flowing walking sessions with shorter bouts of silent guided Mindful Walking sessions along the Shore Road Promenade, the Shore Road Greenway and the Narrows Botanical Gardens. To put into practice the methods that have been taught, each attendee will experience a solo mindful walk in Owl’s Head Park at the end of the event.** **Because of the workshop nature of this event, I will limit the number of attendees to ten (10) people. When you sign up, you will be placed on the Waiting List. Attendees will be manually moved from the Waiting List to the Going List. Am looking for First Timers to attend these training events. My future vision for this method of training is to present many workshops for first timers, mixed with separate events for those adepts with the Mindful Walking concept. Furthermore, I will expand the range of this event to scenic natural locations (including waterside venues) around the Greater New York area.** **The closest Subway Station at the end of the walk will be the Bay Ridge Avenue stop of the R Train (Bay Ridge Avenue and Fourth Avenue)** **Will be walking at a moderate (not slow) pace. The walk will last three and a half hours and will cover about 4 1/2 miles. There will be ample restrooms stops and a 20-minute lunch break.** **Heavy rain/snow or other forms of extreme weather will cancel the walk. Please check this site for updates.** **LEADER: Bob Lazzaro email: rlazzaro4@aol.com.** **I will use a voice amplification device to foster better understanding and clarity between myself and attendees.**

Freegan Vegetarian Feast in the Rockaways

*Attendees are encouraged to participate in Thursday’s trash tour to help rescue food to use for this Freegan Feast.* A FREE vegetarian, mostly vegan, community meal we make together with love, using the food the group rescued on the Trash Tour the night before. We’ll meet new people, reconnect with old friends, tell stories and jokes, and generally unplug from the current pent-up world. Please note that while freegans encompass a diversity of diets, our feasts are vegetarian (and mostly vegan). Media WILL be welcome **by appointment only,** and journalists will be required to respect the wishes of those who do not want to be photographed. **When & Where:** Arrive at 6pm pm to begin cooking and preparation.
Plan on lending a hand in some way even if other commitments prevent you from arriving on time. This Feast will be held at a volunteer’s home, a houseboat in the beautiful, beachy Rockaway — we’ll be eating on the deck!
You may want to come out earlier to enjoy the beach! The houseboat is reachable by NYC transit, and is smoke free and pet free.
It is not wheelchair accessible, and there is a big step to get on the boat from the dock, and a flight of stairs to get to the kitchen and deck.
Reach out if you have concerns and want more info. RSVP (at least a day ahead) for yourself and any guests, to Janet at (347) 724-6954 for the exact location.