In Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, local residents have the unique opportunity to explore the edible wonders of their neighborhood with Dave Odd, a full-time professional forager. Odd, who has a background in stand-up comedy, leads ‘Eat the Neighborhood’ tours that educate participants about the abundance of edible plants in their surroundings.

Discovering Local Edibles

Odd’s tours, which start at $40, offer a mix of science, history, and humor, guiding attendees through the identification of at least 50 edible plants. These tours often include an optional meal featuring ingredients found during the walk. Upcoming events include berry foraging and an overnight ‘forage and feast’ on Odd’s property in Iroquois County.

Growing up in Skokie, Odd developed a passion for nature and plants, which he combined with his love for cooking, inspired by his mother. His foraging journey began with mushroom hunting in Indiana, eventually leading him to supply unique ingredients to Chicago’s top restaurants.

Foraging Tips and Regulations

Odd emphasizes the importance of understanding local foraging regulations. While the Chicago Park District prohibits uprooting plants, state parks allow foraging of mushrooms, berries, fruits, and nuts for personal use. Odd advises using common sense and checking online resources to ensure the safety of foraged items.

Throughout the tour, participants learn about various plants like American Redbud, burdock, and day lilies, with Odd sharing preparation tips and historical anecdotes. The tour concludes with a meal prepared by Carnivore’s owner, featuring foraged ingredients.

Odd’s tours aim to demystify nature and encourage people to see their environment as a source of nourishment and discovery. For more information, visit the Eat the Neighborhood website.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.