Here's a natural area that's great to explore in early spring, with lots of common species, plus some surprises still in store. There are cultivated areas, thickets, streams, and woodlands, all with different plant communities. Wild herbs and greens could also be thriving in fields and disturbed habitats.

Sheep Sorrel: Use these sour-flavored leaves in salads and soups. However much you collected, you'll wish you'd gotten more! Roots are in season in early spring, so we'll be finding burdock root, which tastes like a combination of potato and artichoke; wild carrots, more flavorful and more chewy than commercial carrots; and sweet and spicy common evening primrose. Stone Barns is a great place for mushrooms. With enough rain beforehand, we might find early-season species, such as tree ears, oyster mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms.

The 2-hour walking tour begins at 1 PM, Sunday, March 21, at Stone Barns Center, 630 Bedford Rd., in Pocantico Hills, NY. The fee is $25/person, payable to Stone Barns. Call (914) 366-6200 x 151 at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a place.