The Ridgewood Reservoir is a 19th-century water supply that turned back into forest and wetland, and this 90-minute walk teaches you to read the plants growing along its path. NYC H2O's series, which guide Sophie Cozine has led, covers how to identify herbs like mugwort, bee balm, plantain and yarrow and how people have traditionally used them. If you're curious about foraging, herbalism or city ecology, this is an easy, hands-on way to start.
What to expect
The group meets near the reservoir and walks the path at an easy pace, stopping at plants the guide identifies and explains. Expect to look closely at leaves and flowers, hear how each plant is traditionally used and how it looks this time of year, and ask questions along the way.
Good to know
- Check NYC H2O's website or Eventbrite page for registration and the exact meeting point before you go.
- Past walks met in the parking lot at 52-8 Vermont Place in Glendale, across from the reservoir.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water; the path runs through wooded, uneven terrain.
- Bring a notebook or phone to record plant names, which is what the organizers suggest.
- Don't pick plants in the park: this walk is for identification, and NYC Parks prohibits removing plants.
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Common questions
Who runs the Medicinal Plant ID Walk at Ridgewood Reservoir?
NYC H2O, a New York water-ecology education nonprofit, runs the walks, and guide Sophie Cozine has led the series.
Do I need any plant knowledge?
No. The walk is for anyone curious about botanical medicine or urban ecology, so beginners are welcome.
Where is the Ridgewood Reservoir?
It's in Highland Park on the Queens–Brooklyn border, and past walks met at the Vermont Place parking lot in Glendale.
