Foraging Native Trees & Planting Session - Hancock, MD: Yellowbud Hickory, Aronia, Ninebark, Red Bud, Black Cherry, Burr Oak

DIY With Chelsea gave back to the community this past month in Hancock, MD. Volunteers learned about how we can have a give and take relationship with our local trees. The sponsor "Wild Potomac" is holding these events throughout the state of Maryland this year and will be planning a full food forest at an undisclosed location for the next year or so. This will highly benefit giving back to nature while giving us nutrients in food related items we can make from these trees. Note, not all of the trees planted can be harvested for edible food.

Please share and follow "Wild Potomac" on their Facebook page or website here: www.wildpotomac.org

Pictured you can see a syrup made from a "food tree" Widmyer Park Pavillion Hancock Maryland 2026

So, what can you make from these trees we planted?

Forging Local Trees

1. Yellowbud Hickory - Syrup

2. Aronia - Jams, Jellies, Syrups, and Juices

3. Ninebark - These were put in by the river bank for erosion (not a food tree)

4. Wild Black Cherry - Jams, Jellies, Syrups, and Fermented Drinks

5. Red Bud - Young seed pods and leaves edible - spring salads

6. Burr Oak - Roasting nuts and turning into flour

How about that, we just learned those trees you pass by everyday have benefits to us humans!

Hope to see you in late summer for some more events with Wild Potomac!

~DIY With Chelsea

4.28.2026