Energetic Volunteers Beautify Jay Estate on 10th Anniversary I Love My Park Day

The 10th anniversary of Parks & Trails New York’s I Love My Park Day, held May 1, 2021, drew thousands of volunteers from across the state to participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites–including Jay Heritage and the Historic Jay Gardens!

Forager and author Tama Matsuoka Wong clipped invasive stinging nettle with Con Edison volunteers

This year we welcomed back renowned forager Tama Matsuoka Wong, author of “Foraged Flavor: Finding Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer’s Market,” who led workshops on identifying and harvesting edible invasive species for volunteer groups, including from Con Edison, a generous sponsor of some of JHC’s environmental and social justice programs.

Volunteers pulled garlic mustard, chickweed, stinging nettle, and other invasive weeds from throughout the Jay property. After a full morning’s work, they enjoyed free ice cream from Jimmy‘s Soft Serve!

Photography by Kim Crichlow

Harvesting garlic mustard
Volunteers from Con Edison and Rye YMCA
The reward at the end of the day!