Before powerlines blanketed everything in light, the passing seasons were marked by various festivals, especially those of the last harvests. John Barleycorn, that personification of barely, was celebrated at this time — being the juncture of the last grain harvest. Mead and ale most certainly would be on the menu.

The change of season here in Sloatsburg will be celebrated at Harmony Hall on the great lawn Saturday, September 22, beginning at 2 p.m. The Autumn Equinox signals the official start of Fall and the dip in evening temperatures is right on cue.

“We are looking forward to a marvelous event,” said Geoff Welch, curator at Harmony Hall and event organizer. This year’s event includes poet Howard Horowitz, Native-American shaman Cindy Fountain, archaeologist Edward Lenik, and rattlesnake expert Randy Stechert. There will also be a multi-media presentation of projected nature photographs accompanied by Welch, an accomplished keyboard musician who uses the changing seasons as composition inspiration.

“All the presentations and music will be in Harmony Hall, in case of rain,” Welch said. “Rockland Forager Paul Tappenden will be making his first appearance at one of our events. Paul is very knowledgeable and his information on the wild edible plants that are all growing all around Sloatsburg will amaze you.”

Tappenden is one of the people behind the Suburban Foragers, a site that explores edible foods out in the semi-wilds right here in Rockland County. The site is definitely worth a visit and gives good insight on simple ways to get nature into your diet.

“Almost everything we forage is higly nutritious,” said Tappenden in a recent video called Out And About, where a few friends ventured out for some free nature food. “It is nutrient packed and, therefore, you don’t need to eat a lot of it to get a good nutritious meal,” he said, pointing out simple foods to collect within arms reach, such as wild grape leaves and milkweed. The video shows the suburban foragers collecting foods and gives tips on preparation.

“Because of conservation efforts much of the New York/New Jersey Highlands surrounding Sloatsburg remains as beautiful open space in Harriman/Bear Mountain and Sterling Forest State Parks,” Welch said. “The highland are indeed:  “The place where the pavement ends and nature begins.'”

The Autumn Equinox celebration takes place at Harmony Hall in the historic Jacob Sloat House and on the great lawn Saturday, September 22. The program begins at 2 p.m. and will continue to at least 5 p.m.

 Nature photos courtesy of Geoff Welch.