Want to expand your palate and save money on food? Mt. Airy's self-described “soil nerd,” Allison Houghton, can help you do that in her upcoming Mt. Airy Learning Tree course, “Spring Foraging Fun in Mt. Airy.” 

Houghton, a naturalist and soil and ecosystem resiliency consultant, comes by her expertise via a double BS degree in Geology and Environmental Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She told the Local, “Even though there are thousands of edible species out there, we modern-day humans focus on fewer than 100 cultivated plant species for the majority of our diets! 

“Not only do we miss amazing flavors, but we miss an opportunity to connect more deeply with our landscapes. Many edible plants are also absolutely essential for wildlife, and foragers who are deep observers, rooted in care for the land, have an opportunity as never before to be active stewards in our landscapes.”

During her course, Houghton said, “We will explore the unusual and fascinating stories of foraging, conservation, land care and historical plant use with a deep dive into some of the incredible edibles (and what they tell us) all around us like juneberry, oak, nettles, Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and turkey tail mushrooms!”

Growing for good

Houghton grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and at age 13 moved with her family to Tuscon, Arizona. As an MIT undergraduate, she majored in geology and civil and environmental engineering. “I developed an interest in soil,” she said. “MIT loves to create collaboration across disciplines. Many ideas come forth when people put their minds together. I became a big soil nerd.”

After graduating MIT in 2008, Houghton went into regenerative agriculture work, specializing in soil health, using plants as partners to grow soil. At that time she also met her husband-to-be, James Houghton, from Houston, Texas, originally from England. He was an aerospace engineer who had switched to social sciences, earning a doctorate in system dynamics at MIT. 

The couple spent 17 years in the Boston area, where Allison taught adult education online with Massachusetts gardeners, museums, and garden clubs. In the Boston area she also worked with nonprofits such as the Food Project and Northeast Organic Farm Association, helping farmers and others learn the best ways to capture carbon. She worked for Green City Growers, a for-profit organization that was horticulture-directed with edible crops, growing for food pantries, restaurant rooftops, etc., and producing educational materials for growers and schools. 

In 2021 James was hired by the University of Pennsylvania for post-doctorate work, bringing the Houghtons to Philadelphia in the fall of 2021. One year after moving to Philadelphia, Allison began teaching at MALT, which she said is “a wonderful group of people who are excited to learn, and each time I teach a class I learn something new. It's a lot of fun to see who comes into each class. I am amazed at the age range and passion of so many people in this area for growing their own food. And foraging classes in particular.” Houghton also taught at Germantown’s Wyck Historic House and Garden and Morris Arboretum. 

Forage wisely

Laws regarding foraging for edible plants on publicly owned lands do vary. According to Sally McCabe, associate director of community education for the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, “Many parks have laws on the books about removing plant material from parks, but I also know there’s a big difference between entering and leaving the park with a bag versus walking in with a shovel and scales and walking out with a wheelbarrow full of goodies. I know people who have been ticketed for that. Is foraging legal at your local park? At the nearby state or federal park? To know for sure, you’ll probably need to ask a park ranger or manager at the specific park you’re considering foraging in.”

What is Houghton's take on this somewhat controversial issue? “Anti-foraging laws stem from the post-colonial era, from the drive to dissociate us from native peoples and their way of life,” she said. “Foraging can do damage, but the people who know and love landscapes are the ones who protect it the most. Some native plants such as common milkweed do better with some foraging. The Monarch butterfly likes the tender growth of the milkweed; they are amazing pollinators.”

Houghton loves to explore the Wissahickon with her children, Peter, 7, and Lizzie, 1. “And I have a small garden in our backyard on the wilder side,” she said. “Peter watches bugs and notices how many different species of bees there are. I have really enjoyed getting to know Philadelphia and the Wissahickon, which is a jewel and fun to explore. I am honored to be in this area. There are so many cool plant species.”

Houghton, who has a monthly newsletter, will also teach “Grow the Best Darn Tomatoes” on Saturday, May 3, 1:30 to 4 p.m., at 6401 Germantown Ave. She will teach about seeding, fertilizing, troubleshooting pest or disease problems and pruning to give you great tasting tomatoes.

“Spring Foraging Fun in Mt. Airy” runs May 14, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the Allens Lane Train Station's High Point Cafe, and June 11, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at Allens Lane Art Center.

For more information, visit mtairylearningtree.org.  

Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.

Editor's Note: The language used to describe Green City Growers has been edited  from "startup" to "organization" since the company has been in business since 2008.