COLDEN , NY-A simple nature walk can provide us with so much. It brings peace to the soul, quiets the mind, and If done with knowledge and respect it can also supply sustenance for the body. The fields and forests around Western New York are already ripe with plants that can be harvested and made into a nutritious meal.

The first rule of foraging however, is to know what you are gathering. Eating the wrong plant can have serious consequences. Sandy Geffner of Earth Spirit Educational Services cautions." Just as these plants will feed us and heal us, they can also obviously hurt us. We have to be schooled properly, we have to take the time and energy and prepare ourselves for this kind of work."

Following a very successful soft opening at their spacious new location at 4557 Main St. in Snyder, Farmers & Artisans will host a grand opening celebration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Guests will have an opportunity to meet several local food producers and sample many of their products during the day-long event.

A local food market and artisan bakery, Farmers & Artisans was previously located at 78 East Spring St. in Williamsville. The new location places even greater focus on local and sustainable food products provided by smaller producers and growers, according to owner Julie Blackman. Blackman’s family also owns Blackman Homestead Farm in Lockport.