Native plants walk at TAUNY

CANTON -- Take a walk on Falls Island behind Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) on Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., with native plant expert Jane Desotelle. Founder of the herbal-products business Underwood Herbs and a 2007 North Country Heritage Award recipient, she has devoted many years to studying wild plants in their natural habitats. On the recently completed walking trails behind the gallery at 2 West Main St., Canton, she will talk about which native plants grow there and how they might be used traditionally.

Following the walk, participants will head to the gallery to hear more about Desotelle's botanical research and to taste snacks she has made from wild plants. The Falls Island Plant Walk is part of a series of spring programs made possible by a contribution from the Canton Community Fund.

TAUNY is dedicated to helping people understand and appreciate the folk traditions and local culture of everyday life -- past and present -- in the North Country. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call TAUNY at (315) 386-4289, e-mail info@tauny.org or visit www.tauny.org.

Plant swap in Westport

WESTPORT -- Each spring, the Master Gardener volunteers of Essex County host several plant swaps throughout the area. If you're a beginning gardener, this is a great chance to get started with some plants that have been grown in this area, giving you a better chance at starting a healthy garden. For veteran gardeners, it's an ideal way to try something new. The first swap of the season will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Essex County Cooperative Extension in Westport. Call the Essex County CCE for more information at 962-4810 or visit http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/essex/.