Question
This is a little oblique: I've developed a strong recent interest in edible wild plants and common garden-variety weeds.  This is an awkward season to become quite so absorbed in the topic, but I figure if I start boning up now I'll be ready in the spring to rush out into the fields.  My question is, Can you direct me to a good resource to start learning the basics of edible wild plants?  Just some good books on the topic would be very welcome.  I'm in the Philadelphia area.  Thanks for your time.

Answer
the best bet would be to contact your local county agricultural agency. i'm in southern NJ and we use Rutgers as our extension service. most of PA (Phila. for sure) uses Penn State Agricultural Extension services. look in the local phone book under county agricultural agencies. talk to the people there and ask to be put on their mailing list for edible wild plants and weeds. in NJ, Vineland has a dandelion festval where they make a wine from dandelions. places like water lou gardens in exton,PA and Devon i'm sure they have people versed on edible plant not normally grown in the gardens. you may want to go to borders or a similar bookstore to look up native species plant books.
good luck