It's a park to her, it's a meal to him.
This philosophical difference with his boss led "Wildman" Steve Brill to quit his job as a Park Department guide, in which he led guests on a culinary cruise through the weeds, seeds and leaves of the city's parks.Brill's departure Tuesday ended a four-year truce between the Wildman and officials, who had him arrested on criminal mischief charges for eating weeds in 1986 before deciding to hire him at $15 an hour.
Brill blames his departure on Betsy Gotbaum, the new parks commissioner.
"She is sadly ignorant about the environment, and she is trying to force her ideas down my throat," said Brill.
Since 1981, Brill has led an estimated 15,000 people on walking-dining tours of city parks, encouraging them to sample the edible flora growing wild.
The self-proclaimed "Man Who Ate Central Park" said his dealings with Gotbaum left a bad taste in his mouth. She countered that Brill's tours could do the same for park visitors: "I don't think it's safe to eat a dandelion that a dog has urinated on."
Brill contended it's "more likely you'll be injured by muggers in the park than by my tour." And the Wildman said you're better off eating with him than at a park concession stand. "They serve junk food."
Brill also was irked that Gotbaum wanted him to punch a time clock like other employees.
He is continuing his tours, despite the threat of arrest, and hopes for a rapprochement with Gotbaum.