What's Up With That? The Sky Is Fallling

Each year beginning in early fall, many streets in Northport become littered with brown droppings that resemble a brown  seed pods, some with visible bumps inside, like giant pea pods. 

A search on the U.S. Department of Agriculture web site revealed the tree from which they fall to be the ubiquitous honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos0) and the fruit called a carob pod.

The honey locust derives the "honey" in its name from the sweet taste of a gummy edible paste that surrounds the protein-packed peas inside the pods.  The pods are eaten by livestock, including horses, cattle and pigs, as well as squirrels, rabbits, deer and bird.

The honey locust can withstand poor soil, pollution and drought. According to the New York City Parks Department publication,  New York City Trees: A Field Guide for the Metropolitan Area, the honey locust is the most common street tree in Manhattan. For the same reason, they are often used on Long Island commercial streets and areas.

Although mainly used as livestock food, the  pods can be foraged and eaten directly off the tree, according to Mother Earth News, and they can also be used to make carob flour.  Simply remove the seeds, then dry the husks over hot coals and grind them - using a stone mortar and pestle like those pictured here - into a fine, dark meal.