The Horn Farm has planted hundreds of American hazelnuts (Corylus americana) to demonstrate agroforestry for our community. 

These hazelnuts bring ecological benefits while preserving agricultural value on the land. Naturally found in wetlands and along streams, they're a key crop in the Horn Farm's multifunctional riparian buffer, where they help stablize soil, absorb excess water, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds. While smaller than the widely-grown European hazelnut (Corylus avellana--the nut behind Nutella), American hazelnuts are blight-resistant and better adapted to our region's frigid winters. The Horn Farm is currently collaborating with the Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative to explore American hazelnut's potential as a value-added nut product, like cooking oil and gluten-free flour. 

On Saturday, October 10th from 10am to 12pm, we're seeking volunteers to help us harvest  American hazelnuts. Depending on the number of volunteers and progress from previous workdays, tasks may include:

• Gathering ripe hazelnut clusters in buckets.
• Separating nuts from dried outer husks. 
• Removing encroaching plants to add space to the growing beds. 

Join us to learn about agroforestry, land restoration, and the local watershed while helping us ensure a thriving educational ecosystem at the Horn Farm. 

To join us for more volunteer workdays, visit hornfarmcenter.org/volunteer/

PICTURED: American hazelnut cracking demo at a community event. Individual American hazelnuts are smaller than they're European cousins, but their taste is essentially the same. Fresh nuts cannot be eaten directly from the tree; they need to be cracked to remove the hard outer shell and retrieve the tender, edible nutmeat inside. 

What to bring:

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, and bring your own water bottle (refills will be available). We have gloves on hand for those who want them. All tools will be provided.

Physical Activity Note:

This workday will require minor physical labor including stooping, carrying five-gallon buckets, and using manual hand pruners in potentially rainy, hot, or cold conditions. Be prepared for walking on uneven, possibly muddy terrain.

All Volunteers:

Please read our Volunteer Waiver and Release Form before your arrival. You will be prompted to acknowledge receipt of this form when you register for the workday. You can reach us at education@hornfarmcenter.org with any questions or concerns.

PICTURED: Unripe American hazelnuts (Corylus americana) in July.