Forager Training Program

Foraging is the act of finding and gathering wild food and medicine - but it is so much more. This 8-week course is an invitation to rekindle our age-old relationship with the land beneath our feet - to develop the skills, knowledge, and practices that are a critical part of our sense of place. Through this work, we can provide ourselves with healthy, FREE food and medicine, become more self-reliant, and connect on a deeper level to the landscape in which we live.

This 8-week session will provide foundational knowledge for those interested in beginning (or deepening) their path towards building a relationship with the land, incorporating wild plants into their everyday life, and gaining the knowledge to confidently share with others. Expect a diverse array of lectures, conversations, general plant walks, hands-on exercises, and the opportunity for plenty of tasting of both raw and prepared wild foods. 

The first session of this course will begin with introductions, foundational knowledge, observation exercises, and a general plant walk. Each subsequent class will have a specific plant or plant family of focus as well as discussions on harvest, preparation, and history. The final session will also include a wild foods potluck to share in the knowledge and practice gained. 

Topics covered will include: 

Safe practices
Ethical considerations
Basic botany including: terminology, plant parts, and plant families
Plant observation and identification
Understanding and using plant keys
Culinary uses - Harvesting, preparation, cooking and tasting
Introductions to a wide array of local, wild plants

What to bring:

Notebook - For taking notes and doing illustrations. Lined and unlined may be helpful.
Foraging tools if you have them (No need to purchase if not): Pocket knife (non-serrated), scissors, gloves, bags or basket. There will be extras to loan if needed.
Water bottle

Dress for the weather - We’ll be outside for all classes, rain or shine. Expect to do a fair amount of walking on potentially muddy or uneven ground.

Schedule:

This program runs for 2-3 hours weekly on Thursday evenings starting on May 2nd until June 20th from 6-8pm. 

*Please note- classes on  May 2 and June 20 will be 3 hours in length (5pm-8pm), all others will be 2 hours in length (6pm-8pm)*

Register early, class size is limited.

About the Instructor:

Jonathan is a wild foods enthusiast and educator, avid gardener, former farmer and has served the Horn Farm Center in varying capacities for over 15 years. He currently serves as Land Manager & Educator. Jonathan received his Permaculture Design Certification in 2011 from Susquehanna Permaculture and in 2014 completed his Permaculture Teacher Training through Dynamic Ecological Design. He is married with 2 kids and 3 cats.

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse.