From Weeds to Trees: Historic Wild Foods of the Lower Susquehanna

Interdependence between plants and people is part of the heritage of the Susquehanna Riverlands.

For centuries, this diverse and fertile landscape has provided foods, medicines, and other essentials for countless communities, from Indigenous people who farmed and gathered in the river hills to fugitives seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad. With the introduction of large-scale farming and industrial development, many of today's local ecosystems are tangles of species old and new, each with their own story and history, and many continuing to offer nourishment and medicine for those interested in connecting deeply with the landscape. 

Join a guided walk at the Horn Farm Center, located in the Riverland's Hellam Valley, as we explore distinct local ecosystems to find edible and medicinal wild plants! We'll focus closely on the histories of edible plants both "native" and "introduced" while acknowledging their ecological roles. We will also emphasize ethical foraging and ways of giving back to the land, bringing together sustainability, stewardship, and respect for the stories that plants have to tell us. 

This program is being offered as part of Riverfest Weekend, taking place June 29-30, 2024. Learn more and explore other Riverfest events at riverfestpa.com/. 

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 here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. More information on arrival will be provided in a reminder email prior to the class. 

The cost for this program is $25/person. Children accompanying an adult may attend without charge. Not recommeded for very young children. 

About the Instructor: Andrew Leahy

Growing up in a rural town called Sweet Valley, just south of Ricketts Glen State Park, Andrew spent his life fostering a love for the PA wilds. He attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown and majored in English Literature and Music Composition while exploring regional ecology, slow food, composting, gardening, and foraging in the spaces between. This eventually led him to the staff of the Horn Farm Center, where, as Community Engagement Coordinator, he organizes educational opportunities, coordinates volunteers, runs social media, blogs, and assists with development and outreach projects. 

Andrew is an avid forager and student of wild spaces, interested in rekindling ways of living on the landscape that are place-sourced and mutually nuturing. He's had the privilege of enriching his experience by taking the Horn Farm Center's Land Steward and Ecological Gardener Training Programs. Beyond the Horn Farm, Andrew leads a book club for the Lancaster Composting Co-Ops, volunteers as a land steward with the Lancaster Conservancy, and spends Saturdays selling produce at Green Circle Organics in Lancaster Central Market.