Since the earliest days of our human story, people living in temperate bioregions have looked to fall as a time of harvest.

Lingering fruits and calorie-rich nuts share the landscape with medicinal flowers, roots, and bark, all offering important sustenance for the impending winter. As the days darken and summer winds down, it's a time to cherish the final cadence of the growing season; for land-based people, it's also a serious time, busy with gathering, curing, processing, preserving, and ensuring enough provisions for the lean season. There is no shortage of foods, medicines, and other gifts from the land to gather humbly and gratefully at this time. 

Whether you are interested in wild foods, local plants and ecology, or alternative uses for plants through wildcrafting and medicine, you're invited to join our Early Fall Forging Walk, taking place Sunday, October 5th from 10am to 12pm.

Along the way, we will spend time paying tribute to our long shared history with plants, looking beyond the question of "what can I eat?" on the landscape. We will also emphasize ethical foraging and ways of giving back to the land from which we’re taking–reinforcing how thinking like an ecosystem should guide the practice of gathering wild foods.

Beginners and experienced foragers are welcome. 

Program Notes:

Environment: 

This class will take place outdoors, rain or shine, along walking trails in meadow and woodland ecosystems at the Horn Farm. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Seasonal protection (sunscreen, hat, gentle bug spray/balm, etc.) is encouraged.

Accessibility: 

This program will involve walking on uneven, hilly terrain. Be prepared for varied and potentially muddy conditions. Walking pace is leisurely with frequent stops for discussion. 

Arrival: 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time. More details about parking will be communicated in a reminder email days before the program. 

Audience: 

While this class is suited for adult learning, children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Any child above 13 must be registered separately; children 12 and younger may attend without charge, but must be accompanied by a registering adult.

Community-Building:

While this program formally concludes at 12pm, you are welcome to pack in a lunch and stick around for casual conversation over food until 12:45. Note that fridge storage is not available. 

Cost: 

The standard cost for this program is $25/person. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility.

Dogs:

Since the Horn Farm is a working farm with active restoration spaces, we do not allow dogs in our programs. 

Cancellation: 

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. 

About the Instructor: Andrew Leahy

Growing up in a rural town called Sweet Valley, just south of Ricketts Glen, 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. In 2023, he had the privilege of enriching his experience by taking the Horn Farm Center's Land Steward Training Program. 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.