To find a black walnut tree in the mid-Atlantic region, you don’t need to go very far.

Juglans nigra–a wild American relative of the cultivated English walnut (Juglans regia)–tends to grow in peopled landscapes: river valleys, forest edges, and the fringes of suburban development. 

Black walnuts earn most of their attention each fall, when prolific trees litter the ground with bulbous green fruits that decay to black. Between rolled ankles, stained sidewalks, and overstated claims of black walnut's toxicity to other plants, many people relegate the tree to the margin. But for foragers, locavores, and wildcrafters, black walnuts are an untapped, versatile resource inviting us to connect with seasonal rhythms, tastes, and colors.

This class will reclaim a well-rounded appreciation for the black walnut tree as a source of food and natural dye. While honoring the tree’s ecology and history, we’ll spend the day learning how to process its fruits for winter calories, durable crafts, and more.

Foraging & Ecology

We’ll hike to the Horn Farm’s woodlands for the first portion of this class, where we’ll identify black walnut, demystify its ecological and cultural stories, and collect freshly-fallen fruits to process into nuts. Students will engage hands-on with the process of collecting, hulling, and preparing walnuts for curing: a multi-week drying process before cracking and enjoying. We’ll also discuss and demonstrate cracking nuts, using nuts culinarily, and other creative adaptations of the black walnut tree’s offerings. 

Harvest allowing, students may leave with a small quantity of washed nuts primed for curing at home. 

Black walnut dye swatches. Image provided by Chelsea Thompson. 

Botanical Dyeing

For the second portion of this class, we’ll learn how to transform the hulls of black walnut fruits into wearable colors. Botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor will walk us through the process of extracting rich, durable pigments, using two methods--shibori and bundle dyeing--to color clothing or fabric items that you bring to class!  

By the end of the day, you may just be a little more “nuts” for the generous, charismatic black walnut tree! 

Program Schedule:

10am - 11:45am | Black walnut in the field: ecology & foraging 

11:45-12:30pm | Black walnut processing and tasting (supply allowing) 

12:30-1pm | Lunch break

1-3pm | Crafting with black walnut: botanical dyes

What to Bring

• Refillable water bottle
• Packed lunch and snacks as preferred
• Pad and pencil for notetaking and sketching
• Basket for take-home harvest (optional, and only if supplies allow)
• Box, bucket, bag, or other carrying item for taking home dyed fabrics (in case they are not completely dry) 
• Two light-colored articles of clothing or cloth suitable for natural dyeing (optional). Light grays, blues, yellows, etc. are acceptable, along with whites. 
  • RESTRICTIONS: Items must be of a reasonable size and composed of natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, etc.). If you are unsure about whether an item will be suitable, you can reach out to Chelsea Thompson at chelsea@earthencolor.com.
    • Examples of items to consider bringing: t-shirts, bandanas, socks, pillow-cases, tea towels 
    • Examples of items NOT to bring: anything bulky like jeans or jackets, sheets, or anything made of synthetic fibers.
  • Each student is limited to two items only. We'll cover two dye techniques: bundle dyeing and shibori, or "tie dye." 
  • When registering, you'll have the option to add on a cotton bandana and/or bamboo socks to dye as alternatives to bringing your own items. Add-on orders are available up to two weeks before the class, so make sure to register by Sunday, October 12th if you would like to purchase dye items instead of supplying your own. 

Black walnuts with lightly dyed fabric. Image provided by Chelsea Thompson.

Program Notes: 

Environment: This class will take place primarily outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for hiking up hilly terrain and spending time in the woods, both on- and off-trail. 

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

Audience: Children under 12 may attend for free if accompanied by a registering adult. Please note that 1) adults with children are still limited to two dye items, and 2) this program is primarily designed for adult engagement. Attendees between 13 and 17 must be registered separately and accompanied by a registering adult. 

Cost: The standard cost for this program is $63/person. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility. If you would prefer to purchase dye items instead of bringing your own, you'll be able to add on a white cotton bandana and/or a pair of socks when registering. NOTE that these add-on purchases will be only available up to October 12th. 

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 Instructors:

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.

Chelsea Thompson

Chelsea Thompson is a textile artist focusing on the use of plant dyes as a way to explore and strengthen a relationship with the natural world. Growing up on a horse farm has lead her to be endlessly inspired by the slow process and nuances of nature. She has fibers degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, where a creative vision was born through the project Earthencolor. With the use of botanical dyes, Earthencolor aims to convey a story through bespoke garments, accessories, and home goods. As a part of an ethos in using natural dyes, there is a belief that the colors processed from plants are synonymous to a life harmonious with the outdoors; each color yielded is unique in a life and story of its own, continuous of its former physical state.

Learn more about Chelsea's work at earthencolor.com. She can also be found on Instagram at @_earthencolor_