Walk the Seasons: Winter

Discover the wonders of winter with an educational walk in nature!

The more we learn about the natural landscape, the more rooted we become. In the winter session of our Walk the Seasons series, we'll tour the wild gardens, meadows, and forests of the Horn Farm Center to enrich our understanding of the world around us, focusing closely on the signs and activities of the season. 

Tune into the rhythms of the natural world and (re)discover our place in the ecological webs that support us. We'll engage closely with the flora and fauna we find along the way, fostering a deeper appreciation for local ecology, natural history, and the simple ways we can take care of the earth by asking, "what would nature do?" 

Walk the Seasons programs are a bit spontaneous, but there are certain things we can expect to encounter this time of year, including: signs of animals moving across the landscape; identifcation clues specific to the cold season (bark, buds, bud scars, etc.); persisting fruits, seeds, and greens for people and wildlife; and the quiet solace that makes winter a special time worth spending outdoors. 

General topics we can expect to scratch the surface on include: 

• Basics of local ecology (what is?: succession, disturbance, habitat, niche, biodiversity) 
• Seasonal plant identification: from “weeds” to trees
• Historic changes to the landscape
• Human-scale ecological restoration and wild-tending practices
• Ethical foraging and wildcrafting
• Connecting with nature in all spaces (urban, suburban, rural) 
• Recognizing and addressing common outdoor worries (ticks, poisonous plants, snakes, etc.) 
• Tips for treading safely and responsibly outdoors. 

Whether you’re an avid naturalist or are just starting to spend more time outdoors, you'll leave this program with a renewed sense of wonderment, some practical knowledge about our region's plant and animal life, and perhaps solid footing to build deeper, more reciprocal relationship with the spaces you know. 

Program Notes:

Environment: 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. Class will proceed RAIN OR SHINE, except in cases of highly inclement weather. 

Arrival: Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time.

Audience: This program is suitable for all ages and appropriate for families. Please note, however, that there'll be a fair bit of walking on varying terrain. 

Cost: This program is being offered with financial accessibility in mind. Registration is "pay what you can" with a $5 minimum donation. Young children accompanying an adult may attend without charge. 

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.