Spring's abundance has arrived!

The herbaceous layer swells, flowers peek open on the trees and shrubs, and fungi emerge across the cavities and crevices of the moist, warming forest.

May is the forager’s delight, especially for the bounty of fresh greens that awaken us to the radiance of the season: things like chickweed, stinging nettle, dead nettle, cleavers, milkweed, and more. From the ground to the understory, these are just a sampling of the plentiful foods and medicines we can find this time of year.   

Whether you are interested in wild foods, local plants and ecology, or alternative uses for plants through wildcrafting and medicine-making, you're invited to join our Mid-Spring Forging Walk, taking place Sunday, May 3rd from 10am to 12pm.

Along the way, we will spend time honoring the rich history our species shares with plants, looking beyond the question of "what can I eat?" We'll emphasize ethical foraging and ways of giving back to the land–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.

Accessibility: 

This program will involve walking on uneven, hilly terrain. Be prepared for varied and potentially muddy or snowy 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.

Cost: 

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

Dogs:

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

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

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. Moving to the Lower Susquehanna Region from the mountains of Northeastern PA in 2021, he currently serves as the Educational & Outreach Speciaist for the Horn Farm Center.

With an academic background in English literature and music composition, Andrew has since embraced ecological learning and lifelong wildcrafting, fostering his skills through the Horn Farm’s training programs and the Northern Appalachia School’s Foundations of Bioregional Herbalism program. In addition to leading monthly foraging walks and special topics courses, Andrew co-teaches the Horn Farm’s 10-week Forager Training Program.

Beyond the Horn Farm, Andrew enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, locavorous cooking, and  bioregional living. He 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.