Stick It, and It Will Grow!

Did you know that, under certain conditions, you can sprout a new tree by planting a single stick? 

Live stakes are stem cuttings from trees and shrubs. When planted or "staked" into the ground, these cuttings are capable of growing into new plants. Many plants adapted to riparian habitats--like streamsides and wetlands--have evolved the ability to resprout from cuttings, since unstable conditions are the ecological norm in these habitats.

From local waterways to your own backyard, live stakes are a promising option for restoring healthy natural ecosystems with native vegetation. They're an accessible and renewable resource for mitigating soil erosion, impeding pollutants from entering waterways, providing habitat for birds, insects, and mammals, and bringing natural beauty back to degraded landscapes. 

In this hands-on program, we'll tour a live stake planting and "nursery" in the Horn Farm's multifunctional riparian buffer. This streamside area combines ecological restoration and tree-based agriculture, or agroforestry. You'll learn about the science of live stakes, which plants and habitats are best suited for this restoration technique, and how to harvest, store, and grow stem cuttings. In the field, you'll also learn tips for winter tree identification, historical uses of common riparian plants, propagation, and non-chemical habitat restoration. 

At the conclusion of this program, you'll have the option to purchase small live stake bundles harvested ahead of time for planting at home or in your community. 

Join us to learn how we can use what the land provides to build soil, protect water, and bolster biodiversity! 

Program Notes:

Environment: 

This class will take place primarily outdoors, rain, snow, or shine. We'll be walking on managed grass paths. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly.

Accessibility: 

The terrain for this program is primarily flat and maintained. Patches of mud or snow are possible, so hiking shoes are encouraged. 

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: 

This class is best suited for adults. Any child above 13 must be registered separately and 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 Instructors:

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.

Tamara Shertzer 

Tamara Shertzer began her journey working in regenerative agriculture spaces in 2016, after pursuing a career in the culinary arts. First as a hobby-gardener, and later as a farmer and folk herbalist, she currently holds the role of Production & Marketing Coordinator at the Horn Farm Center.

With an eagerness to give back to the land, and the desire to spark inspiration for others to do the same, Tam has followed the threads of her interests in regenerative agriculture, conservation, foraging/ wild-crafting/ cooking, and outdoor recreation to inform her work. As a life-long student, Tam has continued cultivating her knowledge through lived experiences and ecological learning opportunities, such as the various training programs held at the Horn Farm Center.

After hours, Tam enjoys camping, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, and bioregional crafting, all made possible by the beautiful Susquehanna River and surrounding valley. She is a member of Trout Unlimited and aspires to contribute to clean water and thriving ecosystems within our local watersheds.