You’re likely familiar with the term coniferous.

It describes trees that produce seed-bearing cones and have needle-like leaves that are usually (but not always!) evergreen. 

Many of us colloquially refer to all conifers as “pines,” but true pines are actually their own category among coniferous trees, distinct from spruces, firs, cedars, and others. All of these trees extend meandering branches through our human story, but like knowing how to tell a pine from a fir, we’re not as attuned as we once were. Let’s take a walk outside, pick up a branch, and renew our awareness together.

In this class, we’ll cover identification and ecology of conifers while engaging old relationships through responsible foraging and wildcrafting. 

Starting in the field, we’ll practice differentiating common conifer species while discussing their roles in the ecosystem, traditional uses, and some of the fraught history between humans and these ancient trees. 

We’ll then move to the kitchen, where we’ll sample conifer tea, learn how to prepare aromatic needle smudges, and look into other simple applications for needles and bark, celebrating the ways we can incorporate these trees into our daily routines.

Join us to deepen your appreciation, your awe, and your knowledge for the ubiquitous conifers. We'll pay homage to these trees for both the lessons they offer us and the local resources they provide, inviting us to live in closer relationship with the land.  
 

Program Schedule:

10:30am - 12:30pm | Conifers in the field: foraging, ecology, & cultural history 

12:30-1:15pm | Transition + Lunch Break 

1:15-2:30pm | Conifers in the kitchen: tea, smudge, and more

What to Bring

• Refillable water bottle
• Pad and pencil for notetaking 

Attendees are also invited to pack a lunch and stick around for continued conversation and connection after the program concludes. Lunch will be held in the kitchen from 12:30 to 1:15pm. 

Program Notes: 

Environment: This class will take place primarily outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Expect lots of walking on potentially muddy or snowy terrain. 

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: This class is designed for adult learning. However, children under 12 may attend for free if accompanied by a registering adult. Attendees between 13 and 17 must be registered separately. 

Cost: The standard cost for this program is $35/person. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility.

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.