As the heat of summer begins to wane and signs of fall emerge, a particularly bountiful time takes shape.

Medicinal flowers and greens either make a showing or regain their composure as rains pass through and the intensity of the sun starts to diminish. Soft sweets like autumn olive and elderberry accompany the first harvests of the hard fruits: black walnut, hickory nuts, acorns, hazelnuts, and more. Moving into late September, a beloved foraging staple of the Lower Susquehanna begins to ripen: the pawpaw will soon be filling the riverlands with its unmistakable scent. From the forests to the meadows to the edges between, the generosity of the land is immense at this exciting and short-lived time. 

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 Late Summer Forging Walk, taking place Sunday, September 13th from 10am to 12pm.

Along the way, we will spend time paying tribute to our long shared history with plants, looking beyond the question of "what can I eat?" on the landscape. We will also emphasize ethical foraging and ways of giving back to the land from which we’re taking–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.