A Familiar Sight? 

Every summer across the northwest, miles of roadways and field edges erupt with conspicuous, crimson-colored cones. These unusual structures–which are actually clusters of fuzzy fruits–belong to a hardy plant commonly known as “sumac.” 

The name “sumac” can stir confusion. Some people think of a tangy spice popular in West Asian and Mediterranean cuisine; others imagine a toxic plant they’re told not to touch. As far as common names go, both groups are correct. But like many generalizing terms, “sumac” has a tendency to cloud our vision. The consequences include mistaken identity, misplaced fear, and missed opportunities to explore a valuable local source of food, medicine, dye, and more. 

Demystify the fascinating world of sumac with us during a day of foraging and craft-making at the Horn Farm. After learning how to distinguish the plants commonly known as “sumac,” as well as their lookalikes, we’ll get to know the most common species of true sumac in southern PA–staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina).

Foraging & Tea Tasting

Visiting staghorn sumac in the field, we’ll cover how to process its delectable fruits for flavoring and tea. We’ll also discuss other uses, ethical harvest practices, and the ecology of staghorn and related sumacs. General foraging tips and insights will be shared. Along the way, you will get to sample a cold sumac beverage and sumac spice.

Botanical Dyeing

For the second portion of this class, we’ll learn how to transform the fruits and leaves of staghorn sumac into wearable colors. Botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor will walk us through the process of extracting earthy, durable pigments and transferring them to textiles. You will get to dye two take-home items in the class using the shibori (tie-dye) and bundle-dying methods.  

Pigment swatches dyed with staghorn sumac fruit and leaves. Image provided by Chelsea Thompson. 

Join us to expand your perspective—not just on sumac, but on the many ways we can engage with local plants in our daily lives.

Together, we’ll savor the wild flavors, colors, and ecological insights that sumacs have to offer us. 

Program Schedule:

11am - 1pm | Sumac in the field: ID, lookalikes, ecology, and foraging

1-1:30pm | Lunch Break

1:30-4pm | Crafting with sumac: botanical dyes from leaves and fruits

What to Bring

• Refillable water bottle
• Packed lunch and snacks as preferred
• Pad and pencil for notetaking.
• Box, bucket, bag, or other carrying item for taking home dyed fabrics (may still be moist at the end of class) 
• Optional: Up to two items to dye in class. See details below: 

In-Class Dye Projects

When registering, you can opt to bring your own dye item(s) or purchase up to two add-ons that will be ordered on your behalf. NOTE our July 26th deadline for ordering dye items. 

I want to bring my own items to dye

Instead of ordering dye item(s) at registration, you may bring up to two articles of clothing or cloth suitable for natural dyeing. Items must be of a reasonable size and lightness, and composed of natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, etc.). If you are unsure about whether an item is suitable, you can reach out to Chelsea Thompson at chelsea@earthencolor.com.

• Examples of items to consider bringing: t-shirts, bandanas, socks, pillow-cases, tea towels
• Examples of items NOT to bring: anything bulky like jeans or jackets, sheets, or anything made of synthetic fiber

The Horn Farm's Bonfire store now offers white short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts with our botanical Remembering Our Roots design. Order one to be shipped to you and bring it to class for a truly unique dye project!

I want to order items to dye

At registration, you'll have the option to order up to two items for dyeing in class. Options include a blank cotton bandana, bamboo socks, and a cotton tote. You are also welcome to reserve one item through registration, and bring another of your own. 

Add-on orders are available up to two weeks before the class, so make sure to register by Sunday, July 26th to redeem this option. 

Items purchased at registration will be provided for you on the day of the class. 

I want the coolest dye project out there

We've got you covered! The Horn Farm's Bonfire store now includes white short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts with our botanical Remembering Our Roots design. Purchase one to be shipped to you and bring it to class for your dye project! Every shirt sold supports educational programs and regenerative land stewardship at the Horn Farm.

Click here to purchase a Remembering Our Roots tee!

Program Notes: 

Environment: This class will take place partially outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking in an exposed meadow environment with possible muddy conditions. 

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. We'll begin this class by meeting in the farmhouse. 

Audience: Children under 12 may attend for free if accompanied by a registering adult. Please note that 1) adults with children are still limited to two dye items, and 2) this program is primarily designed for adult engagement. Attendees between 13 and 17 must be registered separately and accompanied by a registering adult. 

Cost: The standard cost for this program is $63/person, not including add-on dye items. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility. Each dye item adds $7 to your registration. NOTE that the option to purchase items for dyeing in class expires on Sunday, July 26th.

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

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.

Chelsea Thompson

Chelsea Thompson is a textile artist focusing on the use of plant dyes as a way to explore and strengthen a relationship with the natural world. Growing up on a horse farm has lead her to be endlessly inspired by the slow process and nuances of nature. She has fibers degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, where a creative vision was born through the project Earthencolor. With the use of botanical dyes, Earthencolor aims to convey a story through bespoke garments, accessories, and home goods. As a part of an ethos in using natural dyes, there is a belief that the colors processed from plants are synonymous to a life harmonious with the outdoors; each color yielded is unique in a life and story of its own, continuous of its former physical state.

Learn more about Chelsea's work at earthencolor.com. She can also be found on Instagram at @_earthencolor_