While these hardy plants support ecological health across the seasons, late summer is a special time: greeting us with dark purple berries that are well-loved by birds and people alike.
Syrup made from elderberry fruit is an immune-boosting preventative and remedy for ailments like colds and flus. It also has a range of culinary uses, imparting a delicious medicinal boost to drinks, ice cream, desserts, and more. 

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the American Elder (Sambucus canadensis), where we'll discuss ecology and history, identification and harvest, and the many ways we can incorporate this amazing plant into our lives. This class will take us from collecting berries to crafting medicine:

In the Field - while touring the Horn Farm's elderberry patches, we'll discuss identification, ecology, ethnobotany, and harvesting in wild contexts.

In the Kitchen - after harvesting elderberries from the field, we'll walk through the process of making medicinal syrup from start to finish.  We’ll also sample other prepared food and beverages made with elderberry.

All participants will leave with a small jar of finished syrup. For anyone interested in purchasing elderberry plants, we will have a few potted up from our nursery, available for $12/ each. 
Expect to leave with purple fingers, and a newfound appreciation for one of our favorite shrubs.

Bring a drawing pad and pencil for sketching and notes, and dress for the weather. We’ll be outside, rain or shine, and experiencing the plants up-close. 

Program Notes:

Environment: 

This class will partially take place outdoors, rain or shine, along walking trails in meadow and woodland edge ecosystems at the Horn Farm. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly.

Accessibility: 

This program will involve walking on mowed paths with potentially muddy and uneven conditions.

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 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 $50/person. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility.

Dogs:

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

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:

Jonathan Darby

Jonathan Darby is a wild foods enthusiast and educator, avid gardener, former farmer and has served the Horn Farm Center in varying capacities for over 15 years. He currently serves as Farm Manager. Jonathan received his Permaculture Design Certification in 2011 from Susquehanna Permaculture and in 2014 completed his Permaculture Teacher Training through Dynamic Ecological Design. He is married with 2 kids and 3 cats.

Tamara Shertzer

Growing up and continuing to reside in Lancaster County, Tam began fostering her attunement to the natural world from a young age; A flourishing garden was always present at her childhood home, and both parents instilled in her a profound appreciation for the natural world. After traveling, volunteering abroad, and earning a Pastry Arts Certificate from the PA School of Culinary Arts, Tam got in touch with her roots, and got her hands back in the soil. 

Beginning with a year-long internship in 2016, Tam has spent the past 8 years of her career at Lancaster Farmacy, an organic medicinal herb and flower farm located in Millersville, PA. Here, she discovered her love of sharing land-based skills, the healing properties of plants, and the importance of regenerative agriculture practices. Tam is now the Production and Marketing Coordinator at the Horn Farm Center.