Growing – and Leading – Regeneratively
The Horn Farm Center Board of Directors serve as the governing body of the organization. As a team of dedicated volunteers, the Board of Directors establish our mission and purpose, ensure adequate resources, and provide oversight of the farm’s operations.
Our Board of Directors are hard at work, chairing and leading six volunteer committees, assisting with fundraising and rebuilding efforts, and even pitching in to plant trees and run special events at the farm. All of that on top of full-time jobs, families, and other community service!
We love our Board of Directors. Their passion for our mission shines in every zoom call, committee meeting, and thoughtful decision they make.
This year we welcome five talented new members to the Horn Farm Center Board of Directors:
- Kelly Dearman, independent strategy
consultant - Tom Warman, retired environmental consultant
- Renee Evans, artist and co-founder of Sugar Mountain Workshops
- Dave Yates, owner of F.W. Behler, educator, & writer
- Carolyn Pugh, attorney with Bellomo & Associates
Ecological Gardeners in Training
The last two weekends have been abuzz with ecological learning, nourishing movement, and creative empathy thanks to a vibrant new cohort of eco-gardening trainees! We’re grateful to continue our collaboration with Waxwing EcoWorks Co. as we kick-off the 2024 Ecological Gardener Training Program.
For these first four weeks (our “Ecological Core Curriculum”), we spend our time building a foundation for regenerative earthwork, exploring important questions, and cultivating connections as a community of practice. This year, we’re excited to integrate new and enhanced teachings like:
- More functional movement sessions for tuning our bodies to the work and building resilience;
- Creative expressions to build a sense of place and deeper compassion for nature;
- Indigenous ecological knowledge, thanks to the writings and teachings of indigenous scholars and our friends at the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Zimmerman Center for Heritage.
Eco-gardeners are drawing from so many directions to build their toolkits for flourishing, impactful ecological gardening at home and in their communities!
Photos courtesy of Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks.
Join Our Land Steward Crew
Do you love getting your hands dirty and working outdoors? Do you have experience with landscaping or lawn maintenance? Are you interested in learning about regenerative farming and ecological restoration?
We’re seeking a part-time, seasonal land steward to help staff, renting farmers, and volunteers manage the Horn Farm property.
Activities include: mowing and weed whacking, trail maintenance, weeding and monitoring restoration sites, tool upkeep, leading volunteer workdays, and supporting HFC community events.
This position is seasonal, lasting from May to October 2024. Perks include flexible working hours, seasonal produce and foraged goods, and free tuition for HFC classes beyond the term of the position.
Consider joining our crew this summer and apply soon!
Click here to learn more
Final Winter Willow Workday
Over the past several months we have enjoyed the magical scenery and brisk cool air of our winter landscape while harvesting basketry willow from our multifunctional riparian buffer and demonstration field.
We’ve got one more volunteer workday happening this week as we wrap up the harvest to sort and bundle rods. Join us on Tuesday, February 27th starting at 4PM for the last opportunity to coppice and process basketry willow this season.
As a volunteer, you’ll learn a bit about agroforestry, enjoy some outdoor exercise, and have the opportunity to take home willow rods for craftwork or decor.
Click Here to Volunteer
Small Change. Big Difference.
Did you know that you can choose to “round up for charity” when you shop at Lemon Street Market in downtown Lancaster? During the months of March & April, all donations will go to support the Horn Farm Center!
Customers can also choose to increase their at-the-register donation by adding to their round up value.
Lemon Street Market is a full-service grocery store located just off the corner of Mulberry and Lemon Street in Lancaster City. The store focuses on sustainable and healthy living, with many local, organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.
A big thanks to Lemon Street Market for supporting the Horn Farm Center!
Click here to Learn More
A Regional History Through Time
Back by popular demand, Land & Peoples of the Lower Susquehanna Valley is returning for its second year!
In four two-hour sessions, this new series will take you on a fast-paced tour through the geological, archaeological, and historical past to reach a deeper appreciation of the land we live on and the people who have left their marks on it. The sessions will be run in seminar style, and participants will be invited to share their own stories, insights, and local knowledge.
Each session will be led by HFC Board Member, Dr. Ed Wilson, who will be accompanied by regional experts with specialized knowledge about topics of interest. Program topics include:
- Origins of the Landscape
- The Indigenous Peoples & Their Land
- European Settlement & the Collision of Worlds
- The Contemporary Landscape & Its Challenges
Join us for “The Land & Peoples of the Lower Susquehanna Valley” starting March 12th from 6-8pm.
All classes will be held at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center thanks to our friends and partners at the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
Register for The Land & Peoples of the Lower Susquehanna Valley
Crawl with the Critters
Ready to get outside this spring? Join us for an adventure into herpetology -the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. Venture into the woods as we go “herping” – an exciting outdoor exploration to sight jumpy creatures. You’ll be turning over fallen logs, looking under rocks, and sticking your hands in the mud to uncover some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
We invite participants of all ages to join us on our Critter Crawls – from young tadpoles to old tortoises. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and children under 3 may not be well suited for these activities.
Come equipped with a spirit of inquiry, a respect for the small, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, and you might be surprised at the multitude of life you can find right under your feet!