Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Pizziketti
Dedicated. Passionate. Joyful. These are the words that best describe Cindy Pizziketti.
Cindy has been volunteering at the Horn Farm Center for about a year, and in this short time, her impact has been significant. Since last September, Cindy has been working on the new riparian buffer on the eastern side of the farm. Along with other volunteers, Cindy has planted hundreds of trees this spring. She also visits the farm regularly to tend to new trees to make sure that they are thriving.
Cindy is a Master Watershed Steward with the Penn State Cooperative Extension. The
Horn Farm’s riparian buffer project is one of several projects for which she volunteers. Other projects include rain garden installations, stream cleanups, stream chemical and biological health monitoring, and clean water education. Cindy’s favorite activity is macroinvertebrate surveys in local streams with children. She loves working with young people because they are curious and open to new things.
Cindy’s passion for environmental stewardship runs deep. She says that planting trees has a special place in her heart because of the role they play to protect our waterways by providing shade, helping to filter out pollutants, and preventing erosion. Cindy is so enthusiastic about planting trees, that we often call her the Lorax!
“Sometimes I go out and hunt for new volunteer trees to protect. It is so much fun! It is like an Easter egg hunt, but instead of candy – it is giving trees a chance at life without deer predation,” says Cindy. “I also just enjoy the great conversations I get into with other volunteers. Wilson always has some new bit of information for my brain: Did you know that at one time bison roamed the grasslands of Pennsylvania? I love being able to support the Horn Farm and all the staff are warm, welcoming, and fun to work alongside.”
We are so thankful for Cindy’s passion and dedication to making a difference. Her enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious! When asked what motivates her to volunteer, Cindy replied: “There are a lot of environmental concerns for the earth right now, and much of it seems so vast that I cannot begin to make an impact. But I can help a little piece of the environment at Horn Farm.”
In the News: Horn Farm Community Garden
Horn Farm Center’s Community Gardens were recently featured in Natural Awakenings magazine! The article highlights the success of this community mainstay and the personal story of one of our long-time gardeners, Linda Kurzik.
Click here to read the article
Farm Stand Now Open Weekly
The Horn Farm Center Farm Stand, located in the red corn barn, is now open every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, & Thursday from 9:00am to 6:00 pm.
The stand is self-serve and features fresh organically-grown produce and flower arrangements from our partner farmers: Kilgore Family Farm & Betsy’s Flowers. Cash Only. Stop by and enjoy what local, regenerative farming has to offer.
Help Wanted: Can You Pitch In for Pawpaw?
The 17th Annual York County Pawpaw Festival is right around the corner and we could use your help. We are currently seeking sponsors and in-kind donations from local businesses who believe in the Horn Farm Center’s mission. Business support will allow us to continue to provide this wonderful community celebration and will support our educational programs at the farm.
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to the Pawpaw Festival, please contact our Executive Director at executivedirector@
We are also in need of volunteers! We are looking for volunteers to help with many activities during the event including setting up, parking, and helping at the registration table. If you are able to volunteer that weekend, please sign up!
UPDATED: Horn Farm Center Health and Safety Policy
The Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications due to COVID-19. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change.
In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, participant expectations are as follows:
- Participants are required to bring a mask and wear it when indoors, unless you are fully vaccinated.
- Do not attend if sick or recovering.