Horn Farm Happenings – September 18, 2020

From the Executive Director

These first few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as I become more acquainted with the farm and the people that care deeply about it. Although I still have a great deal to learn about the organization, I can say with certainty that the Horn Farm Center is a beacon of hope, shining a light on the path towards resilience. In the face of our current reality, which is challenging to say the least, the work that we do at the Horn Farm Center is inspiring. 

What strikes me the most is a palpable love for the land, the principle upon which the organization was founded and is still rooted today. As I have learned, the Horn Farm was saved by a community of passionate people, maybe you are one of them, who understood that our natural spaces and cultural practices of stewarding and cultivating the land are sacred and need to be preserved. 20 years later that same sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of our community and natural environment has endured. In fact, it has grown exponentially as we have cultivated a deeper connection with this place. 

What we have learned has led us to where we are now: we are deeply focused on stewarding the land with an understanding that we are inextricably linked to its wellbeing. Over time, and under our previous Director’s leadership, not only has our perception of the farm changed, but we have also begun to rethink our relationship with it. As we learn to observe and listen to the language of the land, we are starting to see ourselves in a different light: more than being caretakers of the farm, we are but one part of a larger system that has its own wisdom to offer.

This is the key to true regenerative practices. By first understanding our natural systems, we can better understand our role, and see where and when it is appropriate to intervene. We do so with protracted observation, favoring the wellbeing of the whole over any predetermined outcomes. 

The Horn Farm Center is a conservation success story. The greater York community, founders of the Horn Farm Center and subsequent stewards of the organization had the foresight and dedication to protect the farm into perpetuity. And just as we have so much to give to the land, we are learning that it has wisdom and knowledge to give back to us. That is why what started as a tribute to York County’s rich agricultural history is now  becoming a functioning and thriving farm ecosystem. Through innovation, hard work, and a balance of give and take, we are redefining what we know to be the best practices in farming.

At the Horn Farm Center, we are redefining agriculture. And, we are eager to share what we learn along the way.

As an educational center we invite you to join us on our journey of discovery and ask that you contribute as well. Similar to the biodiversity on the farm, the Horn Farm Center community is also diverse, with individuals and families engaging in a variety of ways. Whether you are a community gardener, CSA member, class participant, or simply a friend of farm, you too are part of the Horn Farm ecosystem and it doesn’t function without you. Each of you bring your own knowledge and energy to the organization, helping us grow.

So let’s grow together! As we prepare for the end of our farming season, we are looking forward to new opportunities in the months and years to come. Feel free to stop in, join us for a class or shoot us an email. We want to hear from you and look forward to the energy and innovation that you bring to the Horn Farm ecosystem. 


Upcoming Events:
Saturday, September 19: Wild Lands: Art of Seeing and Science of Observation (sold out!)
Tuesday, September 22: Tuesday Afternoon on the Farm (free! pre-registration requested)
Saturday, September 26: Wild Lands: Shelter Building and Finding Water
Tuesday, September 29: Tuesday Afternoon on the Farm (free! pre-registration requested)
Saturday, October 3: Wild Lands: Art of Fire by Friction (sold out!)
Saturday, October 10: Wild Lands: Foraging, Hunting, Trapping (sold out!)
Saturday, October 10: Foraging Wild Roots for Coffee and More
Tuesday, October 13: Backyard Composting
Saturday, October 17: WildLands: Advanced Primitive Hunting Techniques (sold out!)
Tuesday October 20: Backyard Composting
Saturday, November 7: The Living Landscape
Saturday, December 5: The Living Landscape

See you at the farm!

York County has moved into the green phase for dealing with COVID-19, so we are resuming some on farm classes with modifications. Classes will be held outside and are limited to 10 participants per class. If more than one class occurs on the same day, start times will be staggered to reduce the number of individuals arriving at the same time. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change. Participants are required to bring a mask and wear when proper physical distancing cannot be maintained. Except for family members physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained.