Monarchs & Milkweed: A Perfect Pair
Monarch butterflies share a remarkable partnership with a unique plant that is essential for the survival of this iconic species. Monarchs rely on milkweed as the only plant where they can lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars – and milkweed benefits from the pollination provided by adult butterflies!
Watch the video linked above to learn more about this fascinating symbiotic relationship and discover why planting milkweed is a simple yet powerful way to support monarch populations. You can explore more seasonal diversity by joining an upcoming class or workshop at the Horn Farm Center!
Growing Like an Ecosystem
Since early spring, the inaugural cohort of the Regenerative Grower Training Program has been hard at work at the Horn Farm, learning how to grow food in ways that support ecological health. From ground preparation and soil management to insect identification and agroforestry, students are immersing themselves in every aspect of regenerative agriculture.
Above all, they are embracing the art of thinking – and growing – like an ecosystem!
In our most we recent blog post, we dug into their journey to explore how they’re cultivating a future where agriculture and nature thrive together. Check out the new article linked below!
READ STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Why Dandelion, Garlic & Parsnip?
Whether we’re learning from the past or discovering the healing properties of wild foods, there are many reasons to “remember our roots” at the Horn Farm Center. But why did we select dandelion, garlic and parsnip to highlight this mantra?
Click the video link above to find out! In this short clip, we share the story behind these beloved plants and how they remind us to stay rooted as we grow.
Weekend Spotlight: Meet the Makers
What better way to celebrate local flavors, crafts, and nature than with a special makers market?
To kick off the 2025 Wild & Uncommon Weekend, The Gardener of the Owl Valley is hosting a pawpaw-themed makers showcase featuring local artists, producers, and crafters—including this one-of-a-kind artwork by Hollie Johns of Virtue Local Art Market!
Stop by John Wright Restaurant from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday, September 18th for this Wild & Uncommon kickoff event, happening during the Pawpaw Experience at JWR. This festive evening will surely get you into the spirit of Wild & Uncommon Weekend, happening from September 18th-21st.
With over 15 Wild & Uncommon experiences right around the corner, it’s time to plan your weekend in the Lower Susquehanna Riverlands!
And, don’t forget to grab your tickets for the signature event: the 21st Annual York County Pawpaw Festival at the Horn Farm Center on Saturday, September 20th!
Meet the Makers Event
Wild & Uncommon Weekend wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors:
Plan Your Wild & Uncommon Weekend
Help & Enjoy Pawpaw Fest: Free Admission for Volunteers
Love pawpaws? Volunteers at the 21st annual Pawpaw Festival on Saturday, September 20th enjoy free admission while helping make the festival a success! Join our volunteer crew for a few hours and you can spend the rest of the day with community, food, music, and pawpaw-filled fun. Can you help out?
- ADMISSIONS | afternoon shift (12:30-4:30pm)
- FLOATERS | afternoon shift (1-5:30pm)
- INFO & MERCH BOOTHS | afternoon shifts (12:30-5pm)
- PARKING | both shifts (8am-12:30pm / 12-4:30pm)
- ROAD BLOCKS | 2nd and 3rd shifts (11am-2:30pm / 2-5pm)
Group volunteering is also an option – if you’re affiliated with a church, business, or club that likes community service – please let us know!
Sign Up to Volunteer
Connecting People for Healthier Living
Natural Awakenings is a free, monthly magazine that uplifts stories inspiring healthier living, ecological awareness, and community connection. As an organization rooted in reconnecting people with the land through education and regenerative practices, we are proud to partner with Natural Awakenings to grow a more sustainable future!
A big thanks to Lancaster/Berks and South Central Natural Awakenings for their annual sponsorship of the Horn Farm Center. Together, we’re working toward a more resilient and thriving future for our communities and the natural world.