Foster deep ecological literacy and hands-on skills in this 16-week immersive training program at the Horn Farm Center.
Our signature Land Steward Training Program cultivates dedicated, knowledgeable, and reciprocal land stewards, equipping students with skills that the world needs to restore broken ecosystems, rebuild lost habitat, mitigate climate change, and reconnect with our sense of place in nature.
This program runs every Monday from February 13th to May 29th, 2023, beginning with a four-week Ecological Core Curriculum held in conjunction with the Ecological Gardener Training Program.
As a new initiative for 2023, participants in the Land Steward Training Program will choose a pathway based on their commitment level and learning goals:
Explorer Path
For broad inquirers and the eco-curious seeking to boost their ecological knowledge and explore foundational earth-based skills.
Deep-Diver Path
For committed enthusiasts and aspiring land stewards seeking both foundational knowledge and advanced technical skill development.
View the packet below for full program details
including content coverage, outcomes, a weekly calendar, and costs.
How to Enroll
Applications are open for the 2023 Land Steward and Ecological Gardener Training Programs.
After your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will receive an email to schedule an interview with the instructor(s). Following the interview, you will be sent a registration link to submit a non-refundable $100 deposit and enroll in the program. Any and all questions should be fielded to education@hornfarmcenter.org.
Payment and Scholarships
Explorer Path: $860/person, $100 non-refundable deposit to enroll.
Deep-Diver Path: $1,150/person, $100 non-refundable deposit to enroll.
See the packet above for information about combining this course with the Ecological Gardener Training Program.
Upon enrollment, a payment plan can be discussed to meet your preferences. UPDATE FOR NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS: since the first application deadline passed on 1/15/23, we are no longer able to offer large scholarships to offset program costs. A small amount of support funding may be available, so we still encourage you to complete the scholarship section of this application if you foresee any needs. However, the chance to receive substantial support has passed.
Please review the Horn Farm Center’s Cancellation and Refund Policy and Program Waiver before submitting an application.
About the Instructors:
Wilson Alvarez
Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since 2004, he has taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. Wilson studied at the Wilderness Awareness School via the Kamana program, and he received his Permaculture Design Certificate through Susquehanna Permaculture.
Andrew Horn
Born in York County, Andrew Horn earned his Business Management degree from Shippensburg University. After graduation, Andrew traveled with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) to New Zealand, where he lived and learned on organic farms. Captivated by his experience, Andrew wanted to continue his journey in small-scale agriculture and sought to find a place where he could apply, develop and learn new skills. He found the Horn Farm Center through an Introduction to Permaculture class. Since successful completion of the Farming Internship, Andrew has pursued his exploration of a career in farming as the Farm Manager at the Horn Farm Center. He runs the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program and guides participants through hands-on instruction in the Land Steward Training Program.
A note on our program sponsors:
This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. This grant was awarded through the Susquehanna Riverlands Partnership, with management oversight provided by the Lancaster Conservancy.
We are a partner of the Susquehanna Riverlands, a partnership of organizations working to protect, preserve, and steward the natural lands along the Lower Susquehanna River, emphasizing connectivity, eco-system health, and sustainable public access. To learn more, please visit www.SusquehannaRiverlands.com.