The Horn Farm is seeking daytime volunteers to help us complete our third annual willow coppicing! Spend an afternoon harvesting willow with us while learning about regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.
Learn more and register below …
“Coppicing”
is the process of pruning a tree or shrub to ground level in order to stimulate the growth of shoots and provide a sustainable supply of agroforestry products year to year. Back in 2018, the Horn Farm planted a dozen+ varieties of willow in our demonstration field with the goal of performing annual coppicing and enjoying a consistent yield of usable materials, like weaving materials for basketry classes and local crafters. In line with our regenerative mission, our willow plantings also support ecological health. Well-established root systems hold the soil in place while retaining water to nourish adjacent crop fields. Additionally, brushwood bundles–created by tying together large batches of surplus branches–can be laid along the edges of incised stream channels to capture sediment and mitigate erosion. Extra branches are also a source for biochar: a charcoal-based soil amendment that can help renew depleted soils.
From providing locally-based goods to restoring the land, willows contribute to our regenerative vision.
Glimpses from previous willow workdays, including coppicing, bundling, and learning about willow propagation.
Register for one or more of our volunteer workdays here:
Monday, December 9th (1pm – 4pm)
Tuesday, December 10th (1pm – 4pm)
Monday, January 20th (1pm – 4pm)
POSTPONED due to weather
Wednesday, January 22nd (1pm – 4pm)
POSTPONED due to weather
Saturday, February 8th (1pm – 3pm)
Monday, February 10th (2pm – 5pm)
Wednesday, February 12th (2pm – 5pm)
Monday, February 17th (2pm-5pm)
While volunteers are welcome to arrive and depart at their leisure, we recommend that new folks arrive promptly at the starting time so we can provide a group orientation.
Tasks will vary depending on our attendance and progress. These can include:
- Cutting willow branches with pruners and loppers (down to stump level),
- Sorting harvested branches by height and thickness,
- Bundling and tagging prepared branches, and
- Carrying branches and branch bundles.
Note: if we meet our goals and there are still volunteer days scheduled, we will cancel the remaining workdays and notify registrants.
The willow field in 2018, shortly after planting.
Willow branch yields from a harvest. The thin, red-tipped shoots can be dried for basket-weaving, while the thick golden cuttings can be planted to propagate more willows.
Volunteers after a successful willow coppicing / bundling workday, January 2023.
2024 Agroforestry Work & Learn
In collaboration with folks from the Pennsylvania DCNR, Penn State Extension, and Western PA-based Foggy Blossom Farm, we hosted our first-ever Agroforestry Work & Learn in February 2024!
This full-day workshop included demonstrations on willow coppicing and live staking, a visit to our multifunctional riparian buffer restoration space, and a special session on the craft of basket-weaving. We were grateful to host such an exciting convergence of farmers and agroforestry advocates, land stewards, artisans, and curious community members!
