Harvest season is now upon us. That means, for most locations across North America, ’tis the season when all those highly anticipated family-friendly fall farm follies return to the scene. Timeless testaments that endure through the ages include pumpkin farm visits, corn mazes, petting zoos, and loads of other awesome agrarian endeavors.
While many minds grow more aware of fall-time farm operations this time of year, the undeniable truth is that vital farm practices and productivity remain constant year-round. Yet folks often overlook this fact, an unintended oversight driven by the fast-paced, commodities-on-demand world we live in today. But Horn Farm Center works diligently to fix that, offering myriad methods and opportunities for folks from every walk of life to discover the value of agriculture more abundantly and insightfully.
As they attest to in their mission statement, “Horn Farm is a place to remember our roots and reimagine our relationship with the land.” They do this by fostering ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences.
A visit here enables folks of all ages and interests to reexplore regenerative agriculture and the legacy of the land in countless ways. These include, but are not limited to, hands-on volunteering opportunities, classes that explore a themed focus or demonstrative skill set, self-guided tours and land trails, and seasonal festivals and events.
Programs and Classes
The educational programs and topic-specific instructional classes offered at Horn Farm are highly versatile, ever-changing, and can be tailored to many different ages and interests. While each one is unique and vastly different from the rest, all honor Horn Farm’s initiative to foster a direct, off-the-land approach to education.
On-site activities include proactive, structured education and the utilization of natural, outdoor settings when applicable. At the heart of it all is promoting skill-building instruction and reestablishing regenerative relationships with the local landscape.
In addition to special interest opportunities, Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education proudly offers several certified training courses. Their most popular certificate programs include Ecological Restoration, Ecological Gardener Training, Regenerative Grower Training, Forager Training, and Beekeeping. Read more about their certificate programs, dates, times, and durations here.
Programs and classes offered at Horn Farm Center are forever changing, with new opportunities being presented throughout the year. Click here to learn more about current programs or to fill out an interest form if you are a prospective instructor with something to contribute.
All are encouraged to explore Horn Farm’s countless wonders via proactive pursuits. Come out and discover the confluence of past, present, and future food-growing practices, all while caring for the earth in the process. Whether taking a class, volunteering, or following Horn Farm’s self-guided education trail, this is your one-stop window shop into the world of local farming firsthand.
Community Supported Agriculture
Have you ever wanted to grow your own pesticide-free produce but you don’t have the land space necessary? Well, you’re in luck because Horn Farm Center provides folks with the opportunity to grow their own food via an elaborate CSA program.
For an annual fee of just $55, you can have a 20′ x 20′ plot to grow whatever you’d like. Add additional plots for just $35 each.
Rediscovering Heritage and History
Learning from the land is at the core of every offering Horn Farm Center presents. Even if you forego taking part in any formal program or project, opportunity awaits you on any visit here.
The self-guided educational trail packs a plethora of sights, insights, and direct-to-nature experiences for everyone. Historic highlights include the Sentinel Oak Tree, Composting Toilet Facility, Summer Kitchen, Community Garden Plots, Multifunctional Riparian Buffer, American Hazelnuts, Miyawaki Mini Forest, Live Stakes, Pawpaw Orchard, Demonstration Field, Elderberries, and Basketry Willows. The latter two are accessible only during classes.
There’s also the Farmhouse & Learning Center. Arguably the star attraction, the 19th-century restored brick farmhouse is where most adventures begin. It’s here you can really get a feel for the Horn Farm’s story, from its 18th-century roots to modern times.
Special Events
Horn Farm also plays host to several seasonal events each year. Coming up this week, for example, September 17 through 20, is the return of its highly acclaimed Wild & Uncommon Weekend. Now in its third year, all are invited to come out and be a part of the dozen events unfolding throughout the Lower Susquehanna Riverlands.
On location at Horn Farm Center will be the one-day York County Pawpaw Festival. The signature event will run on Saturday, September 19. Click here for tickets.
Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education can be visited at 4945 Horn Road, York, PA 17406. Discover more through the website at www.hornfarmcenter.org.