The Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education, 4945 Horn Road, York, will present two training programs focused on ecological stewardship. A new, three-day Ecological Restoration Certificate program will start this winter on Saturday, Dec. 14. The fourth annual Ecological Gardener Training program will begin on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, and run for 16 weeks.  

In partnership with Waxwing EcoWorks and Reviving Wisdom, these immersive programs explore how people can partner with nature to support long-term ecological and human well-being.

The Ecological Restoration Certificate provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in restoring degraded ecosystems and creating healthy, resilient habitats for wildlife on a variety of scales. Active or aspiring landscape practitioners, local conservation volunteers and landowners are invited to participate in this deep dive that covers skills in the field. The program will take place over three Saturdays - Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 - with weather days set aside to ensure outdoor learning is possible. Spaces are limited; to learn more and register, visit http://www.hornfarmcenter.org/eco-restoration-cert. 

The Ecological Gardener Training Program will offer 16 weekly sessions beginning in February 2025. Participants will study native plants, local ecology and regional landscape patterns to inform the design, creation and stewardship of biodiverse native habitat gardens. From active and aspiring landscape professionals to homeowners, teachers and students, anyone interested in learning how to design and nurture beautiful, ecological gardens is encouraged to join this program. Beyond building a practical basis for ecological gardening, the program aims to leave participants with a deepened sense of place and connection with local landscapes. To learn more and apply, visit http://www.hornfarmcenter.org/ecological-gardener-training.

Both programs are facilitated by passionate, dynamic and professional local experts with years of experience in holistic land stewardship. No prior knowledge or experience is required to participate.

There is a cost for each program. Payment plans are available upon request, and scholarships may be available but are not guaranteed. 

General information for all of the Horn Farm's upcoming training programs can be found by visiting http://www.hornfarmcenter.org/training-programs.