The Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, York, will present "Elderberry: From Harvest to Syrup" on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Over the past several years, hundreds of American elderberry shrubs have taken root across the Horn Farm's landscape. While these hardy plants support ecological health across the seasons, late summer is when the plants produce dark purple berries that are well-loved by birds and people alike.

Syrup made from elderberry fruit is an immune-boosting preventative and remedy for ailments like colds and the flu. It also has a range of culinary uses, imparting a medicinal boost to drinks, ice cream, desserts and more.

Attendees at the upcoming program will take part in an in-depth exploration of the American Elder (Sambucus canadensis). While in the field, the group will tour the Horn Farm's elderberry patches and discuss identification, ecology, ethnobotany and harvesting in wild contexts. In the kitchen, after harvesting elderberries from the field, the group will learn the process of making medicinal syrup from start to finish.

Attendees should bring a drawing pad and pencil for sketching and notes, and they should dress for the weather. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, including the fee schedule, and to register, visit http://www.hornfarmcenter.org/classes and choose "Elderberry: From Harvest to Syrup."