This winter, the Horn Farm Center (HFC) is launching a new ecological training program aimed at empowering individuals to heal local landscapes and foster a deeper connection with nature. The Ecological Restoration Certificate is designed to provide hands-on learning for those interested in supporting wildlife, restoring habitats and creating resilient natural spaces using innovative, non-chemical methods. Additionally, the Ecological Gardener Training Program, beginning in February 2025, will continue to offer valuable training for those interested in designing and nurturing biodiverse habitats.

At the heart of these initiatives is Elyse Jurgen, of Waxwing Ecoworks, a leader in ecological gardening and land stewardship. Waxwing Ecoworks has partnered with HFC, Lancaster Conservancy and Reviving Wisdom to deliver the ERC, which emphasizes the use of human and plant power over conventional chemicals in conservation practices.

The Ecological Restoration Certificate (ERC) is a three-day course held on Saturdays beginning in December. This intensive program is ideal for landscape professionals, conservation volunteers, students and landowners seeking practical skills to restore degraded ecosystems. Participants will explore techniques to create resilient habitats that support wildlife and plant diversity. The program takes place on December 14, 2024, January 11 and January 25, 2025, with weather contingency days to ensure optimal learning conditions in the field.

“These programs are a perfect blend of hands-on learning and ecological theory,” says Andrew Leahy, the program coordinator at HFC. “Our goal is to inspire and educate community members to become confident caretakers of the natural world.”

The ERC equips participants with the knowledge and experience needed to make a positive impact on their local environments, whether on personal properties or in community spaces. It serves as a valuable stepping stone for anyone looking to contribute to broader ecological restoration efforts using sustainable, non-chemical methods.

The Ecological Gardener Training Program (EGTP), now in its fourth year, offers a 16-week  immersive experience for gardeners, landscapers and aspiring land stewards that want to design and nurture biodiverse habitats. Facilitated by Jurgen, participants will learn to create ecologically sustainable gardens that benefit both wildlife and natural ecosystems.

The EGTP covers topics such as native plants, plant communities and landscape patterns that encourage biodiversity. It caters to all experience levels, from seasoned gardeners to those new to ecological land management. Participants will gain the skills to design habitat gardens, manage landscapes sustainably, and deepen their understanding of the role native plants play in ecosystems.

Both the ERC and the EGTP reflect the Horn Farm Center’s ongoing commitment to ecological education and land stewardship. The center has cultivated a reputation for delivering immersive, hands-on training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to environmental sustainability. In addition to its training programs, HFC also offers an array of single-day and weekend programs that empower community members to build deeper relationships with nature while exploring sustainable ways of living. These include foraging walks, gardening classes, kitchen and craft programs, volunteer workdays, and more. By focusing on practical, actionable techniques, these programs aim to foster a deeper understanding of ecological principles and sustainable practices. Importantly, no prior experience is required for community members to join, making these opportunities open to anyone passionate about preserving and restoring natural landscapes.

In addition to the ERC and EGTP, Waxwing Ecoworks, in collaboration with Lancaster Conservancy, offers Habitat Advocate classes. These sessions focus on teaching participants how to create wildlife-friendly environments in both personal and community spaces. Emphasizing practical skills, the classes provide a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance biodiversity and contribute to ecological restoration efforts in their own backyards.