Take part in the Horn Farm Center's growing ecosystem of learning and action by helping us protect local waterways and foster a resilient ecosystem.
About the Organization:
The Horn Farm Center is an environmental nonprofit with a mission to foster ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences. From regenerative gardens to habitat restoration, our landscape serves as a hands-on learning hub empowering our community with earth-based knowledge and skills. To learn more, take a virtual tour or check out our upcoming classes and events.
About this Volunteer Opportunity:
For the Fall 2025 season, we're seeking volunteers to help us tend our newly-planted 10-acre riparian buffer. Hands on the land are critical as we protect water and build back biodiversity on retired farmland without the use of herbicides or large machines. Join us to learn about agroforestry, land restoration, and the Chesapeake Bay watershed while helping us ensure a thriving ecosystem for the future.
To learn more about riparian buffers and how they support the shared health of humans and local ecology, visit the Horn Farm's blog series: For the Whole Stream
Volunteer Responsibilities:
Depending on the season, weather, available materials, and number of volunteers, Fall 2025 riparian buffer workdays may entail one or more of the following tasks:
- Monitoring current plantings by checking and adjusting tree tubes, tracking mortality, and hand-clearing overgrowth.
- Fortifying new plantings for winter by depositing rocks around trees to deter vole nesting.
- Preparing beds for new live stake plantings by aerating soil and spreading leaf mulch.
- Planting new tree and shrub saplings.
- Harvesting agroforestry products like American hazelnuts (Corylus americana) in the early fall and live stakes in late winter.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Physical activity: Volunteers should be able-bodied for minor physical labor, including stooping, pulling, shoveling, and spending time outside in potentially rainy, hot, or cold conditions. Be prepared for walking on uneven, possibly muddy terrain.
- What to bring:
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Clothing suitable for outdoor work.
- Refillable water bottle (refills available on site).
- Snacks as preferred.
- Gentle, naturally-derived insect protection as preferred.
Date & Time: see dates below
- Sunday, September 28th (1-3pm)
- Saturday, October 4th (1-3pm)
- Saturday, October 25th (9am-12pm)
- Sunday, November 2nd (9-11am)
- Sunday, November 9th (10am-12pm)
- Sunday, November 16th (10am-12pm)
Supplies Provided:
The Horn Farm Center will provide all supplies that are needed for this project, including work gloves.
Location:
Horn Farm Center (4945 Horn Road, York, PA 17406). Approx. 10 min drive from downtown York.
Transportation:
Volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation. Shuttle will not be available. Carpools are encouraged.
Contact Info:
Andrew Leahy, Education & Outreach Specialist: a.leahy@hornfarmcenter.org.
NOTE: project groups will be led by Master Watershed Steward and Horn Farm volunteer Cindy Pizziketti.
Signing up:
- Please click "respond" on this SVN volunteer listing, so that you can submit your hours after the project concludes.
- Volunteers MUST ALSO complete a Horn Farm registration form for the workday(s) they would like to attend. Click this link and scroll down to view upcoming workdays and register for any you plan to attend.
