Land Regeneration Workshop at Horn Farm Center

Description

Land Regeneration: Engineering Ecosystems and Restoring Humanity into Wildlands

On March 18 and 19, the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education is offering a two-day workshop on ways to restore ecosystem health by applying the principles and techniques of disturbance-based forest management. Environmental restoration can be hastened by increasing variability in forest structure and habitats and by returning to a more collaborative approach to land design.

By understanding our role as stewards of the land, and by using these techniques, we can increase the biodiversity and the carrying capacity of our semi-wild lands. By restoring our relationship with the land, we can remember the true meaning of what it is to be human--that we are a part of nature; not outside of it. Our future, and the future of this planet, depend on the choices we make today.

In this two day class, half of the time will be spent in the classroom and half practicing hands-on techniques for working to restore the land.

Topics covered:

• Historic land uses and misuses
• Hands-on land regeneration and cooperative design techniques
• Natural disturbance-based forest management
• Identification of tree species
• Coppicing
• Creating dead snags
• Invasive species management
• Designing habitat for keystone species
• Demonstration of crosscut saw and wood chipper use
• Tree felling safety, use of winch to move logs
• Restorative design implementation in a woodland area of the Horn Farm

This class is designed for the professional and the layman, for landowners and land stewards. No previous experience required. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of disturbance ecology and how to approach regenerative land management and reforestation on their own properties.

Bring lunch and dress appropriately for outside and inside sessions.

About the Instructor:

Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since 2005, he has taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. 

Registration and more information can be found at http://hornfarmcenter.org.

The Horn Farm in Hellam Township has been continuously farmed for more than 250 years. Saved from industrial development in 2000, York County’s Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation at the Horn Farm in 2004.  The mission of the Horn Farm Center is to showcase the history, present, and future of local farming.  We are committed to building and growing healthy communities through farming and gardening opportunities and hands on educational experiences.  For more information about the Horn Farm call 717.757.6441 or visit http://hornfarmcenter.org.