Join us for a day of hands-on learning as we work together to plant trees and shrubs to serve as a protective windbreak for the high tunnels at Hilltop Urban Farm!

Have you ever wondered how to design windbreaks that actually work? Or struggled with protecting your growing structures from damaging winds? 

We'll spend the day tackling a real-world challenge and helping Hilltop protect their high tunnels from intense wind pressures that sweep over the hill and threaten their growing operation. You’ll learn the windbreak design theory and site assessment techniques, understand how to select appropriate tree and shrub species for different windbreak functions, and problem-solve design challenges for difficult sites. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other farmers and land stewards interested in protective plantings. 

Whether you’re a farmer looking to protect your own structures, a landowner interested in windbreaks for energy savings, or someone curious about practical agroforestry applications, this workshop offers valuable skills you can apply to your own projects. Come ready to get your hands dirty and learn from both expert guidance and real-world implementation!

Paul Patterson is a Professor Emeritus of Penn State University, experienced in developing windbreaks for agricultural structures. This summer, he worked with Hilltop to develop a customized plan for their site. Paul will walk us through his design process and the principles behind effective windbreak placement using strategically selected trees and shrubs.