The sunchoke is a lesser-known member of the sunflower family, but it is beginning to bloom out of obscurity and into the spotlight. Join the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum on Saturday, November 7, at 10am for “A Tuber of Many Tales: The Sunchoke,” to discover this prolific producer of edible tubers. A staple of Indigenous diets across the east, sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus) quickly captured the attention of European colonists, soon making their way into Old World cuisine. However, due to changes in the American landscape and diet, the once-beloved sunchoke went the way of many native plants: relegated to the fringes of our culture and landscapes. At our final Nature Series program of 2026, presenter Andrew Leahy, Education & Outreach Specialist at the Horn Farm Center, will unbury the curious history and evolving reputation of the sunchoke. Together, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for this hardy and reliable winter food, exploring its ecological value, cultural significance, and versatility in the kitchen.

Growing up in a rural town called Sweet Valley, just south of Ricketts Glen, Andrew Leahy spent his life fostering a love for the PA wilds. He attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown and majored in English Literature and Music Composition while exploring regional ecology, slow food, composting, gardening, and foraging in the spaces between. This eventually led him to the staff of the Horn Farm Center, where, as the Education & Outreach Specialist, he leads and coordinates classes, engages volunteers, and oversees communications and outreach.

HOW TO REGISTER
The program, “A Tuber of Many Tales: The Sunchoke” will take place on Saturday, November 7 from 10-11am in the Carriage House at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10/Adults (18+) and Free for Children 17 and Under (must be accompanied by an adult). Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members receive complimentary admission, but should still register for the program. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 717.392.4633. Advance tickets recommended as walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

Please note that eating insects at this program is completely voluntary. Those who wish to try some insects must sign a liability waiver at the program.

Membership gets you more! Membership to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum not only supports the care and conservation of this local natural resource, but also gets you great benefits such as complimentary admission to Nature Series programs! Learn more about membership and sign up today here.

The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members may register for tickets in advance and must show a valid membership card upon checking in. AHS Members should contact Emily Miller, emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org, with any questions or to register for tickets in advance.

This event is hosted by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary organization of LancasterHistory, helps foster public interest in, and support for, the maintenance and development of the Tanger Arboretum as a community asset. To learn more about the Arboretum or to become a member, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.

The 2026 Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Nature Series is sponsored by Pine Brook Farm, Inc. and Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care.
Their support enables us to offer these programs for the community and free tickets for children! Thank you for your generosity!