We were brush cutting yesterday; I was hot and sweaty and all I wanted to do was get that hard hat off! Then I began thinking about my friend who was recently hurt with a brush cutter; gave me a whole new appreciation for my hot, hard hat! [Read more…] about The PPEs of Ecological Restoration
General Info
To Leave or Not to Leave?
That is the question we ask every time we build a brush pile and every time we prepare to burn it. Brush piles make great habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and microorganisms! We burn to clean up the landscape a bit and with the goal of killing any seeds or berries from brush that we have cut. [Read more…] about To Leave or Not to Leave?
Between a Rock and a Soft, Warm Place
Since I’m outdoors a lot, I spent a great deal of time thinking about living quarters, especially on these cold, winter days. I wonder how critters find their warm homes and are they as “snuggly” as I am in front of my fireplace or nestled in my bed? OK, so that’s anthropomorphizing just a bit, but it does pique my curiosity about habitats. [Read more…] about Between a Rock and a Soft, Warm Place
The Dirt on Westmeath Lane
Lafayette County, which is where Westmeath Lane is located in Wisconsin, is in the Driftless Area. It was named this because the glaciers did not roll over it, leaving picturesque hills and valleys. Soils in the southern part of Wisconsin are different from other parts of Wisconsin, partially because of the lack of glacial drift and partially because it lies in a transition area where tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and hardwood forests blended together. [Read more…] about The Dirt on Westmeath Lane
Rope or Smoke?
I found a marijuana plant in my garden the other day, made a post on Facebook, and learned that it used to be a huge industry here in Wisconsin. That just piqued my curiosity, so I began researching it.
Jeremiah Rusk, governor, Civil War hero, and the first Secretary of Agriculture, began the fiber crop movement in Wisconsin in the late 1890s because the US faced a fiber shortage. For 40 years, this industry continued expanding and finally gave way to the hemp industry. Since 50,000 tons of binding were used yearly and since sisal and jute were imported, it just made sense to try to grow this domestically. Most hemp was used for naval purposed but it was also used to make burlap, canvas, and twine. [Read more…] about Rope or Smoke?
Alternative Fuel Society
One of the great discoveries of Blanchardville was finding the Alternative Fuel Society (AFS), where we get to sample great varieties of “fuel” and socialize with wonderful people. We keep the gatherings simple. Bring any variety(s) of beer or wine; bring a glass; and bring a snack to pass. We deposit all “fuels” on the table so anyone can try whichever sounds good to them. We have some wonderful brew masters who bring homemade beers and/or wines, which are unique and delicious! We also have some great cooks who love to share their talents with us as well! If neither beer nor wine interests you, some folks have brought others types of brewed or fermented beverages to share. As we say, “it’s all good!” [Read more…] about Alternative Fuel Society
