Happy Samhain!
Hello Everyone!
Samhain, Hallow’s Eve or Halloween, presents the ideal time for an update, which is long overdue. For many ancient cultures, this was the beginning of a new year, where they enter the dark half of the year in the North, or the light half in the South. We are still well seated in our principles to create a positive legacy while adapting to all the rapid change, and along with friends, family and colleagues we continue to plan, implement and maintain the most optimistic vision for the future, based on right relationship. With that said, it is important to add that our direct experience working with the farm in all aspects, highlights the possibilities of humans in partnership with plants, animals and the land, and although I am writing this email, the work performed on the farm has included far more than my input and labor alone. Upcoming emails and journal entries will introduce and highlight what happens on a daily basis, and who makes that happen, allowing us to serve in a multitude of ways that support the diversity of our work, which we love!
For now a brief update on several foundations of our regenerative, self reliant model and what’s possible!
Solar Panels
We initially applied for a 20 kilowatt system in 2017. PECO denied the application, saying it was commercial and that we would also have to pay $15,000 to improve their infrastructure that was unable to handle that size install. We reapplied for a smaller system. Five years later we have a 14 kilowatt , 31 panel system installed and activated as of August 2022! We thank Chris Colgan of colgansolar.com for his expertise and ability to see this through and power us up!
steam restoration
Observing the life and dynamics of our two streams for 9 years we decided to apply for a full restoration in 2018. We had already been meeting with Bob Struble of Red Clay Alliance for two years, considering the pros and cons of restoration, also visiting several sites that were already under the guidance of Red Clay Alliance/Red Streams Blue.
Due to the complexity of the project we submitted, many of our “other” plans in the stream/wetland area have been put on hold, knowing how much change may occur if this project is completed. Hopefully we’re almost there.
Finally, this year, we received notice that 50% of the funding has been approved, and by end of this year, we will know if the other 50% has been granted. What prompted us to begin this restoration was watching many of our large healthy trees fall due to the severe erosion during heavy rainfall/flooding, plus the unique diversity and resilience of aquatic and plant species surviving in spite of the challenges.
We thank Brian Winslow of brandywineredclay.org and Aaron Clauser of clauserenvironmental.com for their relentless efforts over the past 5 years to see this come forward.
trees
A continual labor of love, a responsibility that becomes addictive - taking care of the trees. 15 years of planting, removing vines, honoring, deep sadness when they fall, and the joy of the first buds of flower and fruit.
We continue to plant and listen as they remind us how ancient cultures were aware of their harmonizing effects and their ability to connect both above and below the earth’s surface and store cosmic influences.
To date, we have installed four Cosmic Harmonizers to specific trees. This is part of our biodynamic approach to assist the trees as they work with the levels of pollution and disorientation of natural rhythms on earth. This practice will help re-orient the connecting forces between the cosmic universe and the earth.
We will continually add harmonizers as needed each spring and fall to promote the optimal state of well-being. Big hugs and thanks to Treehuggerz of Hockessin Delaware for their dedicated and respectful work with our trees!s, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
bees
Three hives turned into Eleven! We find ourselves in deep devotion and service to our honeybees, as they communicate and help us develop a heart centered approach to understanding their needs.
They are also known as an indicator species due to their high sensitivities. They become a barometer of the environment and so we continue to plant what they show us is needed and completely refrain from any chemical use on the farm. We have a combination of Langstroth, Warre and Top Bar hives. All of our hives are doing very well! Each season we work towards the most beneficial partnership possible under the bees guidance and continual display of creating community. We are amazed that one of our hives swarmed to the inside of a massive tulip poplar tree by the chicken coop - they have been there for almost three years and appear to be very healthy as well!
Thanks to Walt and Abe of Swarmbusters - 911honey.com for the patient years of mentoring and supporting the bees!
In closing, it is important to include our south facing hill in Zone 2 as a foundational part of our Regenerative Design. This hill is perfectly suited to growing food, herbs, medicinals, and specific pollinators. Now that the solar array is installed we can begin the design using a combination of permaculture and indigenous philosophies to work with nature for self sufficiency, and continual education.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my ancestors who convinced me many times that some things are worth waiting, and waiting, and waiting for, no matter how long it takes.
As we all move forward and build a better world,
Thank you.
x Diane