Brook Trout – Environmental Refugees From the Middle River
Middle River flows through our land. Brook Trout, Virginia’s state fish, used to thrive in it. They migrated or died long ago, environmental refugees from the sediment-laden waters of the river. The river is slowly being restored and one day, we will re-introduce this native fish to the waters that flow […]
Solar Panels Radiate Hope in Swoope
He said, “Solar panels are only 40 percent efficient.” I thought, “Are you kidding, it’s free.” The sun shines and “Zap”, you have electricity, isn’t that 100 percent efficient? Well, not so fast smarty pants. The 40 percent rating is true if one thinks about how “they” measure efficiency – […]
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The Pope on Climate Change and Monks on Water Quality
The environmental world got a boost last week when the Vatican released the Pope’s Encyclical on climate change. So now we have science and religion on the same side; no big-bang theory v. evolution on this issue. Who can deny climate change now? Here’s a link to a youtube trailer […]
Swoope Almanac May 2015 – Bobolinks, Bobwhites and Black Locust Blooms
May might be my favorite month. The energy of spring swells in every living thing. I remain in awe of all the energy. A Catbird sings all night outside our open window. Robins begin their singing at 5:15am. That’s the warm-up for the avian symphony that will last all day. […]
The Queen Bean, Tofu and Dead Zones
Tofu. That’s what most people think soybeans are grown for. But most soybeans in the U.S. are grown for oil and livestock feed. It’s big business. America is the world’s largest producer and exporter of soybeans with almost 75 million acres planted annually. It is second only to corn, planted […]
Swoope Almanac – March 2015, Winter Storm Thor and a New Border Collie Pup
The sun’s energy has transformed our brown pastures into green carpets of food for our beef cattle. The surge of spring is upon us. Red Wing Blackbird males are singing their shoulders off, “Concareeee”. Meadowlarks are singing, “Spring of the yearrrr”. Because of the vast grasslands in Swoope their populations […]
Chuck Bubbas, Corruption and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline
FERC held a "scoping" meeting at Stuarts Draft High School on March 19th, 2015. This was an opportunity for members of our community to voice concerns and participate in the democratic process about the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). If it's built it will bisect Augusta County, Virginia, the place where we [...]Soil Saturated With Phosphorus? – Don’t Apply Anymore Manure
Maryland: The newly elected republican governor, Larry Hogan repealed the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s “Phosphorus Management Tool”. Read my rant here. This trashes decades of phosphorus research and will further pollute the streams in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. It basically allows farmers to continue applying poultry manure to fields […]
In his e-book, Bobby shares his invaluable knowledge and findings drawn from years of field experience. His tips for how to improve water quality and protect livestock are a true win/win. Please read it. And please share it.
