Barefoot in South Africa – The Rhino War and Drought
The Princess of Swoope and I walked barefoot in South Africa. Cape Town, Nelspruit, Kruger National Park, Ballito and the Drakensberg escarpment were on our itinerary that encompassed three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. That means we took in some of the most spectacular and unique places on Earth. First, Cape...
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....
Swoope Almanac January 2015: Ode to Dexter, a Snow Goose and Virginia Wild Rye
Winter in Swoope. I walk along the banks of Middle River on our farm in search of treasure. Dexter, our Border Collie usually walks along with me but he passed on and I sure miss him. Cold air seeps through the opening in my collar; the brown, frozen grass crunches...
What is a Tree Hugger?
The term “Tree Hugger” is synonymous with “Environmental Wacko”. One might say it’s used for environmental profiling.
Swoope Almanac Fireflies, Soldier Beetles and Farmscape
Swoope, Va: Several years ago we took two ladies in that needed a place to stay. They were from Wyoming. One had just quit her job; I think she was running away from something. We agreed to put them up for a couple of weeks until they could find a...
Bluebird Box Clean-out
Quail Survive at Cobble Hill Farm Because of Habitat
Cobble Hill Farm in Staunton Virginia released pen raised Northern Bobwhites in December of 2012. I interviewed Jim Pile, the farm’s manager on October 1st 2013 for this article and I could hear Quail giving their “Hoy-ee” call. Click on the hot link above to go a website with the...
Well Managed “Open-Space” Should Not Be Taxed
“Well-managed” farmland and other working “open-spaces” should not be taxed when they provide ecosystem services exceeding the cost of public services for the land.
Native Plants Can Be Invasive
I finally found a plant that will take over tall fescue – wingstem, but I’m not sure I like it. Let me explain. Both plants are invasive, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a non-native invasive plant; wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) is a native plant that is invasive.
