April 2, 2025 — In a ride through the Vista Farm wetland we spotted a little Swamp Sparrow and its mate looking for a place to build a nest among the sedges and rushes near an old fallen tree.

March 23, 2025 — Have been canoeing almost every day that is not too windy. Yesterday we saw a Monarch, a Black Swallowtail, and a Tiger Swallowtail; also a few dragonflies. Four Wood Ducks (two males and two females) flew in and went straight to the feeding station like they knew where to look for an easy meal. A Muscovy, a pair of Whistling Ducks and the domestics shared the log and companionship.

March 15, 2025 — Rain is expected, but we were out in the new orchard this morning early and found that the crabapples are blooming. Spring is coming for sure!

March 9, 2025 — Lots of rain the last two days. The fruit trees are all showing tiny new leaves. Temps in the upper 60s mostly.

March 3, 2025 — It’s a beautiful thing to see our new crabapple trees leafing out. We planted this little orchard only a week ago and tiny leaves are just popping out.

February 27, 2025 — The rain finally stopped for a while and we planted dozens of plum, crabapple, and persimmon trees along with six muscadine vines. This is the second project of our habitat improvement grant from the USDA’s Natural Resources stewardship program. Deer tracks in the mud around some of the trees indicate our wildlife have already discovered the new orchard.

January 21, 2025 – Approximately 12″ of snow in the meadow at Vista Farm.

January 15, 2025 – Lots of rain in the last week and it’s too cold to get any work done.

January 1, 2025 – There was no celebrating today. We are mourning the deaths of so many in New Orleans at the hands of an Islamic terrorist. Deport them all, citizens or not.