Putting An Ecosystem Back Together = Diverse Life = Endless Inspiration

Friends, it's so wild and crazy here in many ways (plant nursery, vegetable garden, homesteading projects, soil consulting, etc.) and is why I've not taken time to sit down and write, but what's important to share is the multitudinous life now calling this 3.5 acres home.

We logically comprehend what happens when an ecosystem that grew together for millenia is put back together, but to witness it happen - so quickly - is way beyond what we expected and even dreamed. Here's a quick glimpse at some very recent sightings, all on this little patch of ground we call home with a backlog of videos tucked in here and there.

Happy Summer!

Golden-backed Snipe Flies on woodland/grassland trail:

Bristly Cutworm Moth found under some pots I used:

Gray Treefrog on Cup Plant:

Carolina Buckthorn in bloom:

Monarch Caterpillar on Common Milkweed:

American Bullfrog:
WETLAND VIDEO

American Toads:

Painted Turtle:

Crazy-colored Green Frog:

Twelve-spotted Skimmer:

Staghorn Sumac in full bloom (a pollinator favorite, for sure):
VIDEO

Foxglove Beardtongue in full bloom (another pollinator favorite):
VIDEO

Dogwood in bloom (ID confirmation as soon as it sets fruit) with Spring Azure nectaring:
VIDEO

Spiderlings:

American Woodcock juvenile (we flushed Mama on our nature trail and found this little fluff ball):

Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (2nd/3rd instar) on Tulip Poplar:

Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (5th instar) on Tulip Poplar:

American Carrion Beetle and Garden Carrion Beetle on dead Garter Snake (from our basement...poor bugger):

We seek wilderness like fish to water because it's our heart and we love to venture out into this big, beautiful world, but find creating wilderness on our homeland makes access a little easier and a lot more frequent. 😃