Running Full

A week ago 6 inches of rain fell in 24 hours.

The creek ran full, and thankfully our recently widened stream banks held the sudden surge of water. Over the past two falls, we have peeled back stream banks on 3,000 feet of Baker Fork Creek to reduce flooding of adjacent fields and to reduce erosion of the walls of the banks. This was a test run, and the renovation worked perfectly. The stream did not breach the banks to enter adjacent fields and fields upstream were not flooded, as they typically have been from events like this. 

As you can see below, normal flow amounts to maybe 15% of the volume from this recent event.

As we develop more wetlands, we are wanting to create a shallow pond for waterfowl. We have been wondering where exactly to do this. The extensive rainfall provided the answer. Surface water sat collected in the lowest aspect of the land, delineating exactly where to excavate.

I have just started reading Water in Plain Sight, by Judith Schwartz. The first chapter cites Allan Savory's vivid work in Zimbabwe. He has proven how managing 500 beeves through planned grazing and holistic principles can double the rate of absorption of rainfall on his land compared to land in the adjoining water-basin. This absorption, due to higher organic content in soil, reduces flooding and releases water gradually as it is needed. It is a dramatic illustration of the importance of herbivores on the landscape for an effective climate cycle. 

We took a drive through our developed wetlands the other day, and the dogs joined us. Here is Sale (with an accent) parading in the water. It must be the "golden" part of her mixed breeding that sends her to water. She likes to climb into our new fountain as well.

Recent frosts announce the beginning of winter and the beginning of preferred grazing of fescue, our predominant grass. Once frost hits, the sugar content of fescue goes way up, making it an excellent source of energy and protein. Ruminants respond well to this feed. It gradually loses its quality over the course of the winter, so the next few months is the time to reap this harvest. These are happy beeves!

For those who have ordered turkeys, please apprise us as soon as possible as to when you want to pick yours up. Sooner is better than later, but we can accommodate most situations. Preferred timing is either Saturday or Sunday at the next few markets for Montgomery or Madtree. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is also a possibility. Our turkeys are frozen. If you need us to thaw one out for you, that is a possibility.

Susan has also made some Turkey Stock, for those wanting a jump on preparations. It is excellent for making gravy. We have it in 3-cup containers, like our chicken stock and bone broth.

Below is meal of turkey wings, before they went into the pot. They were roasted at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, and were great.

May your stream banks run full when they need to and may the last of fall colors bedeck you.

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