Over 22% of butterflies have disappeared from the US since the 1990s. Here's why I am adding ecological 'restrictions' to my 6.74 acres that I plan to still run a business from.
I have just over 1/10th an acre and I have butterfly bushes which bring the most beautiful butterflies, a koi pond that I use the backwash from the filter to water my strawberry patch which not only feeds me but also the native wildlife, a chicken coop which helps build my compost, and provide me fresh organic eggs year round, and a plethora of plants, flowers that attract pollinators organically and am learning about companion gardening to help with pest control. Last year I added a small greenhouse so I can grow my own food. Admittedly I have a ton to learn, and my neighbors hate me bc I refuse to subscribe to the perfectly manicured lawns they seem to love, but my intuition spoke and I listened.
Alex thats so cool. My family and some friends got 65 acres in southern nh in the 1940s. Their lineage including me, live here today. Coming from years in a concrete jungle its awesome seeing and hearing wildlife again. Theres a river here to fish on. We never did a wildlife sanctuary but in the past we have owned a tree farm. Good luck.
Well, some of your commenters fall in the middle... We just may not be the larger category. ;-)
Many, many years ago I read a book called Natural Capitalism, which I think explores your thinking in detail.
When profit is defined only in monetary terms, we're in trouble. But when profit and wealth are defined to include health of people and the environment as well as reserves for challenging times (be that money, or water resources, or stored food, or...), etc., then there's a chance to find the middle path you are following.
Ecopreneur, I love that! You are a very smart girl and I am so glad to know you and read your blog. If anyone can help change the world it will be you. As a person who spends alot of time raising butterflies, I can tell you what they need is for us to leave their homes and food sources alone. Use NO chemicals, plant only butterfly useful plants. Good work, Alex.
Loss of biodiversity and the 'insect apocalypse' doesn't get much publicity but one of the more alarming trends today. All species (not just pollinators) are crucial to our health, well being and we're in a world of sorrow without sentient beings that we're communion with whether we know it or not. Key to rebuilding butterfly populations is to learn the many plant species that are 'host' plants and reintroduce them. Beyond milkweed-there's dozens of forbs, grasses, shrubs trees (eg black cherry, willow) that butterflies need to complete their life cycle.
Pollinators and farmland dying off- we're in trouble! There needs to be an easier way to take some of that land on to grow pollinator plants and food! I'm trying to help!
Great article! We had 0.2 of an acre in Alaska, we used all natural for our garden, flowers and berries. Composted, worm culture. We had lots of pollinators around. It’s the way our great grandparents used to farm/garden.
Woohoo! And thank you for your comments about money being energy. 100%, for sure!
One of my favourite quotes from an amazing entrepreneur (Jeff Walker) is "the more money I make, the more I can give away." And that's exactly what he does. And he also filled all his financial needs long long ago.
Keep creating the beauty you so passionately embody. In words, in action, in visuals, and in worldview.
Completely rethinking how money comes to us is as liberating as the fields and oases your pollinator friends will discover and call home.
Cheering so hard from the comments section! The excitement radiates from every fiber of my being as I read your post. My body may have betrayed me when I tackled my farming journey too quickly, but it’s not over. I’m embracing this season of rest and healing…going slow, but never giving up. Your words give me hope, reminding me that I’m not alone in this vision. There are others who, like me, long to grow, raise, and steward the land in harmony with nature. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and passion!
I have just over 1/10th an acre and I have butterfly bushes which bring the most beautiful butterflies, a koi pond that I use the backwash from the filter to water my strawberry patch which not only feeds me but also the native wildlife, a chicken coop which helps build my compost, and provide me fresh organic eggs year round, and a plethora of plants, flowers that attract pollinators organically and am learning about companion gardening to help with pest control. Last year I added a small greenhouse so I can grow my own food. Admittedly I have a ton to learn, and my neighbors hate me bc I refuse to subscribe to the perfectly manicured lawns they seem to love, but my intuition spoke and I listened.
I love this so much. Keep going!
Alex thats so cool. My family and some friends got 65 acres in southern nh in the 1940s. Their lineage including me, live here today. Coming from years in a concrete jungle its awesome seeing and hearing wildlife again. Theres a river here to fish on. We never did a wildlife sanctuary but in the past we have owned a tree farm. Good luck.
Well, some of your commenters fall in the middle... We just may not be the larger category. ;-)
Many, many years ago I read a book called Natural Capitalism, which I think explores your thinking in detail.
When profit is defined only in monetary terms, we're in trouble. But when profit and wealth are defined to include health of people and the environment as well as reserves for challenging times (be that money, or water resources, or stored food, or...), etc., then there's a chance to find the middle path you are following.
Forward ho!
Ecopreneur, I love that! You are a very smart girl and I am so glad to know you and read your blog. If anyone can help change the world it will be you. As a person who spends alot of time raising butterflies, I can tell you what they need is for us to leave their homes and food sources alone. Use NO chemicals, plant only butterfly useful plants. Good work, Alex.
Thank you Cheryl!!
Loss of biodiversity and the 'insect apocalypse' doesn't get much publicity but one of the more alarming trends today. All species (not just pollinators) are crucial to our health, well being and we're in a world of sorrow without sentient beings that we're communion with whether we know it or not. Key to rebuilding butterfly populations is to learn the many plant species that are 'host' plants and reintroduce them. Beyond milkweed-there's dozens of forbs, grasses, shrubs trees (eg black cherry, willow) that butterflies need to complete their life cycle.
Pollinators and farmland dying off- we're in trouble! There needs to be an easier way to take some of that land on to grow pollinator plants and food! I'm trying to help!
Great article! We had 0.2 of an acre in Alaska, we used all natural for our garden, flowers and berries. Composted, worm culture. We had lots of pollinators around. It’s the way our great grandparents used to farm/garden.
Thank you!
I love that!
Woohoo! And thank you for your comments about money being energy. 100%, for sure!
One of my favourite quotes from an amazing entrepreneur (Jeff Walker) is "the more money I make, the more I can give away." And that's exactly what he does. And he also filled all his financial needs long long ago.
Keep creating the beauty you so passionately embody. In words, in action, in visuals, and in worldview.
Completely rethinking how money comes to us is as liberating as the fields and oases your pollinator friends will discover and call home.
Well said.
I love your spirit, go for it attitude and that you seem kind of pissed off👏👏👏🔥
Hahahha, I am a very passionate person about what I believe in!
Outstanding!
Bravo!
Now that is cool
I did the same thing 5 years ago with my 40 acres (and also have the plaque on my interior fence
I love that
Cheering so hard from the comments section! The excitement radiates from every fiber of my being as I read your post. My body may have betrayed me when I tackled my farming journey too quickly, but it’s not over. I’m embracing this season of rest and healing…going slow, but never giving up. Your words give me hope, reminding me that I’m not alone in this vision. There are others who, like me, long to grow, raise, and steward the land in harmony with nature. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and passion!
Aw yay, that is my goal!! To get everyone excited with me!
Agree 100%!!!
Love the plaque
Live the dream 🙂