When Julie, Ben, and I had harvested nine months earlier, we were careful to follow the practice of leaving the patch better than we found it. You all are likely know these practices better than I do, so I won’t do more than say: we were intentional about setting up for a solid harvest the next season. However, when Robin went out to check on things a few months before harvest, she discovered that the patch had been heavily browsed by cows. Because it turns out, cows eat the invasive false indigo that was starting to clog up the delta where the willows grew so, in an effort to combat this invasive species without chemicals, the decision was made by the farmers to graze the cattle in the indigo and let them take care of it. The problem was: I didn’t successfully communicate the plan for willow stewardship, so the cows were fenced right into the little grove, and when they finished the indigo, they went to work on the willow. It all ended ok, and the five of us spent a beautiful morning tromping around the farm, but it’s a great example of the mesh of relationships that comprise this initiative. The land, the rivers, the plants, the animals, the farmers, the artists – all of us exist together on this land, crossing paths, interweaving our intentions. It’s a dynamic place. It keeps us on our toes, and it’s a true delight to share it. We hope you’ll come out to see us!
