Hello my Friends,
How is everyone? I lost track of this month somewhere around the first week and just realized its over. The weekly updates have been lacking I know, but in my defense, it's been a very quiet winter and spring. Things are starting to happen and so I, once again, am going to try and resurrect the weekly blog. Somewhere I lost the ability to just ramble on and fill up any dead space, maybe that writer block or something, I don't know but for today I have updates, even if they are a little old.
At the beginning of the month we brought in 22 sheep from Center Valley Rescue. Currently they are residing at Reiner pending their fecal tests for Johne's which we are currently waiting on. Once cleared they will be integrated with the rest of the crew in NARN. This could pretty much happen at any time; we're just waiting for the all clear. Its gonna be a packed yard full of poo balls to rake up.
Enrichment volunteers, you will notice the old log binders are back in the enrichment room and should be next to the computer. Those now are holding the enrichment guides for each species. Take a look next time your down there if you haven't already. I'm hoping having the binders will clean up that area a little and make it easier to find the info you're looking for.
Staying with the enrichment crew, I have been asked a couple times about the lack of produce in the fridges. We are undergoing a policy change about who uses it and the amount to be used. As we figure this out there will be no produce or just a bare minimum in there.
As most of you know we have been adding more and more trails to our network. I know these are primarily used by dog walkers, but my hope is they can be enjoyed by everyone. Each trail is unique and special. All of the trails were hand built by volunteers. Shovels, picks, rakes, & chainsaws, those were our tools and I'm so very impressed by what you were able to do. For all of you that stood with me in the rain, sun and a freak snowstorm I can't thank you enough for your efforts.
Here is an overview of what is out there. The lower trails: Fern Gully loop, HB (Healing Barn) Bypass, and the short cut from Fern Gully to Creek are all green trails. By that I mean easy, very little elevation gain. The Trails near cows are harder, blue / black diamond, more in line with a mountain hiking trail. I compare all trails against the climb on creek trail. Nothing we have built is that rugged or tough of a climb. It may be longer but not any harder. I have put signs out on Fern Gully and the Bypass so you can't get lost. For those that haven't walked that section before the entrance is to the right of George and Peppermints yard. Go to the gate leading you into the yard, the trail starts following the fenceline down the right side. The Healing Barn Bypass is just that it's a trail that you can take to cows from Fern Gully and not walk next to the HB. There is a spot on the loop you can exit and head to Nanni & Noodles or the healing barn. Take that and follow the sign to cows. From the cow side the entrance/exit is down the small service road next to the compost pile, where all the pallets are stacked.
An update on the cow trails.........well first an update to the update. We have names for these trails in the works, but nothing has been finalized yet so when I'm talking cow trails it's the trail that starts / stops at the switchback of Laura G and drops to the cow road and the cow barn.........The back pasture fences at cows have been opened so you can now pass through the barn and onto the trails. The grass and blackberries have been tamed so you can pass through easily now. More to come on the names of everything. I am trying to make a map of all the trails for you guys but that's not as easy as I thought it would be or this is an age thing. If anyone has the ability or knowledge on how to do such a feat, please reach out to me, I'm drowning here.
Lastly on the trails, If you're walking and meet a dog walker remember they have the right of way. Step off the trail and let them pass. If its ok for you to say hi the handler will initiate, if they don't, let them pass and then resume your walk.
Ok that's it for this week's updates. Oh, wait I have one more, Yesterday I saw the smallest baby deer I have ever seen out by cows. It must have just been born last day or so, It was so tiny. Keep your eyes open, he/she is around here somewhere.
Have a great weekend and week ahead, I hope to see you all out here. Schools ending, the sun is out (not currently but whatever) it's incredibly green everywhere here so what better time.
Stay Amazing!
Shane Greenfield
Volunteer Coordinator
shaneg@pasadosafehaven.org
