Pinello Ranch - Spring 2010
I can't believe spring break is over and April is upon us. The ranch is coming to life right before our very eyes. The grass is starting to turn green, the flowers are starting to come, the birds are building their nest, and planting season is here.
As you can imagine spring is going to be a busy time for Doug. He is getting a field ready to plant over 200 apple trees. The date is April 24. If any of you would like to volunteer for this endeavor, please let us know. We currently have about 15 volunteers and we need another 15 if possible. Please let me know if you are interested in assisting.
In another field Doug is planting a dry land pasture grass with alpha in it to help the field heal, and hopefully next year we will plant a couple of acres of berries in that field. Every decision we make is about helping the land heal, and providing an opportunity to make Pinello Ranch self sustaining. Thanks to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation and the Pinello Ranch Advisory board for allowing us to make well thought out decisions, and understanding it is going to take some time to reach the goal.
Good news!!! As I was planting some grass seed today, I saw my first worm!! I know that may not sound real exciting, but last year, I never saw one worm. It tells me the land it starting to heal and the worms are coming!!! Yes, I was excited to see a worm!!!We received some more baby chicks in the last couple of weeks, and they are growing like crazy. Speaking of chicks, our chickens have had problems with laying eggs lately. Doug and I think we found out why, and trying to come up with a solution. More to come on this dilemma as we research and find the answers.
We are hoping to receive the two pot belly pigs in the next week or so. Doug made the two boys (pot belly pigs) quite a castle to live in, and he can't wait to get them. The girls are excited to take them on walks and spend time with them. Doug even made a place for the kids to sleep in the barn with the two pigs, so they can have company during the summer. I am sure this is going to be another adventure of a life time. Again, I will keep you posted!
Chad and I were out irrigating last night, and we both marveled at how the fields are looking and what improvement they have made over the last year. The grass is coming in nicely, and we are hoping to have some good hay this year. It will be nice that Doug is not working full time and trying to put up hay and run a business all at the same time. Hopefully a little more relaxing this year, and hopefully better hay.
Doug and I were talking the other day and realized we have not seen one coyote since Ayla, the Kangal dog, has arrived. Ayla is enjoying her life on the ranch. She plays with Bella, the blue healer, most of the time, and then just lays around and watches the property to ensure we are all safe.
Many of you are new to my newsletters. I try to send them out every couple of months just to give you a flavor of what is happening on the ranch. Pinello Ranch was not worked for about 10 years, and the Pikes Peak Community Foundation leased it with the intent of having it be a working ranch that is self sustaining. The long term goal is to have the ranch open to the public and have a place where families can come and enjoy the great outdoors and learn about ranching and how to take care of the land. We have been on the ranch for a little over a year, and we have enjoyed every minute of it. Yes, there have been some challenges, but they have only made us more determined. If you would like additional information about the wildlife that call Pinello home, and details about the project, please Contact Us.
I hope everyone has a glorious spring and takes time to smell the roses and enjoy your loved ones.
Have a super day!
Denise
