The farm's going to see a couple big improvement projects happening this spring. We're constructing a storm shelter and building a pond/wetland. These projects will take considerable time and money but they are very important to the continued mission of the farm

When big storms come rolling in the warm seasons, especially during tornado warnings, our only options have been an old dirty well pit with limited capacity, or heading a quarter mile down to the neighbor. With extreme weather probably only on the increase, we decided last year to make a sizable-enough storm shelter for the farm a priority. Because such construction also provides opportunities for other uses, we've taken longer in planning and are adding in root cellar uses to considerations for the structure as well as building a sun room on top that will help the farm with spring seed starting and an extra space for activities. Even at a relatively small 140 sq ft dimension, the project will provide multiple uses for us and most importantly give us a safe secure spot during storms. Construction will begin as soon as conditions allow.

Ecological farming continues to be one of our priorities and building a pond/wetland in our old pasture slough represents a huge move forward for us. Slowing down the water draining into Squaw Creek is essential to helping reduce multi-detrimental effects downstream. A tile outlet and drainage basin of 10 acres brings water into to that slough and quickly down a gully into the creek. A dike will be made by an experienced crew and the resulting pond/wetland will treat the water before it moves anywhere else, especially reducing dangerous nitrate and phosphate load. A prairie buffer we've planted above the slough will also help immensely, as will the planting and seeding we do around the pond area with many native species. The project also includes a tree planting component that will provide valuable food sources in the future, including many varieties of fruit and nuts. Habitat improvement for many of our companion species on the farm and in the area will also be a major benefit of this project. Construction will also begin as soon as conditions allow.

It should also be noted that we will continue on other projects as well. These priorities include finishing the outdoor kitchen, improving the shed loft ventilation, doing a comprehensive outbuilding use and repair inventory and expanding our prairie gardens. It should quite an involved but amazing year for making life at Mustard Seed even better!

Yours truly, Nate