Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Our Vision

1 1/3 Acre residence and community sourced market garden, apiary, demonstration, teaching, and U-pick it gardens.

Mission Statement:

Strengthening Community through learning, use, and teaching of Art, Soil, Plants and Sustainable Practices.

Palenquito

A Palenque is a holding post. It's a place to tie up your horse and a place to hang your hat. To us Palenque also means a refuge from storm and a place to call home. Palenquito is, affectionately, the name we give our home, gardens, school, etc. Located on 1 1/3 acre of what was once considered the bread basket of Sanpete County. This little oasis is located in the unincorporated township of Chester. In a community that struggles regularly with drought but boasts a natural stream, Oak Creek, which is fed throughout the summer to irrigate surrounding fields and livestock. The original owner, David Candland, was the founder of Chester and though the home has seen plenty of changes over the years, we're proud to continue the legacy he started through homesteading 140 years ago. This small strip on the highway was a booming farming town after he proved up the first 160 acre corner of Chester beginning in 1874.



When we moved to the property in December of 2016, it was a sad, uninhabitable house. We put a lot into rebuilding the portions of the house that were damaged by years of misuse and vandalism. These efforts renewed the historical aspects of the houses interior. Now we seek to give the outside of the home the same care and attention. We hope to add cultural value and a unique presence building up to the following:
  • Palenquito Gardeners Market, a community sourced market stand situated on the highway. 
  • Market Garden
  • U-pick raspberries and apples
  • Pollinator Habitat
  • Sustainable Seed Library
  • Blended naturalized ornamental landscape and  demonstration garden
  • Art studio
  • Small scale production greenhouse for spring vegetable starts
  • Teaching and Event pavilion/ Air B&B
We are a family enterprise with deep roots in both Sanpete County and South American culture. We seek to bring the best of what we love to Palenquito through our love of 'la Pacha Mama' and all she offers. This historic corner of Sanpete will serve our community and beautify it for present and future generations. We will be a resource for the community for local food and culture, using the things we love: We strive to grow food, make art, and better our habitat and environment through responsible stewardship. All through our little gardeners market Palenquito.

Strategy for Success:

We envision returning to the homesteading staple of self sufficiency; providing for our own from our own, encompassing the local community. Currently the closest grocery store for all surrounding towns is 15 to 25 miles away in Mt. Pleasant. Locals know that eventually you'll see everyone in there because everyone eventually has to stop in. We seek to add richness to the local food climate by giving people from Chester, Spring City, Wales, Moroni, Ephraim, and Fountain Green among others an alternative to eat fresh, in season vegetables, produced here in the valley using sustainable practices. Change doesn't happen in one season of growing, so we intend to let people know we are here before we put all of our energies into producing vegetables. We've already identified a few artisans and successful gardeners who we'd like to invite to contribute including producers of local cheese, artisan bread, soaps, sheeps milk and honey along with successful vegetable gardeners.



Palenquito Gardeners Market is located in the center of Sanpete County at an important crossroads in a visible location. But even so, Sanpete is made up of small communities where much of the population has lived here for many generations and word of mouth governs spending habits and activities, based on long held relationships and communities. Our goal is not only to create a successful business but to become part of a greater community by establishing a permanent presence. Though the location is visible, there are many paths to take to get from point A to point B within the valley and many businesses fail because no one knows they are their until they're gone. Because we are a family operation with small children and a lot of work to do in our own 'proving up' efforts, it will be key to take it slow and steady. What we have to offer will be useful and interesting and represent our vision. Signage, visible to passing cars, will clearly state what we have to offer. To open up our store we'll offer vegetable starts and seeds, soon followed by greens, carrots and early harvested produce. We'll also offer other plant related items such as essential oils, gardening tools, hand salves and locally produced soaps. We'll open up our doors to sell on the honor system beginning mid May of 2019. 

Palenquito Site Evaluation

Considerations:
 
Climate:
Average lowest temperature °F                                 25 F
Average highest temperature °F                                76 F
Last Spring freeze Day                                              June 10
First Fall Freeze Day                                                 Sept 18
Number of freeze-free days                                      103
Site Slope % Aspect                                                  both production garden plots level, other slopes                                                                                       along stream bank and on North West corner 20-                                                                                     50 degree slope.
Low spots                                                                  N/A
Microclimate factors                                                 1/2 property shaded, natural ripoarian areas. See                                                                                       notes for microclimate

Soil:                                                                         
Texture:                                                                      Clay Loam and Silty Clay Loam 
pH:                                                                             site 1: 1.11, site 2: 3.57
Salinity dS/m:                                                            site 1: 7.7, site 2: 7.9
Organic matter %:                                                      site 1: 5.0% site 2: N/A

Water:
Water Type:                                                                Well
Time period available:                                                Year round
Amount inches:                                                          4 acre ft.(xs 12 inches)
Salinity dS/m pH:                                                     

Labor Availability                                                      N/A
Owner hours available per week hours                     15
Hired hours hours                                                      N/A
Economic Target market:                                          Road Side Stand
Primary Secondary Capital investment:                    Greenhouse:                   $5000   
                                                                                   Art Studio including
                                                                                   kiln and gas line:          $10000 
                                                                                   Teaching Pavilion:          $5000
                                                                                   Primary Residence:   $130,000

Site 1: Orchard garden plot, Site 2: cold frame garden plot

Micro climate analysis: Heavily shaded areas of mature trees. Natural stream running year round accept when diverted for irrigation or drought. Trees provide protection from winds and low temperatures, stream changes pressure and keeps air flowing, raising temperature. Where other parts of Chester are a sink for cold air, stream and many mature trees create microclimate a few degrees warmer, buffer for cold.

Soil analysis:
Site 1: Low Nitrogen in soil, recommended to add 2-4 lb per 1000 sq ft. While Potassium and Phosphorus were High and Extremely high.

Find crops that grow well with less nitrogen and very high phosphorus and high potassium, add compost for nitrogen, organic matter, additional micro-nutrients.

Site 2: Low Nitrogen, high potassium, very high phosphorus, very high salinity. Recommended, leach out excess salt with adequate irrigation water.

Soil Problem Possible Explanation Site 2: This site was chosen for it's optimal sunlight exposure, access to loading, unloading areas for compost, supplies etc. However when land was being cleared previous to last years growing season there was a large amount of rubbish found both on surface of soil and buried. Concluded that this was a dump site of sorts for property. Further soil tests required to test for other contaminants counter indicative to using space for growing food.



Palenquito Landscape Plan

We've designed this landscape plan with an eye to preservation and renewal. Many of the trees and plants are pre-existing. With no other place in this part of the valley with as many trees and shade, Palenquito will be a beacon for demonstrating wise water practices and sustainable landscapes. Where there was once large lawns, there will be water saving perennials and buffalo grass left long and lush while conserving water. Plants have been chosen for their compatibility for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and honeybees.   







Plant Key

Herbs
3. ARP rosemary
8. Agastache Hummingbird Mint
14. Lemon balm
21. Mint
23. Rue
47. Clary Sage
49. Comfrey
50. Lavender
56. Lambsear
57. Thyme
58. Oregano

Xeric/Naturalizing

4.Mirabilis Multiflora
5. Rabbit Brush
6. Silver Sage
9. Giant Silver Mullein
20. Trumpetvine
21. Current (Yellow, White and Red)
32. Sundancer daisy
55. Chocolate flower
47. Clary Sage
46. Fernbush
yucca

Perennials

10. Golden Storksbill
23. Agastache
24. Gaura
25.  Iris
26. Gaillardia
29.Echinacea
31. Geranium
41. Honeysuckle
42. Clematis
44. Peony
45. Rose
54.Coreopsis
55. Chocolate Flower
59.Sunrose
Russian Sage

Woody Perrenials/Shrubs/Trees

1. Willow
2. Waterbirch
11. Siberian Elm
17. Rose of Sharon
20. Trumpetvine
21. Current (Yellow, White and Red)
35. Peashrub
46. Fernbush
51. Euonymous alata

Fruit
13.Goji Berry
15. Red Apple
16. Cascade Raspberry
21. Current (Yellow, White and Red)
36. Apricot
38. Yellow Apple
40. Bartlett pear

Grasses

8. Sea Oats
18. Buffalo Grass

Karl Forster Feather Reed grass
Miscanthus sinensus Maiden Grass


Palenquito Irrigation

The Irrigation system we have designed is based on design principals of the American Irrigation Association. We have two systems: One grey water system and one system that will be pressurized using the same system as the home well. The use of well water is a limiting factor that may need to be remedies in the future by installing a new well, however water is plentiful and we intend to use it wisely. These set of circumstances are a great motivator for us to demonstrate water wise practices and do more with less.

N

W                                                                                                                              E
S

Grey Water system is on South Side stemming from laundry and is used for non-edibles and herbs. Grey water is from laundry only and flows from the pump of the washing machine using a backflow preventer, open ended pipes installed on a slope for free flow of debris.

Well Water system is used to run water inside the residence with the ability to turn off the water at high use times of the day before 8 am and after 8 pm, keeping with wise water practices. Drip irrigation from vegetable garden plots will not impact water pressure enough to divert the whole system to avoid drought damaged to tender plants and seeds.

Outside system includes permenant frost free pipes for future installation of water to High tunnel greenhouse, ceramic studio and greenhouse, and teaching pavilion. Separate line for garden plot to be turned off after winterization annually. Sprinkler system is comprised of backflow preventer, 5 separate valves for sprinklers, separated according to spray head color coded for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or complete spray heads. Radius of heads is 15 ft.



 The 5th valve is for drip lines to water fruit trees, raspberries, herbs and plants along front and North property line not shown.



Contingency: Having the Home/Shallow Well water system be the source for irrigation as well is less than ideal. The pump for the shallow well may prove to be too small to pump the required water to fill all water needs. In the next 2 years we will be assessing our water needs and know whether we need a new well in conjunction with acquiring legal rights to water. The installation of a new well will take place at the same time window as purchasing water rights, if such be required. A second mortgage on the house will cover both needs, should they arise since they are related to the home and residence as much as they are to the business venture. 


Phase I

What we're doing Now -18 Months:

Palenquito Gardeners Market:

Our prime goal for 2019 is to make a statement and peak interest. Over the following 18 months our goal is to find 5 vendors to participate in the gardeners market. As we landscape and create a more public friendly atmosphere we'll also do more community outreach and connect with local gardeners through canvasing local businesses, flyers, business cards and word of mouth. We'll be visiting farmers markets, posting on social media to find other potential gardeners and vendors and invite them to participate in this community effort.

In making this residence into an inviting public space, the market front and exterior signage will be refinished to create an inviting presence. We'll build a porch, overhead sign and pergola, landscape the exterior with existing grey water system and build a fence and gate to separate the residence from the business front, building a path to access the residence. We'll also be landscaping the front of the residence with the existing grey water system including planting large shrubs and waterwise perennials to create curb appeal and physical and visual barriers for privacy with a eye toward demonstrating sustainable landscapes.

To Do:
In order to begin this venture the first priority is to clean up the brush and debris in open areas, including the orchard and spaces around the garage from renovation of the home.
finish installation of signs, cut bolts from concrete slab patio, make sign templates, new door nob to go on the new door with door sensor connected to residence wifi. Acquire landscape plants, install paver pathway. Start talking to gardeners, vendors, artisans etc. Make business cards.




Progress to date: So far we've started giving the exterior of the store a face lift with a fresh coat of paint, a new door with a window and built a porch. The last touch was a literal holding post in front of the store with posts for main signage to display what we have currently available, visible from highway. The interior has been cleaned out and sheetrock patched. It's ready to be primed, painted and trim installed! We've also prepared display racks to put in as soon as the paint is dry. Wall hangings to display oils, shelving to showcase plant based healing items to be for sale, and a small fridge to hold seed library and seeds for sale. 

The surrounding area has been cleaned and we've begun weeding in preparation for landscape plants to beautify the area. Pavers are gathered and ready to install for one of the rock paths going from the store to the residence.

Partnership with producers of honey, placing hive within property.



Draft of front of Business Card:












Market Garden

Though immediately, we'll be seeking out other gardeners to fill the market, our goal is to eventually produce vegetables and profit from them. However the historical nature of the home creates a few twists and turns in the resources available. In order to produce enough product to sell, we need to show that the water source is clean, plentiful, and legal. We hope to have 4 acre feet legalized in order to produce vegetables. However, our methods of growing, using mulch, drip irrigation, and plants well adapted to this climate and dry heat will allow us to proceed even if the rights granted are not as we hope.

To Do: Finish the application for water rights and submit in order to have rights granted to sell end of season harvest. Yearly garden prep, tilling, laying irrigation lines, trellising and planting related to vegetable production. Order compost delivery, order new drip irrigation lines.

Progress to date: We've been busy preparing our application to the state Water Commision to grant us enough water rights to grow and sell vegetables. This involves researching the house, documenting evidence to support our claim of extensive landscaping historically on the property including mature, 1/3 acre orchard and the rest of the 1 1/3 acres using water as well in ornamental and edible plants. The primary proof comes in the form of a photograph found in the Brigham Young University Historical Archives some time prior to 1900 showing the homesteader David Candland and his wife Anne Woodhouse Candland with lush foliage and a visible hand pump in the exact location where our current hand dug well comes out of the ground and feeds our house and garden.

We've located the documents of sale for the property through searching historical archives in the county clerks vault showing Anne Woodhouse Candland as owner with the exact property location and legal discription to eliminate any doubt as to the ownership and location of the property in the historical image. We've photographed the mature apple trees and stumps and evidence of previous landscaping materials uncovered in cleanup to provide context for historical water use on the property.

Water and Soil tests done and implemented in site evaluation and plan.

Contingency Plan: If enough water is not granted to cover vegetable production needs, we'll seek a seller within water shed area and 2nd mortgage to purchase water rights to equal at least 4 acre feet of well water.

Pollinator Habitat

On our 1 1/3 acres of valley floor meadow, we enjoy a stream that flows and enriches the wildlife here. We enjoy watching for signs of Racoons, Rockchucks, Wild Geese, rabbits and hosting a wide range of birds in our trees and fields. Our goal is to live in harmony with these things, protecting ourselves with smart practices in our garden beds and providing plants for a diverse habitat. On one side of the natural stream Oak Creek, we will cultivate and harvest and on the other we will encourage a cohabitat by providing plants to encourage healthy biodiversity. Perennial flowers, grasses and shrubs will be fed from the stream by solar pump and drip tubes directly, but a portion of these meadow will be reserved for naturalizing perennials and reseeding annuals to create a habitat that is cultivated but relatively native. 

To Do: Clean unwanted Siberian Elm trees, branches and debris from stream. Plant Water birch along stream bank, Acquire solar pump and drip line with spaghetti tubes for individual plants, seeds, and a few perennials and shrubs to start out. Install new colony of bees. Plant more flowers.

Access to this area is currently restricted, but we will be building a log bridge to extend from one side to the other without affecting the stream bank.

Progress to date: Some debris cleaned out of the stream. We've received the initial bee hives, installed them in a protected location next to the stream, secured them for possible high winds, taught kids about their structure and function.

Current Pollinator Habitat:



Future Pollinator Habitat:





























Progress: Hives are installed, secured in place and waiting for New bee colony, arriving April 25th.























Palenquito U-Pick:

Within the next 12-18 months we will plant our future U-pick it orchard. The existing apple orchard renovation will be complete, having pruned the long years of overgrowth and disease. By the end of this time we will have observed 3 years of growing, the harvest season and type of fruit in the existing trees. We will also be adding two 60 foot rows of raspberries, quince, pear and plum trees.

To Do:

Prune existing fruit trees of dead limbs and un-managed growth. Clear away brush and cuttings from previous pruning as well as clearing dead trees from existing orchard area after they have been viewed by the state water commission.

The most essential piece for planting fruiting trees is the installation of an irrigation system. We've designed an irrigation system and will are ready for installation as time provides.

Prior to laying pipes for irrigation and future water needs, the chicken coop must be relocated, and septic system needs to be verified.

Supports for the Raspberries canes will be made using existing wood fencing and planted on both sides.

Progress to date: So far we've made a landscaping plan, and installed bee hive to ensure good pollination. We've designed an irrigation plan, and we have an existing fenceline that will be used to support canes.  

This portion contingent on Moroni Irrigation canal in front along roadway being covered. Estimation of enclosure in 2019, enclosed to within 50 yards of property line in 2018. If this doesn't happen, most parking for visitors of residence will still park near store or in residence space and a separate gate will be left open.

Sustainable Seed Library:

Seeds are an invaluable inheritance. We feel strongly about the quality of seeds used n\in our garden. Heirlooms are an experimentation in creative gardening. There's nothing like the thrill of finding a new variety that grows well in your soil and conditions. We've started our own little collection over the years of seeds we save from year to year and this year we've expanded that to purchased in large number, heirloom seeds to offer for sale. Our seed library will add to the community by offering a place to trade seeds, find new varieties, and connect with other local gardeners to continue the tradition of sustainable growing from years past. 

To Do: Set up display in store of seeds, organize the rest of seeds in well documented sizes for individuals family growing. Make seed sign, Register Seed Library with Seed Savers. install refrigerator in Market. Get binder and log in materials to track seed donations, swaps and purchases.

Progress to date: We've done a lot of organizing and careful separation of seeds into packets and pasted a catalog together of the heirloom varieties we have to offer so that seed lovers can choose according to traits, what they take away. We've collected display shelves to place in market as soon as the paint dries.


Progress to date:

Store remodeled, structure renewed with exterior door with window, exterior paint, interior sheetrock, displays, and interior signage.
Irrigation design completed
Landscape Plan completed, including plant list.
Vision sketches completed of future structures and landscapes
Clean up of surrounding terrain including partial orchard cleanup, around garage and removal of dead branches in stream.
Poor drainage from garage remediated preparatory to building wall for initial art studio space in existing garage.
Business cards preliminary design
Seed library organized with catalog of available seeds for 2019 season included in displays.
Fridge with seed storage installed.
greenhouse set up and
vegetable starts prepped and progressing including tomatoes peppers, basil, pumpkins, …
Installment of initial hive boxes
Water tested for use with livestock and produce
Soil test from Orchard and Vegetable Production areas
Evidence collected for Water right appeal

Setbacks:

Greenhouse and vegetable starts unsuccessful. Reasons: Climate colder and later than previously assumed. Greenhouse not as strong as we hoped. High winds on numerous occassions damaged greenhouse and ripped seems. Animals snuck in and contaminated soil media. Actions to remediate: For many of the starts, it's too late in the year to replace them such as pepper, basil etc. But other's we will start with fresh media and attempt starting some indoors and some in greenhouse with repairs to attempt another batch: squash, pumpkin, melon seedlings.  Animal contamination will be remediated by only mixing soil in containers with firm lids to keep cats etc. our of media. Though this set back was dire, it's part of the learning curve in a new place.  For next growing season we'll be adding to this years projects a lean to greenhouse with double layer plastic for more secure growing, protecting from lower night time temperatures.  

How will we accomplish our goals for this project from a financial standpoint?

The primary source for the initial stage of this venture will be in the selling of a motorhome we own, alternative sources for funding this project are to do it slowly or use tax returns each year.

In keeping with sustainable practices, we've found materials that we'll be re-purposing creatively to create interest in the market and keep out of pocket expenses to a minimum. 


Potential Setbacks: State Water commission doesn't grant us enough water rights to grow vegetables. If we are not granted enough water by the state water commission we will proceed with procuring a business loan and finding a seller to buy water rights from.

Contingency plan for if water can not be acquired: Business will continue as usual, inviting more local growers to sell produce from store instead of providing main crop for sale from Palenquito, pursuit of water rights through private purchase and business loan.

Monday, April 22, 2019

Phase II

2-5 Year Plan

Palenquito Gardeners Market:

In the next 3-5 years we will recruit gardeners in the community to stock produce for sale in Palenquito Gardeners Market on the highway. To do this we'll extend out marketing strategy to include radio advertising and adds in the local Pyramid and Sanpete Messenger Newspaper.


Our goal is to have multiple gardeners and small scale farmers producing from their gardens to sell in the market. We will hold regular meetings to organize market maintenance including regular stocking, cleaning and upkeep as well as special purchases and other garden needs. We will create a Mission Statement for Palenquito Gardeners Market with input from gardeners invested with time and produce in the continuing function of the market. Profit will be made solely on the sales of items supplied by Palenquito including vegetables, hand crafted items, oils etc. but not on the produce and items other vendors supply. Each vendor will profit from product they supply.

In this time bracket, having the function of the Market be community based will give us the time to focus on things that we love like producing More Art and other Items to sell in the market. 

Market Garden

High tunnel greenhouse will be built in this time to grow produce year round for sale in the gardeners market. This includes research and foundation work for USDA  grants and Farm Loans.

U-pick Fruit:

We'll have raspberries producing and old Apple trees will be in their final year of renovation from years of neglect, pruned and producing. We will also be adding other fruiting trees such as quince, apricot, and pears, which will be planted during this time.  

Pollinator Garden

We will add 2-3 new hives to the open space near the stream.  Remove Siberian Elms from Stream bank as water birches extend their roots to stabilize slope.


Demonstration Gardens:

Sanpete County has a long history of being a dry county that is well known for production of Alfalfa, but also for being locked in decades old feuds regarding the use of water resources. Common banter among locals when discussing water issues is: "you can touch my wife, but don't touch my water". Many towns boast irrigation systems which encourage residents to grow lush green lawns which are not sustaineable for this climate and growing needs for water for rapidly growing population. We will provide a resource and reference for those seeking to use smart water practices in their landscaping. We've set up a grey water system in the front portion of the residence. This isn't currently an accepted use of waste water within the state of Utah. however the circumstances of the historical home create unique circumstances which make the use of grey water smart and ecological. Among these circumstances are the small size of the septic system and it's proximity to the natural stream. Diverting grey water from the laundry system alone has kept over 300 gallons of waste from being collected in the septic system and kept the system from being overworked and causing cross contamination of fresh water source to local farms and fields. The stretch of road along the highway will serve as prime demonstration space. The stretch is approximately 10 feet wide by 80 feet long and will be enough space to showcase a few lesser known shrubs that naturalize to this region such as Fernbush, Clary Sage, Silver Sage, and other reseeding and flowering perennials such as flax, penstemon, chocolate flower etc.


In these time bracket we'll be reaching out to find resources for restoring the natural stream bed. By this time the stream bed will be cleaned of any debris, including unwanted Elms, branches and concrete pieces.

An important element of water saavy gardening is experimentation and finding new ways to sustainably improve our environment. We will be planting a Hugelkultur bed along the rear perimeter of the property and planting additional fruiting trees such as filberts and newer apple varieties to replace the mature fruiting trees that are coming to the end of their life cycle. This area of the land gets no irrigation and we will be experimenting to see if we can get the ground to hold more water to feed the shrubs and trees above.

Phase III


5-10 Year Plan

Palenquito Gardeners Market: Working Gardeners market with an established reputation in the community, expanding products to include gardening materials, hand made tools, compost and other gardening needs.

Market Garden: Full production Market Garden, producing increasingly diverse vegetables, using livestock for mowing and waste products to enrich soil.

U-pick: Established fruiting trees and vines and growing reputation in community for sourcing raspberries, apples, etc.

Pollinator Habitat Established with great diversity and naturalized plants

Sustainable Seed Library: Hold annual seed swap and ask seed savers and market gardeners to contribute to organization and upkeep of seed library.

Naturalized landscape demonstration garden: Find more plants that will adapt to Utah's dry climate.
Art studio
  • Small scale production greenhouse for spring vegetable starts
  • Teaching and Event pavilion/ Air B&B
Palenquito Art Studio/Greenhouse Space. Building an addition behind garage, using the existing structure to produce pottery and arts on one side, with the Southern exposure being completed as a greenhouse for production of spring vegetables, perennial plants and other plants for sale.

Now:



In 5-10 years. 




















Palenquito Teaching Pavilion 

Now:






























This Teaching Pavilion serves multiple purposes on our small farm. The first is in keeping with traditions from our South American Heritage. The structure is based on a traditional Argentine building called a Quincho and it used for creating an Argentine Asado experience. It's two main purposes are for hosting food related events, food production and Teaching. Inside this building we'll build a traditional Argentine Barbeque station with earthen oven in a commercial grade kitchen in which to teach and create conconctions from our fruits and vegetables and teach others how to use what they produce. We'll have enough room to host  events of up to 50 people and art and creative classes of 15-20 people, offering classes based on our skills and love of food, nature and art. We hope to begin this project in no more than 5 years time. 

How: These Projects will require considerable resources and planning. We intend to wait until we've completed the projects mentioned in phase 1 and 2, completely paying off the debts from those two projects before seeking a new loan to complete these portions. 

Wish List Projects:

As we learn and grow through this process we have ideas which are beyond our scope at this time. But they are worth mentioning because they could add significantly to the full potential of our venture. They include the future purchase of a the 3 acres plot to the South side. If we were to succeed in this in the next 10 years, it would allow us the potential for more intense production of vegetables as well as agri-tourism. We believe that our little niche would be worth visiting and contributing to with additional structures for larger events, including parking to accommodate weddings and larger community projects, possibly even a community farm. It would allow us the potential to access water shares in the irrigation located adjacent to us.

The other wish list item would be building an additional greenhouse attached to the residence. The purpose of this greenhouse would be to house permanent plantings of trees to be pruned for small scale, such as lemon, figs, avocado, that would be impossible in this growing climate otherwise.

Animalia

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