Wildlife Habitat

The sign that hangs near 
the street on the wooden fence
that separates my property from
the property just to the West.

Conservation efforts are afoot by the American Bird Conservancy by working with both the United States Congress and the Biden Administration to pass a 2023 Bird Friendly Farm Bill. This bill possesses the single largest source of conservation funding in the United States. ABC's focus is to make this bill stronger for the conservation of birds.

Muhlenbergia rigens (Deergrass)

of which I have three large clumps 

growing in front of the Pesticide Free Area sign.

Sideoats Grama (Boutelous curtipendula)

a stunningly beautiful grass 

native to the Western United States,

into Canada, Mexico, Central and South America.

This is one of my very all time favorite grasses! 

One of the national focuses is to support native plants which are garnering attention not only in this country but globally. Our love of "something different" than what thrives in our region has driven the transplantation of vegetation from all over the globe. Now there are both public and private partners with the goal of protecting native plants as well as federal with non federal partners who have cooperated to develop the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration.  

Nassella pulchra  (Purple Needlegrass)

which is extremely attractive with the fading 

light of the setting sun shining through fluttering seed heads.

When I began serious gardening South of Sebastopol at MuRefuge, I began with alien plants. Nurseries I frequented seemed to specialize in dramatic plants from "across the pond". As I educated myself about natives plants through my membership with the local chapter of the Native Plant Society I became enamoured with natives. Shopping for plants at their annual Fall plant sale I discovered how aesthetically pleasing native plants were to me. Being a bit dramatic creating the "correct" effect with natives I tore out all the nonnative plants. Then instead I began focusing on planting native grasses and sedges, perennials, shrubs, trees and vines. 

Romney coulteri (Matilija Poppy)

became my all time favorite flowering

perennial. It is NOT for the faint of heart to plant: 

I had a 75% death rate of these plantings at MuRefuge.

Unfortunately after losing a

dozen plants here at PageRefuge

I decided I would instead enjoy several nearby

opulent plantings rather than growing them myself here at PageRefuge.

And ducks were added to MuRefuge
for their voracious snail eating. 
I would gather by bucket loads from all over 
the 3/4 acre and throw them near the
ducks. The snails disappeared in a nanosecond!
A far superior way to "snail bait" ridding land of snails

Since I have focused on planting natives both here in Northern California and in Santa Fe, New Mexico my heart is warmed to know there are more powerful people now joining together to do likewise. It seems to me that a awakening on a very deep level is happening. Is it too little, too late? Maybe . . . maybe not

Chocolate Daisy/Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)

and

Rocky Mountain (Penstemon strictus)

In Santa Fe when the Penstemon flowers were spent and went to seed the goldfinches came as huge flocks settling on the stocks scarfing down the seeds. This was not a one time experience but happened annually as they migrated from the Canadian border South to Mexico for the winter. Of course, reversing the migration in the Spring

Helianthus annuus macrocarpus (Hopi Black Dye Sunflower 

Hopi name: Tceqa' Qu' Si)

The migrating Fall birds going South swarmed to the seeds created by this gorgeous sunflower. Nary a seed remained after the migration was over. If I wanted seeds to plant the following season, I found I had to do so BEFORE the birds ate them all. Here at PageRefuge the birds do not seem to interested in eating the seeds so when I cut down the plants I remove all the seeds and put them into the tray hanging in the back. Then the birds do open and eat every single one . . . the pesky squirrels love them too! When Shasta notices these critters she is out the door lickety split. Sometimes I worry she'll catch one which she has come close to doing.

The sign that hangs on the fence
separating my property 
from the apartments to the East.

As we plant native plants, may we also consider the soil. Luckily I was focused enough to use cardboard then wood chips to mulch the entire yard here. I am so grateful I did this because I notice that even with all this rain we are getting there is no "run off". Depending on the exact location, already 3 to 5 times the average amount of rain for the entire month of January has fallen. At PageRefuge the rain is soaking in for all the plants to thirstily drink their fill. 

When one mulches, there is no need to use toxic chemicals for weed abatement either. All the BEings that come to PageRefuge are not subjected to toxins that can shorten their life spans OR detrimentally affect their offspring. Mulching is an all around worth while activity that I have done on all three gardens I have created. 

Every BEIng, including a diverse bird population, not only thrives but reproduces vigorous and healthy offspring here at PageRefuge! So I am delighted to hear of ABC's focus for making this year's Farm bill more bird friendly with their push toward conservation of birds. Certainly we will all be more happy with an abundance of birds.

This is Shasta's Auntie T's annual "card" for 2023.
I particularly like the quote she chose this year.
It seems to sum up this blog post well.

So as we "stand in celebration" may we also

Imbolc

Cross quarter days, in the Celtic calendar, signal the beginning of seasons. Thus February 02 is the beginning of Spring.

The name Imbolc, which means lambs' milk, was the original name for this day. Later the English name Candlemas was used. On this day in that country candles were lit to celebrate the "presentation of the Christ Child in the temple of Jerusalem".

Since the sun is halfway in its advancement from the Winter Solstice to the Spring Equinox, Brigantia (the "female deity of light") was also a name for this day in the Celtic realm. On this day attention was given to when the ground could be prepared for the planting of their crops: would snow and frost continue or would warmth and rain thaw the fields so preparation could begin sooner?

Here in all of Sonoma County flowering quince (Chaenomeies) bushes are in full bloom. This deciduous scrub, originating in Eastern Asia, can grow to 9 or 10 feet tall. Whether the Chinese version or Japanese one, white, pink and red flowers adorn the bushes. Once established this scrub is virtually impossible to eradicate as we found out at MuRefuge, although I did seem to be able to rid SanFelipeCircleRefuge of hers. Since this is not a native, none will be planted at PageRefuge. AND luckily none existed here when we bought our Cotati home.

The below picture is of our neighbors' Flowering quince with lovely deep pink blossoms. The leaves will come later as the temperatures warm.

And above is one the "surprise" daffodils. This one emerged just off the edge of our short cement driveway. There are many others all about our garden but these are the first to bloom.

"I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return. Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and hearing will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."

                                        DOREEN VALIENTE

On this remarkably warm sunny day here at PageRefuge, Dwight and I are enjoying a belly

 

Cross Quarter Day Marking Beginning of Fall

Salt Marsh Gumplant (Grindelia stricta)

In the early morning hours of August 7, 2017, Lughnasad (one of four cross quarter days) occurs and marks the beginning of Fall here in West Sonoma County in Northern California. The deer are congregating in the field South of MuRefuge and the crows are gathering in large flocks as both are wont to at this time of the year.

Many of MuRefuge native plants are entering estivation, aka dormancy. Others are sporting vibrant flowers with abundant nectar drawing butterflies and hummingbirds to feed upon their nectar.

California Fuchsia (Epilobium c. Chaparral Silver)

Raccoon prints were evident in the drying pond a few days past. The seasonal pond is fed by an artisan well which just recently stopped running and now is running once again. As the soil dries and the air dries, the life force energy, aka qi, begins the shift from predominately yang of Spring and Summer to yin of Fall and Winter. 

Sage and Cathie languishing in the warmth of the sun on an afternoon recently passed.

The foggy mornings and warm afternoons are supporting the ripening of the Black Satin thornless blackberries . . . not too fast and without drying up the lush berries.

Nutrient Dense Crisp made with freshly picked  MuRefuge blackberries
made with soaked almonds rather than soaked pecans.

NUTRIENT DENSE CRISP 

Preparation: In a warming 350 degree oven melt 1/4 C. organic, unsalted butter in a 10" Corning Ware dish in which the crisp will bake.  

In a large bowl mix the topping:

• 1/2 C. freshly ground organic flax seeds
• 1/2 C. organic almond meal (if unavailable use almond flour)
• 2 T. organic chia seeds
• 1 tsp. each of organic ground coriander seeds, cinnamon, mace
• pinch of cardamom seeds if you like
• 1/2 C. chopped, soaked for 24 hrs. pecans

Pour the melted butter from the Corning Ware dish over the above dry ingredients and mix well.

In Corning Ware dish toss 

• 1/4 C. organic chia seeds 
• with 4 generous cups of your favorite, in season fresh berries or fruit. Frozen or canned fruit can be used during the months when fresh fruit is not available. For more ease of digestion use only one kind of fruit or berries.

If the fruit is not juicy enough, using an immersion blender puree 1 C. fruit with 1/3 C. water. If the fruit is not sweet enough add 2 to 4 pitted Medjool dates and puree with the fruit/water pureed mixture.

Bake, in the preheated 350 degree oven, for 30 to 45 minutes depending on your preference for the cooked fruit. 

As we each tune our awareness of the shift in qi and honor the seasonal cycle, may we 

The Human Family

With the record breaking amount of rain
here in West Sonoma County, Northern California,
our artesian well is once again providing
water for MuRefuge's pond.
Dwight Sims' sculpture of hands
is a favorite place for the birds to drink.
The water sprite that inhabits this
area is joyous as well.

Grandfather,

Look at our brokenness.

We know that in all creation

Only the human family

Has strayed from the Sacred Way.

We know that we are the ones

Who are divided

And we are the ones

Who must come back together

To walk in the Sacred Way.

Grandfather,

Sacred One,

Teach us love, compassion, and honor

That we may heal the earth

And heal each other.

OJIBWAY PRAYER

As one spends time tending a native ecology habitat, listening as well as observing, the plants and other BEings will show and tell of their vibrancy or struggle to actively participate in maintaining the balance so ALL can thrive here at MuRefuge. Within a whole and healthy ecology a diversity of species support one another in their resilient will to survive in spite of instability in the climate, aka climate destabilization which is much more descriptive of what is happening both here at MuRefuge and around the globe than "climate change." 

One recent morning passed I was honored to watch a mother-to-be Pipevine Swallowtail lay her eggs on species specific Pipevine leaves. 

These eggs will soon hatch and small wiggling black and red caterpillars will begin to voraciously consume the leaves, to quickly grow into large caterpillars that crawl off the Pipevine and fasten themselves firmly to a structure forming a chrysalis where the mystery and magic of nature will happen: a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly will emerge.

One Monday afternoon past the young man who is assisting in the care of MuRefuge noticed a quite stunning spider, one we have not seen before.

A year ago, thinking it would be more efficient, we covered the noxious weed pile with a "composting blanket." For those of you who read the posts of last Spring, you aware the huge pile of weeds pulled and piled near the Persian fruiting mulberry tree. This is an excellent example of a human idea "run amuck" as the mulberry tree's root system was smothered with the human created blanket. To my surprised however when the blanket was removed after the weeds composted, the tree is now visibly coming to life.

The able young man who assists in the care and well being
of MuRefuge has spread the composted weeds
over the mulberry's root system
so they now provide nutrients to the tree.

The human family, focusing on themselves have strayed from the "Sacred Way" of living in harmony and honoring all sentients BEings. "Human family" "brokenness" seems to be the norm in the 21st century where living every day in search of the next new thing to make humans' lives easier, more fun and without regard to the enormous consequences to Planet Earth.

"I do not believe that we are fated to destroy the Earth by fire, heat, or technology run amuck. But if there is a happier future it will come down to this: to act with compassion and energy, our hearts must be in it; to act intelligently, we must understand that we are but one part of an interrelated global system; to act effectively and justly, we must be governed by accountable, transparent, and robust democratic institutions; and to act sustainably, we must live and work within the limits of natural systems over the long term." 

Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward 

David W. Orr (2016)

As each of us consider the impact of our taking advantage of the vast number of human advancements to make humans lives easier, may we each be enlightened enough to realize the folly and consequences of our unbridled consumption on the well being of Planet Earth. May we each live with less and less, returning to the "Sacred Way," and  

All Is Well

Last week I heard a ruckus in the
duckyard. When I went to see
who was so unhappy, I found
the broody Toostie Roll, in the background in this picture,
INSIDE the BE BEs enclosure. She had figured out
how to get in but not to get out, AND once
was not enough . . . she trapped herself several
times in an effort to BE with her younger sisters.

Sunrise, with the sun actually shining on this morning here at MuRefuge, casts a lovely glow upon the blooming 'Martha Roderick' Alumroot ((Heuchera micrantha) and all the surrounding lush green plants. Ah . . . meditating on the loveliness as I sit in stillness. "All is well."

This week on Tuesday past was a momentous occasion: the BE BEs joined their five sisters in the duckyard. This is the first picture taken of them all together beneath the just beginning to flower Buckeye Tree (Aesculus californica). "All is well."

The BE BEs quickly ensconced themselves in the "pond" which is actually a sunken antique bathtub. Overhanging the water are healthy, thriving Native Rushes (Juncas patens) which at this time of the year are beginning to flower and soon will produce seeds the ducks love to eat. "All is well."

Soon they were all foraging together as though all seven have always been a flock. "All is well."

And later on all seven ducks are pictured here near their food trays (located to the left of Coco who is on the far left) and stainless steel water bowls with nary a squabble. "All is well." Oops, Ms. Crone is missing in this picture;
perhaps BEing the most elderly of the seven, she has retired to a shady spot.

Not, here she is on the right with Coco and Ms. Blue. "All is well."

The picture below was taken with the evening sunlight illuminating the same as above 'Martha Roderick' Alumroot. "All is well."

Earlier today the flock poured through the veggie garden gate as it opened into MuRefuge's "backyard." Foraging among the Yellow eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium californicum) and beyond, all seven making joyous, happiness burbling sounds as creepy crawlies were found amidst the plants and mulch, and quickly ingested.

"All is well." May we each celebrate with a 

May Day, May 1, 2017

California Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewissi)
with this morning's rising sun shining on the
fragrant white blossoms.

May 1 is known as Beltane in "the old country" "across the pond", the cross quarter day halfway between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. The Beltane festival has been celebrated for thousands of years by those connected to the natural cycles of Mother Earth. Here in this country May Day has been a traditional celebration marking the zenith of Spring with all her vibrancy. 

As children growing up in Iowa, my friends and I used to make "May Day" baskets and fill them with whatever early flowers were available. Then we would hang one on each door handle of neighbors, ring the doorbell and run away so the person would not know who delivered the May basket.

Since I cannot deliver in person a May Day basket to you, I will share with you pictures of flowers in bloom here at MuRefuge on this gloriously sunny morning.

Dwight's sculpture inscribed with Mu (the Japanese character
we have loosely translated to mean "everything or nothing,"
for which MuRefuge is named), is in the background with
Point Reyes Meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii ssp. sulphurea) in front.

May you each have a delightful Beltane and 

Spring Beauty and Unexpected Gifts

Comfrey beginning to bloom beneath the peach and apple trees
on MuRefuge's septic mound.

Teach your children

what we have taught our children-

that the earth is our mother.

Whatever befalls the earth

befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.

If men spit upon the ground,

they spit upon themselves.

This we know.

The earth does not belong to us,

we belong to the earth.

This we know.

All things are connected

like the blood which unites one family.

All things are connected.

Whatever befalls the earth

befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.

We did not weave the web of life,

We are merely a strand in it.

Whatever we do to the web,

we do to ourselves . . .

Chief Seattle

Blooming Service Berry or June Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

This Tuesday past the BE BEs were 6 weeks old. The natural tendency to flock has replace the earlier imprinting of human. Within their enclosure that protects them from predation, they follow their "big sisters" along the chicken wire AND if the adult ducks forage too widely, they raise a noisy ruckus until the rest of their flock returns. 

The Tootsie Rolls are in the background
and the BE BEs are the foreground
as they move in tandem along opposite
side of the chickenwire.

It has been interesting to watch the strong bond of connection develop. The older ducks now forage closer to the BE BEs and when they are at rest they choose to do so near the youngsters.

In the background near the duckhouse
you can see the BE BEs standing erect
against their  chickenwire enclosure.
 Ms. Blue (far left), Coco, Ms Crone stands in front
of the Tootsie Rolls.

This Spring with the record breaking rain that has fallen the native plants here at MuRefuge have burst forth in Spring beauty as not previously seen. The Serviceberries are just lush with flowers. Perhaps an abundance of berries will indeed be forthcoming.

The native Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) with their gorgeous purple flowers are absolutely stunning against the bright green leaves. As I let the Spring beauty seep into my pores, soothing occurs for the despondency that has surfaced since our neighbors have brought to their 3/4 acre a humungous motorhome which can barely negotiate the curve in our gravel road. While I focus on soil regeneration to decrease the impact of greenhouse gases, I am hit with the realization that this motorhome's negative impact on Mother Earth far outweighs the meager, positive effects of my hard labor and the carbon sequestering happening here at MuRefuge.

An incredibly unexpected gift, however, has been bestowed upon MuRefuge,, in the form of an energetic, bright, hard working, homeschooled older teenager who has agreed to assist with the care of MuRefuge working every Monday afternoon for four hours. He came to work here through an unlikely connection: an employee of the Hessel Church which heretofore has been "a thorn in my side" so to speak with their huge asphalt parking lot, use of Roundup, and general practices of harming Mother Earth. The employee "befriended" me a very kind and heartful way one day when Shasta and I were walking past the church. A hard learned lesson which is so essential for the times: we all need to communicate with one another and listen to one another to heal the contentiousness that is so prevalent right now from the politicians in Washington, D.C. to our neighbors.

As we not only recognize but express gratitude for the Spring beauty and unexpected gifts in our lives, may we

Transplant Shock

"Behold, my brothers [and sisters], the spring has come,
The earth has received the embraces of the sun
And we shall soon see the results of that love!

Every seed is awakened and so has all animal life.
It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being
And therefore yield to our neighbors,
Even our animal neighbors,
The same right as ourselves, to inhabit this land.
Sitting Bull

For some of you the signs of Spring are still illusive. Those living in the Sierras are still in what feels like the dead of Winter with all the snow on the ground.

I hear that Tioga Pass through Yosemite and Eastward to Highway 395 is not predicted to open until mid to late June. Here in West Sonoma County we have had a few cool but sunny, windy days mixed with days of rain. The blustery, unseasonably cool weather has resulted in the BE BEs remaining in their cardboard box in the garage with only brief forays into the veggie garden. 

YIKES! At 4 1/2 weeks old here you can see their heads way above the
top of the cardboard box but it is dry and toasty!

Transplant shock seems to be a part of the process for both plant starts in MuRefuge's greenhouse as well as the ducklings who put down their initial roots in the cardboard box in the garage.

During this passage of time since the last post, the tomato starts have been transplanted into 4" pots from the six pack in which seeds were scattered. This will be "home" for about a month before transplantation into their permanent home in the basalt block, gopher proof, raised beds.

The transplant shock is ameliorated by spraying with a flower essence first the exposed roots and then again immediately after nestling each plant into fresh organic potting soil. Once the 4" pots are watered, both the little starts and the soil are sprayed. This is repeated several times over the next 24 hours.

Five-Flower, aka Rescue when formulated by Bach,
is diluted 4 drops in an eight ounce spray bottle
with 8 drops of brandy and shaken well.
Prior to each use the bottle is vigorously shaken
to activate the "magic potent." This remedy works
wonders for any sudden and difficult event for any sentient BEing.

So too during the first foray for the BE BEs into their chicken wire enclosure, they are generously sprayed with the same flower essence.

And of course, when the transition from their cardboard box home to their new home, the duckhouse in which their adult sisters reside during the nighttime hours, they are generously sprayed as well. The transition includes sectioning off part of the duckhouse and hanging the heat lamp for warmth since the BE BEs are not fully feathered yet.

Now 5 1/2 weeks old the ducklings have been "transplanted" to
their "forever home" here at MuRefuge.

This intrusion of the ducklings into the adult ducks' space is upsetting for all. The first nighttime they spend together is a big adjustment for all 7 BEings so once the adults are gently guided by both Cathie and Dwight into the duckhouse, not an easy task the very first time, all are generously sprayed with the Five-Flower Flower Essence. Peace and tranquility does prevail.

As life presents each of us with upsetting experiences, may we each