Trail to the Pond Site by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLCThe snow storm we had earlier this month left the shrubs and plants so weighed down that some of the trails became almost impassable. But not completely so, as Dan found when he decided to crawl through because our dog was so insistent on going on his usual walk! Photos by Dan Cavanaugh - Walking the DogI wanted to share these pictures of the Sanctuary in all its winter ...
We have had lots of beautiful snow and ice creating gorgeous scenes over the past weeks. Ice covered maple leaf by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC It is such a joy to be able to share this abundance with all of you. And your support is making it possible for us to do that. You are what is known as the "early adopters". By becoming members, you are reducing others' uncertainty about whether this is a worthwhile ...
We had a great turnout for our Imbolc gathering yesterday! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy this informal time around the fire. It was a wonderful way to begin easing back into some events after my difficulties with my foot, and after many of our members coming down with illness over the winter. It was lovely to introduce some new folks to those who have been around for awhile, and to have all the ...
Just a reminder that our Imbolc gathering will be this Sunday at 2:00. It will not be a ritual this time, but an opportunity to appreciate the season together. We will have a bonfire, hot coco, some mead, and perhaps cookies or similar fare. We also invite you to walk the trails and enjoy the land at your own leisure, with the fire awaiting to warm you upon your return. ...And I wanted to share with you ...
A snippet from our Spring Equinox Ritual 2019 https://youtube.com/shorts/uAxLQ82QHvc?feature=share For the little ones, I made this Spring Bingo game to play during the celebration. It was a big hit. 💜 Spring Bingo
Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m.As spring approaches, it's time to resume our monthly member Walk and Bonfire! As in the past, these will include a potluck for whoever would like to bring a dish to pass. This monthly event, along with seasonal rituals which are hosted by the Sanctuary, are for members and their immediate families. We also invite you to bring along a guest if you would like. Non-members can attend an event one time free ...
For those who are counting down the days until spring, I think the chickens are going to be just as happy! Here they are happily foraging at Beltane in May of 2018. Violets and dandelions are healthy herbs for people and chickens alike. 😀 violets and dandelions, Luna, Penguin and Flame - Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC I hope you are all doing well! Jean
There are a few things I've been working on over the last few months. One has been to continue my education on how to run a nonprofit, through my own research and reading. Along with that, I put in an application to a mentorship program offered by the Wallace Center’s Food Systems Leadership Network. This is a program for those working in nonprofits dealing with Community Food Systems specifically, but covers topics that are helpful for any ...
Cardinals and Forsythia BushThis is the time of year when we see whole flocks of cardinals around the farm and sanctuary. Today we have a fresh covering of snow and the cardinals are so beautiful against the white (and dull greens and browns) of winter. Five cardinals (three males and two females) in a cedar treeBirds are a high priority for us at Crossing Hedgerows. Many of the perennial trees, bushes, and herbs we have planted are not ...
Cedar Smoke Bundles made from cedar at Crossing HedgerowsMost of you are likely aware that sourcing of products we use in our spiritual practices are not always ethical. So I won't go into detail about that, but instead I would like to offer some resources to share with you as members of the Sanctuary. For those at the Friends level and above, or those who volunteer at least once a month, you are welcome to harvest Cedar, ...
Unopened catkins, a dried leaf, and buds on a speckled alder branch - January 2019Dried flower "cones" and dried leaves on an alder branch - January 2019Back in 2015, several years before the nonprofit was started, the Cavanaughs were planting quite a few different kinds of trees. We moved to the property in 2013 after having lived in South Florida for 14 years. Many of those years we were learning permaculture design techniques and growing tropical edible ...
January 30th at 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at Crossing Hedgerows Farm and Sanctuary You are invited to join us for a small celebration of Imbolc... as well as my recent acceptance into the Ovate grade of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids! ✨ I am excited to be continuing this experience of the Druidic path as I grow in community with all those of various Pagan paths. We will have a bonfire, hot drinks and mead, ...
Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC We have entered the heart of winter now with some frigid temperatures, ice, snow, and significant gales coming through. Here at the Sanctuary, you can see how the wind blew the snow a few days ago so as to accumulate on the side of the tree in this picture. Fortunately, everything is holding up well - the new chicken coop, the hoophouse, and all the rest. On Sunday ...
We started out the New Year with a project that we hope will result in a memorial for our member and friend, Robert Old, who passed away in December. We took four cuttings from our English Yew tree and have started them in pots. Over the winter we will keep them warm in the house under grow lights so they can begin developing roots. Then, once we have an appropriate site for planting ready, we will plant ...
"One of the recurring philosophical questions is: 'Does a falling tree in the forest make a sound when there is no one to hear?' Which says something about the nature of philosophers, because there is always someone in a forest. It may only be a badger, wondering what that cracking noise was." ~ Terry Pratchett snow covered trees by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC Lately Brennah has been noticing something stealthily swimming away ...
Snow has arrived again at the Sanctuary and it has been mostly quiet over the last week. Taking time to pause at this time of year is so helpful. (And on a personal note, I have not had much choice in that matter. It turns out after having an MRI last week that I broke eight different bones in my foot.) Snowflake on Mitten by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC But as we approach ...
Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC - Beech trees are one of the only deciduous trees to hold onto their leaves throughout the winter. This post is in honor of one of our community members who passed away suddenly this past week. Those of us who knew him will greatly miss him. And the land will remember his gentle spirit. Blessed Be, Jean
Look carefully for the nuts inside the "wrappers" The photos I'm sharing today are from a hazelnut harvest we did last February. This is the time of year when they're ready, but in our experience you can collect them anytime you get around to it, as long as the squirrels don't beat you to it. Our hazelnuts are the wild, native variety which are smaller than cultivars, but their taste ...
Dried Aster in the Sun by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC As we approach the time of the return of the sun, I hope you find some ways to celebrate. We are not having an official gathering for this holiday at the Sanctuary, but members are always welcome to set up a time to come out. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions for anyone who might appreciate them. Tell stories from your tradition, ...
In my last post, I talked about the construction plans for the Sanctuary. I want to make clear that this is part of a larger plan that allows for many wild spaces, much of which will not be touched by the construction at all. The area where we are creating the pond, along with the future building site and food forest, includes about five acres. It was all a cultivated farm field with very degraded and compacted ...