Elizabeth's Secret Garden

  The Econ Farm was purchased in 2003 by Tia and Terry Meer, and is used for demonstrating sustainable living practices and for educational classes on topics such as organic gardening, permaculture, and sustainability.  This fall from Sept. 15 – Nov. 4th they are offering their third Permaculture Design Course in Orlando, FL. Permaculture is a design for sustainable living and agriculture. The methods can be applied around the world to turn degraded ecosystems into productive and thriving communities. It is not only a way of life, but also the future. It takes methods and strategies from around the world and weaves them into an applicable example that can be used in urban and rural land designs. In a time when environmental health is at risk, permaculture is one of the solutions that will help us rise above the ecological problems that we are currently facing. To learn more about the Econ Farm and how you can get involved visit, http://www.simplelivinginstitute.org/econf...

Chimney Bluffs State Park is a series of sharp pinnacles and cliffs that span the shore of Lake Ontario. Its formation is a result of the erosive power from wind, rain, snow, and waves. The erosion of the bluffs occurs at the rate of 1 to 5 feet per year. It is constantly changing and transforming. It is a nice place to take a hike or have a picnic. Website with more info:  http://nysparks.com/parks/43/details.aspx     Our family took the longest trail through and had a good view of the bluffs. We were high up and the trail overlooked the shore. The peaks have a razor sharp appearance.        Golden rod lined the pathway. To get a good view of the bluffs, I stood on the edge of the cliff and hung on to a tree.  I was in the adventurous mood and wanted to get some good photos. Here is the valley below. It’s a long way down! If you look closely, you can see a person on the shore. Here is the tree that fell into the path.  ...

  The International Museum of the Horse offers several shows, attractions, and activities. They have many exhibits, collections, and sculptures that bring to life the story of horses. In the lobby of the International Museum of the Horse, is a life size bronze statue of the World Champion Polish Arabian stallion Bask. The sculpture was created by Edwin Bogucki who had an incredible talent in fine art and a love for horses. His story is one of success in which he followed a dream and took action to make it a reality. He forwent a profitable career and pursued a full time career in fine art. To date, he has created 35 bronze portraits and more than a hundred pastel and oil portraits.   The Al-Marah Arabian Horse Gallery takes visitors through the historical art and artifacts that explain the history of the Arabian horse. The museum shows the early domestication of horses in the Middle East and then takes a tour into the story of how the horse spread across the world to Euro...

  The Kentucky State University has a varieties of graduate studies and programs. I was impressed with the environmental conservation efforts that KSU is striving towards. They offer a Masters in Environmental Studies and have an entire demonstration and research farm that allows interns to experience farm life first hand.  I was able to tour their 203 acre farm along with members of the Northern Nut Growers Association. Their farm conducts research in a series of greenhouses (above), the barn, and staff office buildings. Kentucky State University;  http://tinyurl.com/8mh5w4h Organic Working Agriculture group at KSU; http://organic.kysu.edu/index.shtml     The Research and Demonstration Farm is a model for small farmers and serves in education of KSU students. As they support local farmers, they in return help the local people and increase the health standards placed on food. To achieve this ideal standard, eight acres are specifically devoted to the growth...

While visiting our grandparents in Kentucky, my brother, sister, and I toured the Joe Ford Nature Center. It is a 14-acre natural area that is located on the edge of Owensboro, KY. Our tour began at the Wild Fern Trail and as we followed various trail, our tour guide showed us plants as well as several trees native to the area. Website:   http://www.joefordnaturecenter.com/About-Us.html   My favorite tree was the Osage Orange Tree. It is also known as Hedge Apple. The yellow-orange word is useful for tool handles, treenails, fence posts, and is valued because of its ability to withstand rot and is a strong stable wood.    This peculiar tree is sometimes cover in wart like bumps. Upon the mention of its name, I immediately remembered it from my studies of butterflies. It is a Hackberry and host of the Hackberry butterfly. For hungry caterpillars, this inspires the phrase Bon-appetite! Pokeweed is a plant that you don’t want to mess around with. The most...