2020

Identification and Acquisition

Identifying the perfect piece of land and overseeing the offer, contract all the way to closing

The Cabin Refresh + Decorate

Rejuvenation of forgotten little cabin, using as many found and reused/repurosed art and furnishing

The Trails

Creates access for both motor vehicles and hiking, showcasing highlighted nature areas and trail attractions

Conservation

A management plan was established to control invasive and encourage native flora on the roughly 60 acres under management

2021

Maple Sugaring and The Sugar Shack

Set up of an operational Sugar Shack and Maple Sugaring system. bottled first case in February

Bird Boxes and Owl Boxes

A variety of bird and owl boxes were sourced based on bird activity in the area based on a year-long survey of over 100 species of birds that either occupy or migrate through the property

Birds we are seeking to attract and study include Wood Ducks, Barred Owls, Screech Owls, Eastern Blue Bird, Green Heron and Eastern Flicker

Honey Bees

Locate, source and set-up bee hives and bee colonies, with successful harvest first year and every year since

The TreeHouse

A whimsical treehouse was built around a large Tulip Tree, one of the native trees we have in great numbers. The wood for the treehouse was milled locally from trees taken down on the same grounds as the eventual treehouse

2022

The Vegetable Garden

A portager or kitchen garden was designed and constructed. A variety of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, herbs and flowers are grown here for family and friends

S&S Provisions

We developed recipes and canned Maple Marinara from our homegrown tomatoes and Garlic Dill Pickles from our home ground  cucumbers.

The Pond

A roughly 1-1/2 acre pond was rehabilitated and enlarged.  A stocking plan was initiated with Minnows, Blue Gill, Perch, Crappie and Walleye.

The Bridges

Several bridges were designed and constructed for access to back trails that would otherwise be inaccessible.

2023

Mushroom Farming

Inoculated mushroom logs for home production, including Oyster, Shitakke, Lion’s Main, Maitake

The Gazebo at The Pond

Renovation and Interior Design and Furnishing at Screened Gazebo overlooking Pond

Prescribed Burn

A prescribed burn was conducted at the Red Oak Savanna portion of the woods, approximately 15 acres

Hardscaping - Stone Walls

A retaining wall and stair were designed and installed at Hanover House from local blue stone. A rustic stone wall and fire pit were designed and built at pond from local field stone

2024

stocking fish at the pond

Once the new pond stabilized a variety of fish were added for hobby fishing. Working from the bottom of the food chair upward, we added minnow, sunfish, perch, crappie and walleye

The Native Meadow

Approximately 1/4 acre native pollinator meadow was designed and installed, concentrating on native grasses and flowers that are suited sandy soil

Bird Boxes Work Shop with UofM

Worked with the School of Architecture’s Peer Mentor Group on a weekend retreat where the focus was Native Bird Breeding Box design and construction

Docks at Pond

Design and construction of staircase, fixed and portable docks at Thunderbird Pond

2025

the pottery studio

An under-used garage was converted to a designer pottery studio with paneled walls, native oak cabinetry and state-of-the-art wheel and kiln.  Clay is pulled directly from the pond adjacent

the food forest

A 20+ tree orchard was developed with permaculture principles in mind. Focusing on creating an ecosystem of mutually supporting trees, shrubs, perennial herbs and wild flowers

Camp Thunderbird

Developed a concept and executed a private “camping” experience complete with row boat regatta, fishing, archery and arts and crafts. We even had a drumming circle and Wes Anderson inspired glamping tents