https://thejoyproject2020.com/our-roots daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742439439968-KD65FI4UVS9NYO5BAXL6/TJP-Nov2024-12.jpg Our Roots https://thejoyproject2020.com/landlabhome daily 1.0 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/98009aa4-f060-4392-971d-d2719f3439c1/Untitled+design-3.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/a64eba54-40ce-4835-91d5-99f2c210131e/IMG_1233.png Home - WHAT IS tHE JOY PROJECT ? This project, developed for longtime clients, centers on the thoughtful stewardship of 62.5 acres of woodland in southwest Michigan—a commitment to preservation, care, and exploration. The property is more than a physical landscape; it is a living archive of insights, experiences, and creative work. This journal offers a curated sampling of photos, videos, documents, and notes gathered during my time in this remarkable place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742439439968-KD65FI4UVS9NYO5BAXL6/TJP-Nov2024-12.jpg Home - OUR ROOTS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/ce06b225-0f2c-45cd-bd70-6f31bc12e6be/TJP-Nov2024-31.jpg Home - OUR PROJECTS https://thejoyproject2020.com/landlabprojects daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742440196246-EUWYYB0SSDA2HEJIT1HI/TheJoyProject-117.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1626381639734-NW3WU10B4RZ4NDNQ3317/web_icons-19.png Projects - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742239986781-094XGEPL6O66XH1PLMIA/TJP-October-2024-47.jpg Projects - THE CABIN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240233862-RVQ6XSRQ50Q5XQZ64JDP/TheJoyProject-269.jpg Projects - TRAILS & BRIDGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240108733-P34KKWJTY0J0S8H9YR9R/patrick-tomasso-Zgoy3e69UNI-unsplash.jpeg Projects - MAPLE SUGARING https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240168923-87UQGB9KAGTJF5PR595N/TJP-October-2024-197.jpg Projects - MUSHROOM CULTIVATION https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240339153-EMT7ZU457X3DGII5WWOJ/TheJoyProject-379.jpg Projects - BEEKEEPING https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240736463-P7DJHMPFWNDY495KP1YE/TJP-Nov2024-12.jpg Projects - CONSERVATION & RESTORATION https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742240067990-ZGHWIOM62P7M30PTSOLE/TheJoyProject-153.jpg Projects - THE KITCHEN GARDEN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321811659-QPHQ8BCOT04MDGOVP97W/Pottery%252BStudio.png Projects - THE POTTERY STUDIO The pottery studio was designed to occupy an unused garage on the outskirts of the property in close proximity to the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321906992-98ZMX2546HM1Y72M52VY/pond%252Bimage%252Bafter.png Projects - THE POND RECLAMATION add verbiage here https://thejoyproject2020.com/project-kitchen-garden daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742609463230-PKIZDQCL6I8HPHZK9MTF/TheJoyProject-144.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1742609022703-6X8IF7WX6UPFXLO5K5RZ/TheJoyProject-137.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1772125612176-CJ8HIRALIARS0CMJUFTD/TheJoyProject-170.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/6e3dac07-c899-4b69-88d0-45cd486ff7f1/TheJoyProject-143.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/e385b142-30cd-4744-a7c9-e83823a8970f/TheJoyProject-296.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden A kitchen garden is an invitation to slow down and grow food with intention. It offers fresh, organic produce at its peak, along with the quiet satisfaction of tending something by hand and bringing it from soil to table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/c34a35bd-b82a-4d8d-b353-d6faf6c14909/TheJoyProject-144.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden When planning a garden, it helps to pay attention to sunlight, water, and the character of the soil beneath your feet. Raised beds or containers can improve drainage, enrich soil, and make tending easier while keeping weeds and pests in check. The containers I designed also double as seating, offering a comfortable place to pause while weeding or harvesting, and allowing the soil to be managed with greater care and intention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/98b53592-2fd6-44df-9396-a5f99a73eca2/TheJoyProject-160.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden When selecting your vegetable and herb varieties, choose ones that thrive in your climate and soil. I also like to use heirloom or organic seeds, as they offer richer flavor and nutrients. For me, starting with young plants—rather than seeding—worked better, since the squirrels had a field day with seeds. A fence around the garden keeps deer and rabbits at bay, letting the garden flourish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/a49b3d36-4aea-439f-8526-ab7b8b50d937/raised+garden+in+process+2.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/02c2a374-353b-4086-8b2e-ad9040b91845/raised+garden+in+process.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/b7fbd912-28e2-4501-be9c-0ee7d9f62b68/garden+fencing.jpg Project_Kitchen Garden https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_beekeeping daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/9e892881-13a0-4020-a827-ca2c1c19d596/TheJoyProject-384.jpg Project_Beekeeping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1743826963071-ZOXIEJWPAA2V2XTU6I97/TheJoyProject-344.jpg Project_Beekeeping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1743825655166-65NIGXRH6H4YTZ62GXFP/TheJoyProject-4.jpg Project_Beekeeping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/cc884101-7c00-48bb-80e6-590bb0594aaf/TheJoyProject-384.jpg Project_Beekeeping - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1626297643146-4SO60VTCSCUHUW3KVHRQ/Unknown.jpeg Project_Beekeeping As beekeepers, we make sure the colony has what it needs to thrive—access to food, water, and shelter. We also check in on the hives regularly, watching for signs of disease, pests, or anything else that could affect the health of the bees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/d0fcb6e5-7bad-4ab2-9b94-7d79234caf84/TheJoyProject-379.jpg Project_Beekeeping By planting a native prairie meadow near the hives, we encourage the bees to forage close to home and gather pollen from native plants. As they do, they naturally help spread those native pollens throughout the landscape, strengthening the surrounding ecosystem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/91af3f4c-a4ef-488b-b7a6-7e2b1081fddb/TheJoyProject-312.jpg Project_Beekeeping Beekeeping isn’t without its heartache. Disease, a struggling queen, or sudden temperature swings can challenge even a healthy colony. While we’ve experienced loss along the way—including one season when a hive broke from its cluster too early during an unseasonably warm day—we’ve learned to carry those lessons forward. Each season brings a deeper understanding, renewed care, and the chance to begin again. https://thejoyproject2020.com/project-cabin daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/7140de49-ff4a-44b3-a6ff-04cf0d9d26ca/TJP-October-2024-47.jpg Project_The Cabin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1743827282048-UAZ19WMWF2FIRWD2C2OT/TheJoyProject-396.jpg Project_The Cabin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/b9823227-4f6e-42e6-93da-475bbaefc938/TJP-October-2024-47.jpg Project_The Cabin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/917ff148-510e-44bd-af50-c9e33380373c/TJP-October-2024-73.jpg Project_The Cabin The cottage already had a quiet voice of its own—it just hadn’t been heard in years. I began by listening through the simplest act of care: a deep, thorough cleaning. By restoring what was already there, its character and charm slowly began to reveal themselves again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/95bd0170-d017-4cc5-a127-b0bde288b4a5/TJP-October-2024-65.jpg Project_The Cabin Embracing the cottage’s vintage elements became one of the most enjoyable parts of the process, adding layers of character and history to the space. It served as a gentle reminder that perfection isn’t always necessary—or even desirable—and that a few imperfections can make a home feel more authentic and truly lived in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770662259506-3U1FAQKLCREO604722N1/image-asset.jpg Project_The Cabin When it came to furniture and decoration, the pieces we were able to save included the sofa and the charming floral wallcovering in the kitchen. Everything else was sourced from local antique and thrift shops, as well as garage sales—carefully chosen to evoke a nostalgic, timeworn feel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770650086102-F4WA4LG6M0KA0CCL5F3Q/TheJoyProject-59.jpg Project_The Cabin Steve and his trusty best friend, Cole Parker, spent many hours at this desk—dreaming, scheming, and bringing ideas to life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/e7baabf9-5c67-43a2-b8b5-a2b819a7da21/primary+before.jpg Project_The Cabin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/479d008f-6706-4c2c-8dd1-874b38cb3a61/kids+before.jpg Project_The Cabin https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_the-treehouse daily 0.75 2025-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/465d0e3a-9dad-4c1f-a438-1dd90c348087/TheJoyProject-262.jpg Project_The TreeHouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1743828543071-M433AZCQALVSWDPEEY04/tree%2Bhouse%2Bsketch.jpg Project_The TreeHouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1744074909074-PR4J4TDJLTPCTILRPXEM/Screenshot+2025-04-07+at+8.05.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Project_The TreeHouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/785ca0fd-81b2-4262-8d6c-253f001245b8/TheJoyProject-262.jpg Project_The TreeHouse - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/55ed6d1c-ca7c-4ec7-ae6b-6578a645e090/Screenshot+2025-04-07+at+8.05.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Project_The TreeHouse The Treehouse also serves as a marker on our trail-hikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/f3c9d2f9-e43d-43e9-b661-031910f4e784/Screenshot+2025-04-07+at+8.05.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Project_The TreeHouse The swings attached and adjacent offer places to rest and well…swing! I added a bucket on a rope and pulley system to make it easy to send up refreshments from the ground to the top floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/a9f3840d-1cfc-4821-8d1f-f8b788ec46ff/Screenshot+2025-04-07+at+8.05.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Project_The TreeHouse TBD https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_native-landscaping daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/c26284a2-03d1-4104-bfce-2f3b0d7d25bf/TheJoyProject-192.jpg Project_Native Landscaping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1772038919081-P56AURFWW14IJEJJCCOR/meadow+planted.jpg Project_Native Landscaping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/3fc0c7ee-14db-43f9-a16b-cacec3bb5c1d/TheJoyProject-192.jpg Project_Native Landscaping - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1744073814646-22GXSNQBML1ZEIDME10V/TJP-Nov2024-64.jpg Project_Native Landscaping Left unchecked, they form dense thickets that limit light, reduce biodiversity, and make it difficult for native trees, wildflowers, and understory plants to regenerate. Thoughtful, ongoing removal creates space for the forest to breathe again, allowing native species to reclaim their role and ensuring the woodland can thrive for generations to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/f035a0c2-0cbf-47c1-a423-fd722e134d90/burn+ahead.jpg Project_Native Landscaping Controlled burns play an important role in maintaining a healthy, resilient forest. Carefully managed fire helps clear built-up leaf litter and invasive growth, returning nutrients to the soil and allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. Many native plants have evolved alongside fire and rely on it to germinate, regenerate, and thrive. When used thoughtfully, controlled burns support biodiversity, reduce the risk of more destructive wildfires, and help restore natural balance to the woodland landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1c64a474-851e-472e-8463-3e51f5c856c9/TJP-October-2024-207.jpg Project_Native Landscaping In a native Michigan woodland, controlling invasive plants like burning bush, multiflora rose, and Asian bittersweet is essential to the health of the forest as a whole. Though they may appear harmless—or even beautiful—these species spread aggressively, crowding out native plants and disrupting the delicate balance that woodland ecosystems depend on. https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_maple-sugaring daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/5cee25ab-e196-4b99-b026-e561638fd3fa/TheJoyProject-285.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770747164965-LZU6ZHVHSO7RYKK5WPUD/eating+pancakes.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/074ffeb5-f9d6-4e99-80a5-e14eedefd51d/TheJoyProject-285.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/5b48215d-026e-45b6-aee7-451c24a79bca/TheJoyProject-247.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring Sugaring begins with identifying the maple trees. We located, labeled, and tapped more than 175 trees—mostly sugar maples, along with a handful of red and silver maples. While red and silver maples have a lower sugar content, they still produce a delicious syrup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1744076554343-BPSSEFSAI4483LCSCVOH/IMG_0661.jpeg Project_Maple Sugaring It takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup. Because of the high heat—and the sticky condensation created as the water evaporates—the boil-down has to happen outdoors or in a separate structure, often called a sugar shack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/9b7e2742-2666-4825-99df-f93678b11e2d/maple+bottle.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring There’s a quiet satisfaction in pouring syrup you made yourself—sap gathered by hand, boiled down slowly, and bottled with care. Knowing exactly where it came from and the work that went into it makes even the simplest breakfast feel special. It’s a small, sweet reminder that patience, effort, and time spent outdoors can turn into something both nourishing and joyful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/104ff8a1-58fb-4858-9650-dcd0909a4caa/sugar+shack.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/fc55362b-4aab-4271-b238-607e464c85c7/steve+at+evaporator.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/b076285c-d8a8-4c83-9c66-bcf81deb8a3e/IMG_0855.jpg Project_Maple Sugaring https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_pond-reclamation daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321906992-98ZMX2546HM1Y72M52VY/pond%252Bimage%252Bafter.png Project_Pond Reclamation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770758339699-MYI65E5YAOJRJP9NHHOR/firepit+at+pind.png Project_Pond Reclamation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/fc117932-1560-45a7-9c34-b9b5ac73e271/pond%252Bimage%252Bafter.png Project_Pond Reclamation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/f473c8bb-d5df-4fdb-b6ef-665f36c75078/IMG_238F12328911-1.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation Restoring the pond and stocking it with native freshwater fish supports the local ecosystem while creating opportunities to observe and appreciate the diversity of wildlife that will make the pond its home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/dc51be56-f4dd-4189-8461-02a63e056261/steve+stocking.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation We worked with a local pond maintenance service to survey the pond, ensure oxygen levels were healthy, and help monitor plant life and algae growth as the ecosystem began to rebalance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/9a18a2c4-fbbd-4800-a2dc-1a50f0d4a3c8/trout.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation We introduced several fish species gradually, starting with the smallest and working our way up. Minnows, sunfish–bluegill hybrids, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, and seasonal rainbow trout were stocked to create a balanced aquatic ecosystem—one that supports healthy growth while also offering hours of simple fishing enjoyment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/0c8033f5-e2d2-41f4-a286-566ba47840bc/pond+before.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/e243e48c-a3ad-48c9-a9b9-0f1b0ed9874d/midway+pond.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/193ca3b5-511c-4ae9-897a-cc3b6205d87f/pond+in+process.jpg Project_Pond Reclamation https://thejoyproject2020.com/projecttrails-bridges daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/722f6722-f241-4dff-9e4b-b0448977a745/TheJoyProject-269.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1771956033869-3PB1QXRJVMN40RZ1DIK0/TheJoyProject-284.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/718da7ab-245f-47ab-b76f-aa459e72302f/TheJoyProject-269.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/943076fb-56a5-4140-87b1-7e6287d06a9a/IMG_0041.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges Cutting trails through dense woods is slow, physical work that demands patience. We began with machetes, axes, and saws, hacking our way through thick vegetation to carve out a narrow path—just enough to let larger equipment follow. This first, labor-heavy step is known as bushwhacking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/f0beb0e6-67af-46a1-a830-7dda054571c1/TheJoyProject-283.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges Once an initial path was cut, larger equipment like bulldozers and excavators could move in to shape more defined trails. Using heavy machinery in the woods comes with real consequences, so it’s not something to take lightly. On this property, we worked closely with a land management professional trained in forest ecology and ecosystem management to make sure each decision balanced access with long-term forest health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/3856273f-39a5-4f8d-beb6-8611401015cd/IMG_0034.png Project_Trails & Bridges I approached the trail design the same way I approach many interior design projects—with a sketch. That early drawing helped guide how we cleared vegetation and worked with fallen trees, rather than against them. Whenever possible, logs were left on the forest floor to shelter birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Others were gathered and repurposed to propagate mushrooms, allowing the forest’s natural cycles to continue in a new way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/c98d3571-fda6-45e5-bac1-51b652d2b089/bridge+with+people.jpg Project_Trails & Bridges Bridge-building happens on many levels. On the land, it’s about designing and constructing structures that connect spaces. With people, it’s about finding common ground and working toward shared goals. Both take effort, patience, and collaboration. Boardwalks extend that idea by protecting the landscape while making trails more accessible to people of all ages and abilities, allowing more visitors to experience nature in a thoughtful, inclusive way. https://thejoyproject2020.com/project_mushroom-cultivation daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/6bd9f947-41e9-459d-8b50-207f45dbfb31/TJP-October-2024-198.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1772123921677-HNQVR74Z8FML80KRUPIC/hand%2Bwild%2Bmushroom.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/d3adc56e-1aa4-4611-a57c-4bfe3973a0f9/TJP-October-2024-198.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/ddde77b7-e32d-4506-990d-b141d81b6ece/cultivating-tools-log-inoculation-sealing-wax-29458918113382.webp Project_Mushroom Cultivation It didn’t take long to notice that the forest seemed perfectly suited for growing mushrooms, which made us wonder what might happen if we tried cultivating them ourselves. As we dug into the research, it became clear that mushroom farming was surprisingly approachable—and something that could continue to reward patience and care for years to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/464d8f8d-0594-41ea-8099-3071af7c048f/mushroom+logs.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation The process itself was fairly simple, though it did take time and a bit of care to ensure a successful harvest. We began with freshly cut logs, about 3–6 inches in diameter, choosing each species based on the specific mushrooms we wanted to grow—since different mushrooms prefer different trees. The logs were then cured for several weeks before being drilled and inoculated with mushroom spores. Finally, each hole was sealed with wax to lock in moisture and protect the logs from contaminants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/8a098026-461f-4b28-90be-2a01522d3921/shittakke+on+log.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation We cultivated a variety of mushrooms, including oyster, shiitake, lion’s mane, and maitake. Once the logs were inoculated, they were placed on the forest floor in cool, shady, damp conditions and left to do their work. The wait was part of the process—sometimes several months, sometimes more than a year—but the eventual harvest made the patience worthwhile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1fc46e91-5d7b-475a-bf9e-9b88f9316396/lions+mane.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/f0da3dd5-7129-4bc5-88ab-042cee97f023/chicken+of+woods.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/2980df99-012f-4400-be60-747e32b98c36/turkey+tail.jpg Project_Mushroom Cultivation https://thejoyproject2020.com/project-pottery-studio daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321811659-QPHQ8BCOT04MDGOVP97W/Pottery%252BStudio.png Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/be76abb2-1c41-41ee-888b-0a2fb5c4307f/TheJoyProject-348.jpg Project_Pottery Studio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1626455143347-OMPCV2BMMMXG1W6L7FVW/web_icons-24.png Project_Pottery Studio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321811659-QPHQ8BCOT04MDGOVP97W/Pottery%252BStudio.png Project_Pottery Studio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1771953852944-QJ1N2DC3QAMJYT24NFYU/clay.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1771953884162-0Z53WW0IOSUJZA5SAH82/clay%2525252Btesting%2525252B2.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1771953902409-62WS8616HOFJ901PSE27/clay%252Btesting.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1771953918328-213N23QDSDEGKTRBM4KH/1st%25252Bmug.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/e1ba2f97-5e2c-4941-859d-c7e3f3e56c92/studio+before.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/149865fc-c0cb-4fea-b8e7-cef2732bff0b/progress+studio.jpg Project_Pottery Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/5f0bab32-b9e0-4a99-a48b-f6cfde293451/pottery+studio+after.png Project_Pottery Studio https://thejoyproject2020.com/recipes-provisions daily 0.75 2025-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/3e90d292-400a-4d44-a3ae-adf4205a1fe9/s%26s.jpg Recipes & Provisions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1626381639734-NW3WU10B4RZ4NDNQ3317/web_icons-19.png Recipes & Provisions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/558571c3-24da-4590-b260-0236ca0045de/TheJoyProject-154.jpg Recipes & Provisions There’s nothing quite like the taste of vegetables fresh from the garden. In planting the Kitchen Garden, I wanted to plan with the same inspiration as I used to place bee-hives for honey and tap the maple trees here in the woods to collect sap for maple syrup. I am inspired by the fact that when put up correctly, produce, syrup and honey can all bring you the great tastes of their own seasons…all year long. This lead me to learn about Provisioning. It also lead me to plant tomatoes, garlic, onions and peppers for sauces (like maple-sweetened marinara), and ramps for pesto, which this season I will be making with ramps and the black walnuts I have collected in the woods. Ramp pesto can be frozen for longterm storage, and added to recipes right out of the freezer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/cf34ffac-1bda-416d-83ed-72e8bb4cc54f/TheJoyProject-99.jpg Recipes & Provisions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/be1b9e47-efaf-4fe9-8959-d2223b5c138d/IMG_4218.jpg Recipes & Provisions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/d469af51-c3b4-47b5-8711-f60715609c4b/TheJoyProject-296.jpg Recipes & Provisions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://thejoyproject2020.com/new-gallery-39 daily 0.75 2026-02-10 https://thejoyproject2020.com/joycoverpage daily 0.75 2025-04-08 https://thejoyproject2020.com/biosteve daily 0.75 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/59f5034e-d672-46a8-aca9-8a5b9a6c69bc/TheJoyProject-278.jpg Contributor Bio_Steve - MEET STEVE, Welcome to my endeavor, The Joy Project. I am partners with my husband in our 10-year old Interior Design firm, Steve+Filip, based in Chicago. And I am also now the steward of and creative partner in a 62.5 acre parcel of woods in Southwest Michigan. The over-arching goal of this property is active and informed stewardship, preservation, and exploration. It began a few years ago with a self-examination journaling exercise, which led me to this realization: There isn’t just one definition of what wealth feels like. In jotting down ideas, behaviors, and goals that I felt would add to my life, it lead me to better understand what brings me joy. And what I wanted to expound on in the definition of myself: a creative, an artist, an explorer, an outdoorsman, a seeker, a connector, a doer, a designer, a maker, a finder, a tinkerer, a builder. For me, my cup runneth over when I untether myself from habitual stress and try new things. So that led me to the path I am on right now: a journey for joy. When I am not in Chicago spearheading interior design projects for S+F, I’m here in harbor Country Michigan, filling my days with quality time outdoors, making new creative alliances, and immersing myself in the splendor of the natural world. https://thejoyproject2020.com/contact-maple daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://thejoyproject2020.com/new-page daily 0.75 2026-02-10 https://thejoyproject2020.com/mushroom-cultivation_revamp-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321771147-DHXBD8LOKH0G72LPDLN4/Pottery%2BStudio.png Pottery Studio_Revamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60eefb58af1e5934276c5413/1770321771147-DHXBD8LOKH0G72LPDLN4/Pottery%2BStudio.png Pottery Studio_Revamp - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.