Shepherd’s Corner just hosted their 9th annual Farm Fresh 5k race this past Saturday, June 13. This race gives people around the area that opportunity to view more of the land, learn about the purpose of Shepherd’s Corner, and enjoy the company of others who are also interested in caring for the earth! Before and after the race there was also a solar panel tour, and a garden tour so that people could see the resources and methods that Shepherd’s Corner uses. The solar panels supply 80% of the electricity for the main barn, which is where the offices are and activities are held. Shepherd’s Corner is a non-profit organization, and all of the proceeds from the race go towards educational programs and managing the gardens so that the produce can be donated to food pantries.

As people were racing the course they were able to view the diversity that the land of Shepherd’s Corner has to offer, such as the vernal pool, wetlands, open fields, woods, birds, mammals, etc. They are able to get up close and personal with the many dynamics of the farm while pondering on the effects that the surrounding development is having on the wildlife. By revisiting the Ask the Land survey Shepherd’s Corner is trying to figure out what is missing, why it is missing (effect from the developments?), and how it can be restored. This 5k race introduced the community to Shepherd’s Corners efforts, and with their newly gained knowledge they too can help protect the land.

Mark Dilley, founder of MAD Scientist, and creator of the Ask the Land survey, has given me a list of various experts in the field of biology to contact. For example, there is someone who knows a lot about butterflies and moths, someone who knows a lot about plants, etc. This week I will be contacting these people, and scheduling for them to come to Shepherd’s Corner to help with the resurveying. I will be showing them around the trails and into the back woods as they go about identifying the many inhabitants of Shepherd’s Corner. There is so much to learn, and so much knowledge to share with others because this effort is greater than just Shepherd’s Corner. It is about the effects that increased construction is having on all of the wildlife around the world. The world is one giant community, with the plants and animals depending on each other for survival… neither able to survive without the other. 

So as you go out for a walk this week take a minute to look around, survey the wildlife, and ‘ask the land’ what it is that you can do to help protect it!