607-324-2132
*Carol@oak-tree.org
Hands on Sustainable Living workshops,
Family Farm Exhibits including Community Gardens!
Our ancestors did it and their ancestors did it, why aren’t we doing it? Doing what you ask? Producing food at home! Whether it is a tomato plant in a window box, a garden in the front yard or a milk cow and a few chickens out back, providing homegrown food has been a way of life for centuries.
People did not rely on tractor-trailer trucks and diesel fuel for their daily needs. If they couldn’t grow it, chances are a neighbor did and why not trade your services, I am sure they could use some help! We have drifted away from a good life with food security close at hand and knowing who are neighbors are. If this strikes a cord deep inside you, come and join us for a day or longer, getting your hands dirty, learning what our grandparents knew and feeling satisfied that you did something worthwhile! Remember, “homeland security starts at home”! By limiting your dependence on outside services, you will strengthen your family and our nation!
Another side effect of “progress”: Because we have pulled away from the old ways of country living, we have lost knowledge and skills. We have found this especially true with animal care. Over the years many animals have been placed here with us at Oak-Tree Sanctuary. Most came here in poor condition, being underweight was most common. Some of the animals just didn’t have enough to eat, but usually it was a combination of problems, no salt or minerals, parasites internally and/or externally, poor quality of feed, inbreeding and hoof problems. Whether the animals were raised as pets or for food consumption did not matter, neglect was clear, yet many of the owners thought the animals were doing just fine. Some animals were placed with us because the people did not realize the day to day work that went along with animal ownership and they just wanted out of the responsibility! After seeing this over and over again, we realized people needed to be educated on animal care and commitment, so the “Living Library” took its first breath of air!
SEE Oak-Tree Sustainable Living Homestead is now home to many animals, which have a job, to teach you how to care for them! There will be open exhibits to visit and learn from including: barnyard poultry, family cow, goats, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, even a hog or two and a horse hooked to a cart to help you with your work. Workshops will be scheduled to include more hands on projects for those who want a deeper experience.
The land has lessons to teach also! Through exhibits of various gardens: vegetable, herb, fruit tree, berries, flower, pasture and woodlands. You will realize the value of goods the land can produce and gain respect for Mother Earth. There will be gardening workshops and community gardens for all to share. At Oak-Tree recycling and composting is a daily ritual, paving the path with green ideas! There are many programs in the making!
This is a worthy project; animals will have a home and
a purpose, sustainable living programs will bring families together. We
live in a time or uncertainty these programs will build confidence in everyone
involved. The lessons learned at SEE Oak-Tree Sanctuary Sustainable Living
Homestead will help us get our feet back on the ground. And we will be
able to walk the path our grandparents did, with animals by their side.