Blogs

Here is a quick update on Michaels dome. We are about 2/3 done with the height. It will start closing in from here on so the time and materials to complete it won't be a whole lot.  We have a shot at finishing before my eye operation Jan 5, but it depends on the weather.

For those of you waiting with bated breath (where did that term come from?) I want to let you know there will be a newsletter issue out soon. In the meantime here are the important developments:

• We constructed a 3rd swale after observing the blow-outs of the first two swales during gullywasher storms
• We decided to go ahead and install an expensive but reliable solar pump for the well, as we've had many challenges with our two generators, which are not currently functional.

I'm posting this message for Neal from Texas because I received an email from the Contact Us form but there was no from email address. Frankly, I'm puzzled how this could happen. Please send an email to edwin@sacredgardensanctuary.org so I can respond to you.

Thanks

Edwin

 In an article in the San Francisco Chronicle,  a horrific trend unfolds. All reasonable, rational natural farming methods are being jettisoned, because of the fear of e. coli. I encourage you to read this article and consider its consequences.

 After experimenting with a few designs, we've come up with a water tank system using inexpensive 55 gallon plastic drums. The system can work for any number of drums in multiples of two. A manifold was constructed from pvc pipe parts and poly tubing.

Here is the setup:

 Here are some pictures from our Nyagen toilet project for Michael. A nyagen is a hole in the ground covered with concrete for a squat-type toilet. He will also have a shower in the same dome. The shower water will drain out a pipe for gray water once dome is complete, rather than into the nyagen.  The cost for the nyagen was about $100 for the concrete (25 bags) and $10 for the rebar, and about $10 for the 2X4's, which we can re-use .

The Situation

We have numerous challenges from insect, rodent, and bird pests here at the Sanctuary. Because we are surrounded by wilderness where there are more animal life forms than the natural plant life can sustain, all the juicy, succulent things we are growing are highly attractive to the pests.

A couple of years ago, I took in two dogs abandoned by my neighbor and were starving. They are brother and sister and about 3 years old. It is getting difficult for me to maintain 3 dogs (I have one of my own).

We are asking for a good home or homes for these two dogs. They are both affectionate and adorable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL EDWIN AT 520-508-4402 OR 520-445-3119 OR EMAIL EDWIN AT SEVENAHM@YAHOO.COM

Jill:

We finished excavation yesterday, creating 3 terraces, 2 swales, and a small dam to feed one of the swales.

Here is a video snapshot of the excavation work:

Some Humor from Michael to keep us laughing:

Edwin and Goldie:

Edwin working hard to get some money for the community:

Edwin telling Michael that things can only get better