About

History of the Farm

In 2005 we relocated a historic barn that has made the rounds within about a 1/2 square mile area in our neighborhood. It was originally located about 1/4 mile west of it’s current location. In the early 1900’s it was relocated 1/4 mile south of it’s present location.  Both moves were accomplished leaving the barn intact; but imagine the 1900’s move used draft horses to pull the structure!  The barn was used as a dairy barn and for hay storage. The interior is constructed of native hardwood post and beams and the ax marks can still be seen dating it to the mid 1800’s. Various additions were made and we have repurposed it to serve the needs of our animals and visitors. I hope you can come see it! 

Planting our Prairie

We began restoring native prairie and wetland on about 60 acres in 1994. Prior to restoration work the area was planted to a corn/soybean rotation for many years.  With guidance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,  we disked and planted using a special seed drill furnished by the Soil and Water Conservation Service. For several years, we broadcast additional seed and placed native plant seedling plugs. Periodic spring burning along with hand pulling of certain non-native perennials such as white and yellow sweet clover, has allowed the native plants to compete. We tapped into several state and federal programs to accomplish this project.