Day 257
As summer comes to an end, the temperatures cool down and the need to monitor and maintain control of both native and invasive plants slows down as well. Fall temperatures are wonderful for working outside. You can get a ton accomplished without needing multiple changes of sweat-drenched clothes.
Earlier this summer, we put up a slackline and had some logs delivered to the area of the future play area. I treated the land to clear it and laid down black tarping to prevent any growth. After getting wood chips delivered, I started to cover the tarp to create an area I could eventually line with stumps and logs. I would also place some play structures within the wood chipped boundary.
However, other restoration goals became of more pressing importance and other responsibilities distracted me from making any progress on the play area. By the tie I felt somewhat caught and ready to proceed, school took over. Full days with five year olds can be quite exhausting, but I do hope I can make regular progress, even in small steps, until the job is complete. With days being shorter, this is somewhat ambitious, but I think we will have a much more kid-friendly nature play spot ready to enjoy before the flakes fly.
When it is all said and done, we would be able to open our backdoor, meander through a bountiful garden which opens up to a firepit and play set before taking a downward sloped path through an upland prairie and adjacent to a nature play area and slackline. Proceeding further, the trail would take you through a prairie plant and wetland wonderland with benches for wildlife observation and birdhouses for any feathered friends. After moving deeper into the wetland, we will trek through a wooded area and search for all the balls you want. On your way back, you’d enjoy more prairie plants and cross a bridge over troubled waters) otherwise known as an agricultural ditch) before heading to the butterfly garden and chicken yard.
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, if we keep working hard, the Dargatz Family will make this dream a reality and share Craneview on Plainview with the community.
