Day 286
Change is in the air. We always knew that sooner or later, we would have neighbors. Considering our big twenty acre yard extends behind four other subdivided lots, we knew we would technically have four new neighbors. The first house went up slowly but surely. One lot has been untouched. The other two remaining lots are at different stages in the process of building. More recently, that process has sped up. When I wake up and head to school, there is usually some activity going on. By the time I get home, most of the activity might be finished, but it is clear to see evidence of the work that was done.
What used to be fields of mostly undesirable plants are now organized piles of dirt and gravel. One lot has a house that is getting built. Another is getting ready for the building to commence. Soon, a string of four new houses and families will be in front of a portion of our big backyard.
Will this impact our stunning sunsets? Will our animal visitors be impacted? Using a pessimistic point of view, one might be upset that more land is being developed. However, my perspective is that of a person looking at the big picture and our goal of habitat restoration and improvements.
With these lots being developed, they are much less likely to be overgrown with invasive species which would inevitably blow unwanted seeds into the land we are restoring. Having this possibility eliminated is a great positive even if some people might not like new houses interrupting a once more natural landscape.
We know our backyard is not developable and we are able to enjoy it regardless of what is developed around it. Our goal of restoration will not change though the steps we take to get to our final goal will probably be altered.
It will be interesting to share property with multiple new neighbors but we’re excited to share our vision with them. Because our work is sure to improve the visuals and visitors to the land, we hope they will enjoy and appreciate the work we’ve already done and be supportive of the work left to do.
