Slow Cycle Farm - USA

The new homestead vision with access to the features being the primary concern. Greenhouse (with thermal heat collection) is on a boardwalk from the house and connected to the two-car garage and workshop. All buildings are accessible from the road and interconnected. The South facing greenhouse is behind the garage as a windbreak. Steep erodable shorelines drop to a clear water lake. These must be maintained at a distance with deep-rooted trees and shrubs. The clear lake is a great resource for fish and access to other lakes in the area. Very few properties we have worked on have been on a lakeshore.

Although expensive at time, lakes offer great resources during tough time. A source of drinkable water once filtered, irrigation, and year-round access. The woodlands are a source of herbs, mushrooms, and timber. The meadows managed with rotational grazing for multiple sources of protein. Multiple housing units are planned for visitors, interns, and residents. The deer browsing pressure causing damage to crops, fruits, and gardens require extensive fencing on the perimeter of production areas. Deer exclusion zones in the woodlands will protect vulnerable herbs and assist in rebuilding the understory. At the same time, these fences will help manage grazing goats used to remove invasive plants such as buckthorn and prickly ash.  Along the fence lines are elderberry, Aronia, and other native fruits. Close to the perimeter, these plants deter deer from jumping over the fence and add further harvests, privacy, habitat, and windbreaks. With elevation, lakeshore, woodlands, and pasture, this parcel is filled with ready-made natural resources for a truly self-reliant homestead.