The (Not so) Rural Pennsylvanian

  • People and Animals

    Here are some outtakes of my recent photography tour of Chenoa Manor in Avondale, Pennsylvania.

    I really love the relationship between the woman and goat here.
    Now, hold that pose.
    This donkey is quite the cheeky little girl. Hoping for mints, perhaps?
    That does not look comfortable.
    I think this one is self explanatory.

  • What a Black Vulture Infestation Looks Like

    Black vultures have been making their way north in recent years and appear to be here to stay in Pennsylvania. Primarily a resident of the American south and parts of the southwest down into South America, they have been slowly extending their range north. Similar to the larger turkey vulture, they have a black, rather than red, head, and distinctive white patches at the tips of their wings.

    They are a species of concern because they are more aggressive than the turkey vulture. They eat carrion, but they will also attack young or infirm live animals. They also can be quite destructive, pulling the seals off of car windows, for example. I witnessed this behavior at the Conowingo Dam Fisherman’s Park a few years ago. A hapless SUV parked off by itself was never going to be the same.

    Southerners have learned to adapt and live with this bird, so expect we can too. I would hate to see the turkey vulture displaced, as they are now such a common sight, especially in rural areas. A flock of black vultures can also drive the native turkey vulture off carrion. The vultures photographed here were in southern Chester County.

    Here’s the gang lined up in a row. Black vultures are gregarious, at least with each other.
    Keeping an “eagle” eye out.
    This cow looks more quizzical than concerned.
    It’s not Santa trying to get down the chimney.

  • A Photo Tour of Chenoa Manor

    I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a photo tour of Chenoa Manor in Avondale, Pennsylvania and visit with its many wonderful animal residents. Chenoa is an accredited animal sanctuary taking in the neediest of animals with a focus on farm and exotic animals. You can visit the sanctuary by becoming a volunteer, intern or benefactor or by participating in a scheduled workshop or event.

    With the help of a guide, our small group was able to enter the pastures for some up close and personal time with the animals. It is clear from the atmosphere that the animals and their welfare are the focus here. You can read more about Chenoa at their website.

    An overview of Chenoa Manor.
    A pasture with grazing animals.
    Grazing pony and donkeys.

    It was great to meet some of the animals.

    Donkey Felicetta. She was rescued on her way to slaughter.
    This handsome guy looked me right in the eye.
    This pig was ready for bed time.
    A very thoughtful expression from this goat.
    A beautiful white goat.
    I wonder what this duck is saying?
    I think this is a goose, not a duck. I need to brush up on this.

    The property is available for events a has some lovely gardens.

    A lovely rustic garden at the base of the barn.
    A view of the flower garden.
    Blessings on those coming and going.

  • It’s That Time of Year

    I love Fall. Not just because I hate hot weather but because I love all the other things that go with the season – colorful leaves, cozy fabrics, hot beverages, and fairs. I had to check out the Unionville Community Fair in Chester County. The fair was set on a old farm property adjacent to the high school.

    Well kept barn on the property.
    A view of the farmstead.
    I’m not sure what this platform is but I think it has to do with steeplechase or jumping horses.

    It was well worth a visit. It is rare in this area to find a festival with livestock. This aspect makes this fair unique. The lamas and goats were adorable. There was an opportunity for kids to get to milk a goat. I just wish there had been more dairy cows in the large tent.

    An inquisitive goat.
    Three lone cows in the big tent.
    Llamas are so cute.

    There were the usual fair food trucks, vendors, and activities for the kids. Polish food followed by funnel cake is a win in my book any day. While I was eating, the kids participated in a sing a long with Elsa from “Frozen.” I also bought some awesome local honey at one of the vendors. I don’t don’t normally love honey, but this stuff was great.

    Time to “Let it Go” with Elsa.
    The Vendors
    Yummy, hot funnel cake on a rainy day.
    I really liked the look of this old mill building on the way home.

  • What You Need to Know About the Pennsylvania Farm Bill

    Pennsylvania’s first ever Farm Bill was recently signed into law and provides $24 million in funds to support the agricultural industry. It is designed to increase opportunities in areas such as dairy, hemp and organics and remove barriers for young farmers’ entry into the profession. The bill also decreases some regulatory burdens on farmers. 

    The bill is comprehensive, so I thought it might be helpful to highlight some of the areas that might be of most interest or immediately helpful. Here are some of the most interesting parts of the bill:

    • Funding for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Business Development Center to serve as a resource to help  farmers create a business plan, transition plan, or succession plan. 
    • A realty transfer tax exemption for any transfer of preserved farmland to a qualified beginning farmer will be available. 
    • Funding for the dairy industry in the form of  research and development, organic transition assistance, value-added processing, and marketing grants.
    • Center for Animal Agriculture Excellence funding to support the animal agriculture industry by expanding processing capacity, technical assistance, providing resources for food safety compliance, and assisting with the establishment of hemp as an approved animal feed.  
    • A program to reimburse federal meat inspection costs and subsidize the first-time purchase of equipment needed for federal compliance to access to new and expanded markets for small or new producers will be established.
    • Agriculture linked investment program to re-establish this low interest loan program for the implementation of best management practices.
    • Resource enhancement and protection tax credits to increase the lifetime cap and increase availability.
    • Expansion of the allowable width for the use of implements of husbandry on roads, such as farm tractors and combines, from 16 feet to 18 feet. 
    • Farm Bill amends the Ag Area Security Act to allow for subdivision of preserved farms.
    • Funding for agricultural and youth organizations.
    • Pennsylvania Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account to allow for a quick response to agricultural disasters, including utilizing animal or plant health officials to contain an outbreak or threat, or providing an immediate response to a food borne illness.
    • Increasing market opportunities through funding of the PA Preferred Organic Initiative to make Pennsylvania the nation’s leading organic state, the PA Preferred Program to support the overall program and to bolster enrollment in the Homegrown by Heroes Program, and the State-level Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to invest in and encourage farming of high-priority horticultural crops like hemp, hops, and hardwoods. 

    There is a lot to take in with this bill, and we will see what the future brings in terms of implementation. In the meantime, more information can be found here:

    Governor Wolf’s statement on the PA Farm Bill https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/021319-farm-bill.pdf

    Information from the PA Department of Agriculturehttps://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/PA-Farm-Bill.aspx

  • Knee High by the Fourth of July: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

    I had promised my cousin that we would take a camping trip to Codorus State Park in Hanover, Pennsylvania over the July Fourth holiday. I decided to stick with the plans despite a weather forecast calling for high heat and humidity with the added bonus of regular thunderstorms popping up. I went back and forth between calling this post “The Camping Trip from Hell” and “Silver Linings.” Ultimately, I couldn’t decide if it was good or bad.

    I’m more of a fair weather camping kind of girl, I don’t mind a little rain, as long as I can set up when it ‘s not raining and everything has a chance to dry before I pack up. I was frustrated because all my trips last year were affected by rain, despite being out only 1-2 nights each time. I didn’t get my wish for fair weather on this trip. Everything was wet and/or dirty prior to departure. Pennsylvania is getting record rain, and it kind of stinks. At least the corn is high.

    The park itself did not disappoint. I went primarily to see if I could get a glimpse of the newly fledged bald eagles that hatched in an oak tree above Lake Marburg this Spring. They are quite the web cam stars. I did not see the fledglings, but I did get my first look at the parents in flight, having only previously seen them in the nest or resting in a nearby tree. The weather prevented much else in the way of activity.

    Nonetheless, it was not a complete loss. On the way to Hanover, I stopped briefly at Samuel S. Lewis State Park. It looks like a great place for a picnic and has a nice scenic view of the Susquehanna valley. The website also recommends kite flying and sledding, and it seems really well suited for those activities.

    The flag was still trying to fly proudly on the 4th despite the hot and damp weather.
    Here’s the view toward the river.

    I arrived at Codorus and immediately started to set up camp.

    Here is a look at lovely Lake Marburg,

    From the band shell area.

    On the way home, via Lake Redman, I made a few stops. The first was to photograph this hay field that was harvested just the day before.

    Newly harvested hay.

    I also took a few pictures of some of the lovely farms of southern York County.

    Farm, Yoirk County
    Red Barn, York County

  • Like the Spring, I Have Returned

    This weekend, I set off to Chester Springs to check out some garden centers in hopes of finding some aquatic plants for a container water garden I have on my balcony. I found a Louisiana iris and spearwort plant to add to the equisetum (horsetail reed) and water hyacinth I already have.

    Here’s how it looks so far:

    Maker:0x4c,Date:2017-11-17,Ver:4,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar01,E-Y,E-ver:20190214.5310204.002.000

    It doesn’t look like much now, but it should fill in nicely. I will try to keep you updated about my little water garden. The sponges are an experiment to see if birds will use them as landing pads to take drink. I hope to add some fish when the water warms up.

    While I was out, I ran across the charming Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm. They make delicious ice cream. Here is an impromptu panorama of part of the property:

    The lovely property at Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm.

  • Back to Linvilla Orchards

    Fall is one of the most popular times of year at Linvilla Orchards in Delaware County. The charming Halloween and fall decor, hay rides, food and activities are fun for the whole family (and school groups). The fresh produce, pies and apple cider donuts are particularly recommended.

    Fantastic pumpkin carving is on display.

     

     

    The decorative displays have a story book theme.

     

     

     

     

    The colorful displays of pumpkins and gourds are very tempting.

     

     

     

     

    Linvilla’s critters are out ready to welcome visitors.

     

     

    And because I’m obsessed with Christmas trees …

     

     

     

  • Mascot Roller Mills and Around

    Mascot Roller Mills in eastern Lancaster County is well worth a stop if you are in the area.  The site of the well preserved water-powered grain mill welcomes visitors. More information can be found at resslermill.com.  The William J. Morton Bird Sanctuary is adjacent to mill.

    Mascot Roller Mills – the original mill on this site dated from the 1730s.

     

    The Ressler family home adjacent to the mill.

     

    The Summer Kitchen next to the Ressler home.

     

    The Groff Store-House across the street from the Mill. Once a local gathering place and store, it now serves as the offices and meeting place for the Ressler Mill Foundation.

    Elsewhere in Lancaster County, fall colors are on display …

     

    The horses were enjoying the sunny day.

     

    An Amish farm.

  • Fall Has Finally Arrived

    It looks like the much delayed Autumn color has finally arrived to Chester County this year. I just hope the season isn’t brief. Here is a sample of some of this year’s color.

    A corn field seems to be on fire in Glenmoore.

     

    It looks like this is what was growing on those stumps in the previous picture. This and another tree were next in line with the stumps but had not yet been cut.

     

    A beautiful farm in Coventryville. I always love the star on the barn.

     

    Another radiant fall cornfield and treetops.

     

    Scotts Run in French Creek State Park. It’s apparently a red and orange free zone.

     

    The barn at the Mansion at Hibernia Park.

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