little sanctuary , along with chipmunks , squirrels , possum , skunk , raccoon , fox , hawk … you name it … has been more than we could have possibly hoped for since moving here . Of course , when the house development in the adjoining property was put in , there was a dip in the overall wildlife population , as would be expected when dozens of pristine woodland acres get clearcut . But we have done our very best to mitigate the destruction of habitat and natural resources , as much as one can do with one acre .
It is alarming that so many new houses mean so much more use of pesticide , herbicide , and light pollution , and it is frustrating to see so many wonderful old and dead trees get cut down … which is probably why I ’ ve not seen a pileated woodpecker in our woods this winter . But my , perhaps naïve , ongoing hope is that these new people who fled urban sprawl will grow to appreciate the beauty and peace that comes from a naturalized area . Maybe they ’ ll see the success of the habitat at Fern Cottage and maybe that will make them reconsider using harsh pesticides or herbicides , or mowing woodlands or manicuring everything so pristinely that no life-giving undergrowth remains . Perhaps they too might relish how magnificent a spring morning can be with just the sounds of birds singing , bees pollinating , chipmunks foraging , and woodpeckers drumming . That , combined with the sun on your face , a gentle breeze carrying the scent of daffodils and cherry blossoms to your nose , and a cup of coffee snug in your hands , can start every day off in the best possible way .
If we have created this magnificent ambience , why would we leave it , you wonder ? Because the West has always called to us , and I know , beyond a shadow of a doubt , that just as we did here at Fern Cottage , we will help our next landing spot in the same way . To leave a place better than I found it is one of the greatest purposes I ’ ve ever known … right up there with leaving my children a better world in whatever small way I can . I can only control so much . I can ’ t singlehandedly fix political , social , or economic issues , but I CAN plant a tree , or leave a dead one to stand . I CAN feed the birds and keep water out for all critters . I CAN raise a meadow of tulips and daffodils to help wild pollinators . That much certainly anyone could do if they cared to .
So , yes , we will be leaving our little Fern Cottage on Peach Tree Road , and are going to Tracks End out West . And yes , the garden and naturalized habitat stays for whoever the new lucky owner may be . Every tulip , fern , bleeding heart , peach tree , hydrangea and hemlock will be theirs . Every bluebird house and heated birdbath . Everything . Everything except the Moose , that is . The Moose most emphatically does NOT convey !
Well loved for her wit , and self deprecating style , popular local storyteller , Pamela Boe , lives with her family in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve . Pam ’ s background as a former paramedic , avid outdoorswoman , mother , wife , and lifelong accident-waiting-to-happen resonates with readers across the region .
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