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Brenda Valentine NWTF Spokeswoman |
Turkey Farm
A year ago, I entered in a relationship that can only be described as a love affair. As in any torrid romance, I've at times grimaced at my apparent gullibility, only to be followed with blissful inward smiles for my good fortune.
It started with four words, "Make me an offer."
Within a few weeks, my banker and I were partners on a piece of property that was surely the subject for whoever coined the phrase, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
I would tear through tangles of cockleburs to witness the sunrise, admire my kingdom and ponder the perfect name to call it. The land consisted of a hardwood ridge recovering from a tornado, several acres of depleted farmland ravaged by a territorial war between kudzu and cockleburs. A spring-fed creek divided the property, with half claimed by a cottonmouth-infested slough protected by thousands of shin-busting cypress knees.
The name of a place is important to me. It must express the pride of the owner, so I didn't rush the process, hoping for a vision of the perfect moniker. My husband, who had declined a generous partnership offer, suggested I call the place "C-3" in honor of the abundance of cockleburs, cottonmouth snakes and cudzu. Undaunted by his insulting suggestion, I reminded him that kudzu is spelled with a K.
The hot, dry summer didn't wilt my enthusiasm; if anything, it fueled a determination to make this little chunk of land and sand productive. Having spent my entire life on a farm, I had a pretty good idea of practical options, however I still sought the advice of conservationists and professionals who I trust and admire.
Toxey Haas and Bobby Cole of Mossy Oak Biologic and Nativ Nurseries are experts on seed, food plots and wildlife-attracting tree species.
NWTF Regional Biologist Dennis Daniel made a trip from Arkansas during the August heat to walk the woods with me and offer his forestry management advice.
I talked several times to Harlan Starr, NWTF national board member and conservationist from Alabama, about controlling invasive plant species.
Cissy Penner, the lady in charge of the NWTF conservation seed programs, was knowledgeable and helpful.
NWTF Board President Jim Hinkle shared his experiences with various planting and fertilizing strategies.
This first year of my land restoration project has called for an unimaginable amount of work, sweat and money. I realize the future will require more of the same, but I feel I have already been repaid tenfold in the satisfaction of knowing my efforts have created a flourishing habitat where wildlife can prosper. This gut-felt, making-a-difference satisfaction is a real part of conservation.
I found it easier to kill cockleburs than come up with the perfect name for this little chunk of Tennessee dirt. One day, my granddaughter, Sarah Cate, asked if I was going back over to that turkey farm again. It may not be romantic or inspiring, but the name "Turkey Farm" has stuck. — Brenda
Keep up with Brenda and her adventures at www.brendavalentine.com