Message from Doris
Predator Prevention and Educational Barnyard Program (PEEP) Updates
Dear Supporters,
Once our new PEEP was approved by our board members, there was no stopping our progress. We are all very excited to be able to create a place for the public to visit where they can see live examples of "wildlife friendly" techniques to protect livestock from predation. This is the first of its kind in the United States.
Here is a picture of our PEEP Barn where guardian and livestock animals will be able to live in a well-protected enclosure so they are safe at night. Predation can be a common occurrence if your animals are not brought in to safety. If you would like to volunteer some time to help build this, please call us. We would love your help.
We plan to develop an educational program for junior volunteers to "run" this part of the education barnyard. We will let you know when to submit an application for your child to participate. We are still considering the minimum age requirement for the barnyard. More updates will continue to come.
A junior volunteer finds golden eggs
Have you heard the word catio? A catio is an enclosed cat patio, which allows indoor/outdoor cats to be "outside" but safe. Here is a picture of our catio which will be a magnificent example of protecting your cat from potential conflict with some species of wildlife, while protecting other species of wildlife from your cat. We are grateful to Veronica Bowers, director of Native Songbird Care and Conservation for contributing a "start-up" donation to help us begin this very important project. Again, more updates will be heading your way to keep you informed of our progress on the catio. We are accepting donations to help keep this project in the "building" phase.
Check out the new rail in front of the wolf dog enclosure. This will protect any of our educational livestock from getting too close, while keeping little fingers out too. We still have a bit more to add to this.
Of course our chickens are one of the most important new additions to our very diverse wildlife family. They will be "living proof" of how wildlife friendly techniques really do work to protect your beloved pets and farm animals.
Lastly, look at the beautiful garden. Wow, what progress! We just received our State of California Certified Producer's Certificate so now we can go to the Farmers Markets and introduce PEEP while selling produce and nursery items. Thousands of people who visit the Go Local Farmer's Markets will be able to learn new ways to protect their gardens from wildlife predation as well.
Please let us know if you would like to help by calling us at 707-992-0274.
Here are some ideas for you:
Junior Volunteer Barn Yard Team
Gardener
Barn Builder
Landscaper
Farmer's Market Docent
We hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you again for all your support.
Doris Duncan
Executive Director
