The March Hare: Summer '98
Issue 17

Come see our past issues for lots of Dancing Rabbit information.

Well its midsummer and the sun is high in the sky and the rabbits can usually be found taking a dip in the pond to beat the heat. But unlike last summer this year has been a wet one with spring storms continuing through June and into July. But the wet weather has the garden flourishing thanks to the help of our wonderful garden interns. Of course we weren't the only rabbits in our garden- this year we've had a huge influx of rabbits of the small and furry kind that just haven't learned to let the veggies ripen before eating them. (see Almost Harvest Time)

The wet weather has been a challenge at the cabin sites with foundations filling in after every rain. Shows how easy it is to build a pond on our land but certainly makes us aware that drainage will always be an issue for us. But we've taken it all in stride and have had fun rolling around in the mud-makes good sun block is what we heard! (see Cabins: a Firm Foundation)

And did I mention the weather! The rain has also postponed our prairie restoration until next year since the fields were just too wet to work in. But we plan to plant a cover crop to hold the soil until next year which will also give an extra year to control the weed. And to think other folks are having droughts this year....

We've also had a steady stream of visitors, friends, relatives and interns through this year. At midyear we counted over 100 people who've come through for visits ranging from a day to 5 months. Makes for a busy and exciting time with populations hovering around 12 most of the summer. There's often a touch of sadness as people we've grown attached to move on. But we do have some new prospects for members who plan to stay on for awhile. Jeffrey has joined us this summer and is in the process of becoming a Skyhouse and DR member! (more from Jeffrey in our next March Hare)

Also moving along is our biodiesel project. With interns Douwe and Amy arriving at the end of June our biodiesel production and research project is underway. Our reaction chamber is set up and test batches are progressing well. Its exciting to get that project moving after having it sit through the winter.

And we continue the process of defining our legal and decision making structures. We've got basic leases outlines we have found some lawyers with land trust experience to consult with on the tough legal questions.

As ever a busy time at DR. Hope we get a chance to see you here soon.