Reflecting on January 2024: Transformations, Conservation, and Community

Introduction:

As January 2024 dawned with a foggy and damp morning, I found myself embarking on a journey that would set the tone for the rest of the year. Driving through the quiet expanse of Uwharrie mountains en route to the Albemarle family farm project, I couldn't shake the feeling of solitude and purpose that enveloped me. It was a New Year's Day unlike any other, marked not by revelry but by the anticipation of fulfilling my mission – transforming a section of a family farm into a thriving vegetable garden and orchard.

The Albemarle Farm Project:

Mid-month saw the culmination of months of hard work as the Albemarle farm project reached its completion. Walking through the gardens with the clients and Lead designer Jenny Kimmel, their excitement was palpable as they marveled at the transformation of their space. It was immensely gratifying to witness their satisfaction and to know that I had played a part in bringing their family garden back to life. Jenny Kimmel designed a beautiful project. I am grateful for her including me and for her leadership in the build.

Walking The Oldest And Best Stone Mine in North Carolina:

In between project milestones, I had the privilege of participating in a Three Rivers Land Trust event at the Hardaway site. There was a packed room to hear a presentation on the Hardaway site by Dr. Randy Daniel. He wrote Hardaway Revisited: Early Archaic Settlement in the Southeast. For over 12,500 years, the Hardaway Site has served as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of human history, its rocky ridges and tranquil vistas providing a backdrop to millennia of human habitation. Perched above Badin Lake, its significance stretches back through the annals of time, each layer of cultural material preserving a chapter in the story of human existence. Here, amidst the Uwharrie forest, ancient craftsmen honed their skills in the art of stone tool making, fashioning tools and weapons from the abundant resources at their disposal. Stone-lined hearths and remnants of tool-making activities punctuate the landscape, each artifact a silent testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its creators. From the earliest nomadic hunters to the bustling settlements of colonial America, generations have relied on the Hardaway Site for the tools that sustained their way of life. Despite the passage of centuries, the site's enduring legacy endures, a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the land we call home.

Exploring Town Creek Mound:

After walking the Hardaway site with my friend Jose Abreu, I took the opportunity to visit Town Creek Mound, where we reflected on the lives of the people who once inhabited the area and its connection to the Hardaway site. The mound was a part of the Mississippian mound culture. I have visited the site often but never walked to the top of the mound. We went into the dwelling at the top. It was a nice experience to think of the people who lived their lives there.

Solving Water Problems For A Local Pottery Business:

Shifting gears, I also lent a helping hand to a local pottery business, From the Ground Up Pottery. The craftsmanship of Michael Mahan and his dedication to his craft are truly inspiring, serving as a reminder of the rich artistic traditions that flourish in our community. The parking lot was causing water to sheet flow towards their pottery shop. I solved the problem by excavating a wide trench into the gravel and base layers to reach the clay bottom. I reshaped the clay subsoil to drain the lot out the side rather than towards the shop. Once the foundation was set, I filled the trench with large aggregate that drains well. Then we topped it with clean gravel. I also expanded the parking area to accommodate two additional cars.

A Unique Opportunity To Serve And Receive A Gift:

One of my favorite moments of the month was the opportunity to help a neighbor with water problems at her home. She needed some broad swales cut above her home so water didn’t run into her home and she had a muddy driveway that needed a culvert crossing. Here's the fun part: for helping her, she gifted me a four-wheel-drive truck that is a perfect addition to the Holly Hill Farm fleet. The S-10 pickup is a great size to get into pastures and haul the lawnmower to Seagrove Cafe.

Truck Troubles and Triumphs:

Of course, no month would be complete without its share of challenges, and January was no exception. A turbo intercooler failure on my F-450 during a project in the parking lot threatened to derail progress, but with a spare part from my father-in-law's shop, I was able to make the necessary repairs and keep things moving. On a brighter note, the addition of a new truck to the Holly Hill Fleet and the restoration of the 1975 Ford LT 9000 were moments of triumph that brought a sense of pride and nostalgia, reminding me of the resilience and spirit of innovation that define our community.

Conclusion:

As I look back on January 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities it brought and the lessons learned along the way. From the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion to the camaraderie shared at community events, it was a month marked by transformation, conservation, and the enduring strength of our community. As we move forward into the rest of the year, I am excited to continue embracing new challenges, fostering meaningful connections, and making a positive impact wherever I can.