We are surrounded by beauty, magic and connection on a daily basis here at Earthfire. The native land on which we reside. The majestic Teton Mountains to our east. The iconic Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of which we are a part. The wild ones we work with and the connections we form with wildlife and nature—it’s all incredible and deeply gratifying work. Our hope is that by sharing the intimate stories of our animals and our heartfelt mission, you will be inspired to protect habitat in your area—no matter where you are in the world. Wildlife and nature need habitat to flourish.
This month, we celebrate the arrival of our bees! Having planted a wildflower field to lessen the impact on local pollinators, we are waiting impatiently for pollen-rich blooms. Luckily, there are plenty of dandelions to feed our hungry bees, and we supplement the dandelions with a weekly sugar water feeding.
Tahi’s roof has been temporarily repaired until there are funds to rebuild the entire structure. No more metal flapping in the wind; everyone on property is basking the blessed silence. We have also roughly graded our long, winding driveway, adding gravel fill, which will last until the winter plowing season—provided there is a winter plowing season. Last year, we only plowed a few times.
Our irrigation channels remain dry, stressing our wetlands and further drying the land. We have yet to be given permission to open them, and fear it may not be forthcoming due to the historically dry winter.
Vet visits this month include Bramble bear, who had a frightening bout of pneumonia, and Ghost the fox, who has a potential melanoma on her eye. Sadly, we lost Sprite the fox, who passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. We miss her everyday.
And so it goes… As we move ahead, there will be more trials and tribulations. More joy and more reward. We hope you will join us in celebrating them.
