At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re fortunate to share our rolling hills, lush meadows, and dense forests with a diverse community of animals. From the domestic livestock that call our pastures home to the wild critters that wander through, each resident plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Join us as we introduce you to the furry, feathered, and friendly faces that make Crooked Pines Farm a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Furry Inhabitants
Domestic Animals
Our farm wouldn’t be complete without the herd of dairy goats grazing in the east pasture. These curious, friendly creatures provide us with fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt – and their playful antics never fail to delight our visiting families. The heritage breed chickens clucking around the coop offer a steady supply of nutrient-dense eggs, and we take pride in nurturing these hardy, active birds.
Wildlife Visitors
While our domestic animals are a constant presence, we often find ourselves delighted by the white-tailed deer that emerge from the treeline to graze in the meadows, or the red foxes that dart across the farm roads at dusk. Tracks in the mud reveal the nocturnal wanderings of raccoons, opossums, and the occasional black bear passing through. We take great care to coexist peacefully with these wild neighbors, respecting their need for space and natural food sources.
Beloved Companions
No farm is complete without its canine companions, and our two rescued border collies, Daisy and Remy, are an integral part of our daily operations. These intelligent herding dogs assist us with moving the livestock, patrol the perimeter, and provide endless cuddles and play time for visiting children. Their gentle nature and boundless energy make them the perfect farm ambassadors.
Feathered Residents
Poultry on the Farm
In addition to our laying hens, we also raise a small flock of heritage turkeys that roam the fields and woods, feasting on insects and wild berries. Their impressive size and striking plumage make them a favorite among our guests, especially around Thanksgiving when we showcase their role in sustainable, farm-to-table traditions.
Avian Neighbors
The diverse habitats across our 50 acres attract a wide variety of bird species. From the melodic songs of eastern bluebirds and wood thrushes to the distinctive calls of red-tailed hawks and great horned owls, the skies above Crooked Pines are alive with activity. We delight in watching our bird-friendly gardens attract hummingbirds, orioles, and vibrant warblers during spring migration.
Winged Wanderers
Seasonal changes bring new avian visitors to our farm. In the spring, the American robins return to build nests in our apple trees, and the sandhill cranes make their majestic journey overhead. As autumn approaches, monarch butterflies cluster in our milkweed patches, refueling for their long migration south. These fleeting but memorable encounters remind us of the importance of providing diverse habitats to support all of nature’s wonders.
Friendly Fauna
Helpful Helpers
While not always visible to the naked eye, the beneficial insects that thrive at Crooked Pines play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our gardens and orchards. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feast on crop-damaging pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. We welcome these tiny heroes and incorporate companion planting strategies to encourage their presence.
Curious Creatures
Visitors to our nature trails often delight in spotting eastern garter snakes sunning themselves on fallen logs or carefully observing the busy chipmunks darting between rock crevices. These harmless, often-misunderstood animals are an important part of our ecosystem, and we take care to educate guests about their vital roles and how to coexist peacefully.
Gentle Giants
While not residents, the majestic moose that wander through our woodlands during the summer months are always a thrilling sight. Their sheer size and power command respect, and we take care to observe them from a safe distance, never approaching or feeding these impressive creatures. Witnessing a moose grazing or cooling off in one of our ponds is a true highlight for many of our visitors.
Biodiversity at Crooked Pines
Habitat Preservation
At Crooked Pines, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, healthy ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife. By preserving natural habitats, limiting pesticide use, and incorporating regenerative farming practices, we ensure that our furry, feathered, and friendly residents can thrive. Our pollinator-friendly gardens and wildlife corridors provide vital resources and safe passage for all the creatures that call Crooked Pines home.
Ecosystem Balance
Each organism, from the tiniest insect to the largest mammal, plays a crucial part in the delicate balance of our farm’s ecosystem. We recognize that every species, no matter how small, deserves our respect and protection. By fostering a deep appreciation for biodiversity, we empower our visitors, especially the children, to become responsible stewards of the natural world.
Environmental Stewardship
As caretakers of this land, we take our role as environmental stewards seriously. We actively participate in Western Foothills Land Trust initiatives to protect wildlife corridors and conserve vital habitats. Through educational programming, hands-on activities, and leading by example, we inspire our community to join us in safeguarding the future of Crooked Pines Farm and the precious creatures that call it home.
Interaction and Coexistence
Mutual Understanding
At Crooked Pines, we believe that coexisting harmoniously with our animal neighbors is essential. We strive to educate our visitors about the unique behaviors, adaptations, and ecological roles of the creatures they encounter, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. By sharing our knowledge and facilitating up-close experiences, we hope to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the delicate balance of life on our farm.
Respect for Nature
Though the urge to interact with or even “tame” wild animals can be strong, we firmly believe in maintaining appropriate boundaries and respecting the autonomy of our non-human residents. We encourage our guests to observe from a distance, never feeding or approaching the animals, and to appreciate their inherent beauty and freedom. By modeling this reverence for nature, we set an example of responsible, sustainable interaction that our visitors can take with them.
Harmonious Living
Ultimately, our goal at Crooked Pines Farm is to demonstrate that humans and animals can coexist in harmony. Through careful management, ecological restoration, and public education, we strive to create an environment where all living beings can thrive. By fostering this sense of interconnectedness, we hope to inspire our community to embrace the wonder of the natural world and become active stewards of the land.
So come explore the furry, feathered, and friendly residents of Crooked Pines Farm. Whether you’re delighted by the antics of our dairy goats, captivated by the soaring grace of our birds of prey, or enchanted by the industrious insects that sustain our gardens, there’s something for everyone to discover and appreciate. We look forward to welcoming you and yours to our little slice of paradise, where the natural world takes center stage.
