2009 Update

My apologies for the absence of new posts. I have a few updates that may be of interest. First, we have planted an additional 27 acres in longleaf pine. This was done last week, just in time for a good rain. Our forester is one of the most upstanding individuals in the industry and I am always happy to see his prompt and expertly executed handy work. In a week or so we will burn a large portion of our pineland which will result in one of my favorite sights, the explosive rebirth of the forest in the spring.

Also, my father has begun the undertaking of rasing quail at his home for release at the farm. The idea is to release young quail that will take up residence at Bollingbrook and procreate. We will see...

Finally, turkey season is approaching and although my spring schedule is full of family, work and a trip to Argentina I hope to try my hand at calling in a tom once or twice. However, luck usually sides with the longbeard when the hunter has as little time in the woods as I. Till next time.

Our new President

My son is not yet one year old, however, he has already felt the cold chill of a winter morning on his face, seen ducks fly over his head, deer feed in fields, dogs retreive game and sat in a field of wild paper whites with his cousins. My son will know the outdoors. He will understand the beauty that is all around him and the peace and understanding it can bring.

The last time we were in at Bollingbrook these thoughts ran through my head the entire weekend, How can it be that the man who is going to lead our country barely knows it. Yes, he knows the problems, and the opportunities and exist in our citites. Does he know the wonders that exist in our country's wild places? I don't think so. I do know that for the first time in a long time, and maybe ever, we have a president who is not a sportsman, not an outdoorsman. He does not fish, ride, hunt, walk in the woods or do any of the things that bring so much meaning to me and many of the people I know.

I am in no way against our new President, I wish him great success, we all need a great leader at this point in our history. But, I also believe that part of the American spirit lives in its wild places, and to not know those places is to not know all of America.