As part of our commitment to keeping our environment as healthy as possible, we have, for many years, rotated our fiber animals (plus two donkeys and a miniature horse) between two pastures.  This rotation helps each pasture recuperate for a few months while not in use.

The “back pasture” is used during the warm months, so the Alpacas can go into the large pond, also known as “Lake Regina,” to keep cool.  Our miniature horse will also get in the lake from time to time. This pasture is about four and a half acres. There is plenty of good grass for grazing, and the animals have access to the shade and fans in the round pen for afternoon naps.

When the weather starts getting cooler, like now, we move everyone to the “front pasture.” It is fun to watch the Alpacas on the first day.  They love “new digs.”   There is a lot of hopin’ and boppin’ – or as we call it “boinking.”  There is also a pond in this pasture, but the entry into the pond is steeper, and the boys don’t feel the need to go for a swim.  This pasture is about three acres.

Because we have not done any mowing in the “front pasture,” it has grown up beautifully with grass and wildflowers galore.  In fact, the foliage is so deep the baby doll sheep can easily get lost.  Luckily, they have Philipe (our single goat) to follow.

So, this morning, Regina drove the Gator ( a small four wheel utility vehicle) and marked trails for paths through the tall grass.  Agustin followed right behind her on his mower, and paths were created, including one to the water trough.  Agustin was in “heaven” – he loves to mow.  It was really great to see all the bugs, bees, and grasshoppers who had taken up residence in the tall grass.

We will keep these paths mowed, and sometime this Fall we will aerate them and spread the cuttings from the wildflower patch in front of our house along the paths, in hopes that some of the seeds will catch and grow.

Stay tuned.  We are just getting started.