American Mink

American Mink

by | Oct 7, 2020 | Featured, General, Watershed

I recently had a conversation about a mink sighting along the shoreline.  Since this was not the first time the subject of a mink family living at the lake was brought up, and I know next to nothing about mink, I thought I should do some research. European Mink There...
What To Do With All Those Leaves!

What To Do With All Those Leaves!

by | Sep 29, 2020 | Featured, General, Lake Info

Although some may not see the harm in blowing their leaves into the lake, since leaves are “natural,” it is the cumulative effect of everyone thinking this way that causes the damage. Leaves have nutrients similar to fertilizer.  They contain high levels of...
Lawn to Meadow – Part II

Lawn to Meadow – Part II

by | Sep 18, 2020 | Featured, General

As stated in Lawn to Meadow – Part I, traditional turf lawns are food deserts that are unwelcoming for both birds and insects.  In addition, trying to achieve the “perfect” lawn requires a lot of chemicals, water, and effort.  Going from turf to flowering...
The Big Thirst

The Big Thirst

by | Sep 9, 2020 | Featured, General, Lake Info, Watershed

We don’t need data from the National Weather Service to know that it is DRY!  From brown lawns to desiccated soybean fields to exposed shorelines, everything is parched.  We need a good, soaking rain.  The forecast looks hopeful for this week. Lake...
Lawn to Meadow – Part I

Lawn to Meadow – Part I

by | Aug 27, 2020 | Featured, General

Manicured Lawns – A Brief History The concept of closely cut, well-kept grass areas in gardens premiered in the 1700s in England and France.  The amount of maintenance required by these new garden features kept them strictly in the realm of the rich.  Thomas...
Bramfeld Cottage: A Love Story

Bramfeld Cottage: A Love Story

by | Aug 11, 2020 | Featured, Interviews

I knew when I started this blog that I wanted to include interviews, specifically of people who have lived here, or have been coming to Lake Maxinkuckee, for a long time.  When I started asking around for names, one that kept coming up was Agnes Bramfeld.  ...