Excavation Has Begun!

Monday, March 21 was a rather momentous day here at Bentpath Getaway! After several months hard work and planning efforts by a very talented and experienced group of people and agencies, excavation of a pond and wetland area began. The big CAT has been in operation every day this week as the preliminary work continues.

This afternoon I spoke on-site with the contractor who shared his vision for final actual shape of this project  - one which will provide
- enhanced wildlife habitat for birds, animals, turtles, salamanders, pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.)
- wetland that will hold and filter rain floodwaters, and slow down the flow before the run-off enters the Sydenham River adjacent to our property
- erosion control
- AND a natural water feature for guests to enjoy as they walk the area, rest on a bench to enjoy the view or, perhaps,  take advantage of our canoe or pedalboat for a ride.
This is going to be a fantastic space! 

Having enjoyed hand-dug small ponds in my own back yard, I can guarantee there will be frogs and birds, dragon flies and loads of other interesting inhabitants finding their way here in no time. I can hardly wait.

Among the plans for the six acres we are retiring as farmland, there will be a prairie area planted with native grasses and wildflowers, plus more trees and shrubs. We're doing some research to see about stocking the pond with fish as well.

Hopefully, the weather will oblige enough over the weekend we'll be able to post an updated fly-over of how much the work has progressed in only a week. Much is still to come, so stay tuned ... and in the meantime, have a look at the beginnings of our project in the video below.

​