Bluebird Hill is in Knox County, TN on land that my great-grandfather purchased in the 1930s. Three generations of my family have lived here and it is my home, my office and my research station.
We have raised turkeys and chickens, and continually harvest rainwater, manage overgrowth and reestablish appropriate tree and shrubs species along certain edges.
I have a food forest in its early stages, two garden areas, one for mainly annual production and the other for medicinal plants, herbs and pollinator support.
In summer of 2023 we began a partnership with Marcie and Jeff Yadon to run their Katahdin hair sheep on a rotational grazing system here on our (no longer fallow) pastures. As the flock expands, some of those animals we’ll retain as our own.
We have a vermicomposting (earthworm) system, two other types of composting (passive) and a Johnson-Su bioreactor.
2023 plans include a biochar operation, food forest expansion, further documentation of useful species and increased water harvesting.
Our small cabin and workshop is run via a solar array and battery bank with generator back up.
Our primary goals are continuing to add and tie together regenerative systems and improve the health of the soil and the land. It’s an ongoing process of observation, interaction and deliberate intervention.
We’re happy to host tours by appointment if you’re in the Knoxville area.
strongrootsresources@gmail.com