theheartysoul--2020-05-27--What Life Is Like Inside The Tiny Town Where Cars Are Banned

If you ’ ve ever dreamed of living in a simpler time , then this is just the place for you .
Love Valley in North Carolina is famous as the town where cars are banned , and just might be the answer to your slow-paced life dreams .
Love Valley : The Town Where Cars are Banned Looking like the set of an old western film , Love Valley is a quaint little mountain town that was born out of one man ’ s two dreams : In 1954 , Andy Barker left a well-paying job in Charlotte , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brushy Mountains .
With some friends who worked in construction , Andy built the small church that sits on the top of the hill overlooking the town , along with other buildings and homes .
Love Valley was incorporated in 1963 and Andy ’ s dad took on the position as mayor .
There are no roads , streets , or avenues here – instead , they are referred to as “ trails ” .
The main street through the center of town is called the Henry Martin Trail .
Read : There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netherlands Sitting On Calm Waters When Andy dreamed of creating Love Valley and living a slower-paced life , he knew there was one thing that had to go : cars .
For the 104 residents who live in the town , the main method of transportation is horses .
Walking down the Henry Martin Trail really does feel like you ’ ve stepped back in time , with horses tethered and drinking from water troths outside of the General Store and other shops .
While most residents do , in fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used for out-of-town trips .
While the town wasn ’ t intended for tourism purposes , it no-doubt attracts that type of attention .
When visiting the town tourists must leave their car parked in the lot outside the figurative “ town gates ” and either walk into town or rent a horse .
Shops in Love Valley are just what you might expect : Read : 90-Year-Old Czech Grandma Turns Small Village into Her Art Gallery by Hand-Painting Flowers on Its Houses While the town itself is worth the detour to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fun events every year that stay true to its nickname “ The Cowboy Capital ” .
They host several rodeos as well as popular horse shows .
There are spaces for people to camp , cabins , and rooms to rent as well .
Though Andy passed away in 2011 , his memory lives on in Love Valley .
Fancy yourself a road trip to the Cowboy Capital ?
Check out their website to help you plan your visit .
Keep Reading : Deer Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in an Empty Japanese Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @

What Life Is Like Inside The Tiny Town Where Cars Are Banned
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a simpler time, then this is just the place for you. Love Valley in North Carolina is famous as the town where cars are banned, and just might be the answer to your slow-paced life dreams.
Love Valley: The Town Where Cars are Banned
Looking like the set of an old western film, Love Valley is a quaint little mountain town that was born out of one man’s two dreams:
To live in a Christian community
To be a cowboy
In 1954, Andy Barker left a well-paying job in Charlotte, North Carolina, and moved to the Brushy Mountains. With some friends who worked in construction, Andy built the small church that sits on the top of the hill overlooking the town, along with other buildings and homes. Love Valley was incorporated in 1963 and Andy’s dad took on the position as mayor.
There are no roads, streets, or avenues here – instead, they are referred to as “trails”. The main street through the center of town is called the Henry Martin Trail.
Read: There’s a Magical Little Town in the Netherlands Sitting On Calm Waters
No Cars Allowed
When Andy dreamed of creating Love Valley and living a slower-paced life, he knew there was one thing that had to go: cars.
For the 104 residents who live in the town, the main method of transportation is horses. Walking down the Henry Martin Trail really does feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with horses tethered and drinking from water troths outside of the General Store and other shops.
While most residents do, in fact, own cars, they are only really used for out-of-town trips.
A Tourist’s Delight
While the town wasn’t intended for tourism purposes, it no-doubt attracts that type of attention. When visiting the town tourists must leave their car parked in the lot outside the figurative “town gates” and either walk into town or rent a horse.
Shops in Love Valley are just what you might expect:
General Store
Local Bar
Gift and Ice Cream Shop
Cafe
Feed store
Hardware store
Tack store
Read: 90-Year-Old Czech Grandma Turns Small Village into Her Art Gallery by Hand-Painting Flowers on Its Houses
Events Worth Visiting For
While the town itself is worth the detour to check out, they also host a variety of fun events every year that stay true to its nickname “The Cowboy Capital”.
They host several rodeos as well as popular horse shows. There are spaces for people to camp, cabins, and rooms to rent as well. Though Andy passed away in 2011, his memory lives on in Love Valley. Fancy yourself a road trip to the Cowboy Capital? Check out their website to help you plan your visit.


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--Grandma’s Adventure Box Idea Is The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The holidays are jam-packed with fun , joy , and quality time with loved ones .
However , once the presents are opened , the dinner is eaten , and the grueling clean up begins , the anticipation is over and it ’ s back to normal life .
There ’ s always next year to enjoy time with family , and until then there ’ s just trashing wrapping paper and washing a mountain of dishes .
One grandma decided to continue the joy and fun of the holidays throughout the year by gifting her grandchildren with a Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t include any toys , electronics , or anything breakable that children would lose interest in over time .
In her words , she gave them “ the gift of time.
” Darlene Howell Waller from Tennessee wanted to give her grandchildren a taste of the holiday cheer , excitement , and family time all year long .
She prepared a box filled with 12 brown paper envelopes — each one decorated and labeled for each month .
Included inside is everything the family would need to enjoy a certain activity hinted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One month is designated for bowling and laser tag , and the envelope is equipped with tokens for the arcade area .
Another month contains movie tickets , another has tickets for a baseball game , another has information for a horseback riding trail , and another has pocket money for a day trip to Disneyland .
Although the kids are given the box on Christmas , they don ’ t open any of the envelopes until the first day of each month .
This gives them something to look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month arrives , they open the box to discover the next fun family adventure .
On Christmas , the grandkids were able to open one thing : a letter from their Nonna .
It read : “ This year , my sweet boys , I give you the gift of time .
In this gift , you will find 12 envelopes , one for each month of the year .
Inside each envelope is a pre-planned , pre-paid ( mostly ) date for you and I , or you with Rich and Mommy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose .
But they are all fun as a family activity for us to do together .
“ At the beginning of each month , open an envelope and let ’ s plan the date .
On some of them , we may even take Uncle Timothy and Aunt Savannah.
” “ I love you and can ’ t wait to spend time with you .
Love , Nonna.
” After all , the best gift one could ever receive is the gift of spending time with loved ones .
Darlene shared her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures of the envelope and a clip of the boys reading her letter , and her post went viral with over 263 thousand shares .
Read : Touching First Day of School Photo Showing 8-Year-Old Comforting Classmate Goes Viral How to Make Your Own Adventure Box • Bowling , laser tag , and go-carting , plus tokens for games for February • Disney gift cards for May ( it was a pre-planned trip ) • Others such as trips to Donnell Century Farm Adventure , Pringles Park , Redneck Island , Christmas In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a Sky Zone gift card with sky socks .
If you ’ d like to create your own Adventure Box whether as a holiday or birthday gift , here are some pointers .
When you decide on the trips , keep in mind the time of year and the season .
You won ’ t be able to find hockey tickets in July , neither would a summer carnival be open during February .
Look up interesting festivals and events that happen in your area , like Winter Wonderlands , lantern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and other activities .
Ensure you plan them for the right time .
Also , check out your area for fun activities that are best enjoyed in different kinds of weather .
Escapes Rooms are a great idea for rainy seasons , while an outdoor sightseeing tour would be more enjoyable for sunny days .
Keep this in mind while planning ice skating , water parks , apple picking , biking trails , and museum visits .
Another good way to pick trips for each month is to examine the children ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps their favorite musical is on tour and is coming to your town that September or the sequel to their favorite movie is coming to theaters in a few months .
History museums may not be their cup of tea , but reptile museums and aquarium definitely are .
It could be hard to please multiple kids with varying interests , but there are many activities they can all get excited about , especially those that offer some flexibility , like arcades and amusement parks with different kinds of entertainment .
The trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money either .
Camping in the backyard with a firepit and s ’ mores , turning the living room into a home theater and having a movie marathon , and scavenger hunts are cheap , but with a little planning , a total blast .
The best part of the Adventure Box is that you ’ ve done all the work beforehand .
There ’ s no “ it ’ s the long weekend , so let ’ s do something , ” which leads to hours of bickering until the day is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting , and brings the family together once a month for something special .
A great addition to the Adventure Box is a photo album to capture these moments .
By next Christmas , the family can reminisce about the fun they had the past year while the kids open a new Adventure Box .
All of this , of course , will be more possible once we see the other side of the pandemic .
Se we can put out thinking caps on now , and look to the future .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving After Accidental Text from 2016

The holidays are jam-packed with fun, joy, and quality time with loved ones. However, once the presents are opened, the dinner is eaten, and the grueling clean up begins, the anticipation is over and it’s back to normal life. There’s always next year to enjoy time with family, and until then there’s just trashing wrapping paper and washing a mountain of dishes. One grandma decided to continue the joy and fun of the holidays throughout the year by gifting her grandchildren with a Christmas Adventure Box.
The Adventure Box doesn’t include any toys, electronics, or anything breakable that children would lose interest in over time. In her words, she gave them “the gift of time.”
Read: Our Must-Buy Gifts For Grandma
What’s Inside Grandma’s Christmas Adventure Box?
Darlene Howell Waller from Tennessee wanted to give her grandchildren a taste of the holiday cheer, excitement, and family time all year long. She prepared a box filled with 12 brown paper envelopes — each one decorated and labeled for each month. Included inside is everything the family would need to enjoy a certain activity hinted at through the decor of the envelope.
One month is designated for bowling and laser tag, and the envelope is equipped with tokens for the arcade area. Another month contains movie tickets, another has tickets for a baseball game, another has information for a horseback riding trail, and another has pocket money for a day trip to Disneyland.
Although the kids are given the box on Christmas, they don’t open any of the envelopes until the first day of each month. This gives them something to look forward to throughout the year. When the new month arrives, they open the box to discover the next fun family adventure.
On Christmas, the grandkids were able to open one thing: a letter from their Nonna. It read:
“This year, my sweet boys, I give you the gift of time. In this gift, you will find 12 envelopes, one for each month of the year. Inside each envelope is a pre-planned, pre-paid (mostly) date for you and I, or you with Rich and Mommy. Some you choose, some I choose. But they are all fun as a family activity for us to do together.
“At the beginning of each month, open an envelope and let’s plan the date. On some of them, we may even take Uncle Timothy and Aunt Savannah.”
“I love you and can’t wait to spend time with you. Love, Nonna.”
After all, the best gift one could ever receive is the gift of spending time with loved ones.
Darlene shared her Adventure Box idea on Facebook, including pictures of the envelope and a clip of the boys reading her letter, and her post went viral with over 263 thousand shares.
Read: Touching First Day of School Photo Showing 8-Year-Old Comforting Classmate Goes Viral
“If we looked back on our years, we don’t remember the gifts that were given or WHO gave them,” she said. “But for me, time spent together are some of my sweetest childhood memories. I remember the family vacations, the Saturday trips to the grocery store, the lake and camping adventures with my family, the fun we had in the tree house that my dad built for me. But I couldn’t tell you a single gift that was a ‘thing’ that I remember receiving.” [1]
Read: Elderly Man Dies Years After Young Girl’s Friendship Saved Him
How to Make Your Own Adventure Box
Darlene’s Adventure Box included the following activities:
Movie tickets for January
Bowling, laser tag, and go-carting, plus tokens for games for February
Gift certificate for horseback riding for March
Baseball game tickets for April
Disney gift cards for May (it was a pre-planned trip)
Others such as trips to Donnell Century Farm Adventure, Pringles Park, Redneck Island, Christmas In the Park at Pickwick Landing State Park, and a Sky Zone gift card with sky socks.
If you’d like to create your own Adventure Box whether as a holiday or birthday gift, here are some pointers.
When you decide on the trips, keep in mind the time of year and the season. You won’t be able to find hockey tickets in July, neither would a summer carnival be open during February. Look up interesting festivals and events that happen in your area, like Winter Wonderlands, lantern festivals, concerts, plays, parades, and other activities. Ensure you plan them for the right time.
Also, check out your area for fun activities that are best enjoyed in different kinds of weather. Escapes Rooms are a great idea for rainy seasons, while an outdoor sightseeing tour would be more enjoyable for sunny days. Keep this in mind while planning ice skating, water parks, apple picking, biking trails, and museum visits.
Another good way to pick trips for each month is to examine the children’s interests and get on board. Perhaps their favorite musical is on tour and is coming to your town that September or the sequel to their favorite movie is coming to theaters in a few months. History museums may not be their cup of tea, but reptile museums and aquarium definitely are. It could be hard to please multiple kids with varying interests, but there are many activities they can all get excited about, especially those that offer some flexibility, like arcades and amusement parks with different kinds of entertainment.
The trips don’t need to cost much money either. Camping in the backyard with a firepit and s’mores, turning the living room into a home theater and having a movie marathon, and scavenger hunts are cheap, but with a little planning, a total blast.
The best part of the Adventure Box is that you’ve done all the work beforehand. There’s no “it’s the long weekend, so let’s do something,” which leads to hours of bickering until the day is over. These trips are planned, exciting, and brings the family together once a month for something special.
A great addition to the Adventure Box is a photo album to capture these moments. By next Christmas, the family can reminisce about the fun they had the past year while the kids open a new Adventure Box.
All of this, of course, will be more possible once we see the other side of the pandemic. Se we can put out thinking caps on now, and look to the future.


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--An Extinct Bird ‘Evolved Itself’ Back Into Existence, Twice

The white-throated rail is a bird about the size of a chicken .
It is native to Madagascar and tends to colonize individual islands , specifically an atoll called Aldabra , a ring-shaped reef in the Seychelle Islands .
The reef had contained no predators for the rails , and eventually , they became flightless .
They also became extinct 136,000 years ago when the atoll disappeared below sea level during a flood .
Researchers have discovered this history through fossil evidence that was found after the sea levels fell during the following ice age .
Since then , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become recolonized by the rails , which seem to be back from the dead .
Experts believe that the species has re-evolved itself into existence .
Once settled on the atoll , they again lost their ability to fly .
This unbelievable evolution is occurring once again in the 21st century .
Read : Canines to the Rescue : Dogs Trained To Protect Wildlife Have Saved 45 Rhinos from Poachers in South Africa The Extinct Birds from the Aldabra Atoll are Back Scientists from the Natural History Museum and the University of Portsmouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves back into existence after comparing the ancient bones of the Aldabra rails to the second generation after the flood to the recently born birds .
The latter includes the bones of flying rails and the flightless rails that currently co-habit the atoll .
Their findings were published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society .
[ 1 ] The researchers discovered that bones from before the flood were similar to the modern-day bird .
They also found evidence that modern birds were evolving once again into flightlessness , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flightless birds when compared to the other birds that fly .
This improved strength is a weight-bearing adaptation , indicating that they were getting heavier and unable to take flight .
[ 2 ] The Aldabra rails are the only case found in history where the same species of bird have become flightless twice .
According to Hume , “ It wasn ’ t as if it were two different species colonizing and becoming flightless .
This was the very same ancestral bird.
” [ 4 ] He describes this phenomenon as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a process that occurs rarely that involves the evolution of “ similar or parallel structures ” from the same species or lineage that occurs at different points in time .
Sophie Lewis from CBS News describes it as “ a species can re-emerge over and over , despite past iterations going extinct.
” [ 5 ] “ We know of no other example in rails , or of birds in general , that demonstrates this phenomenon so evidently , ” said co-author Professor David Martill , from the School of Earth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Only on Aldabra , which has the oldest paleontological record of any oceanic island within the Indian Ocean region , is fossil evidence available that demonstrates the effects of changing sea levels on extinction and recolonization events .
“ Conditions were such on Aldabra , the most important being the absence of terrestrial predators and competing mammals , that a rail was able to evolve flightlessness independently on each occasion.
” Read : Once Nearly Dead As The Dodo , California Condor Comeback Reaches 1,000 Chicks It ’ s unknown why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the atoll .
However , every 50 or 100 years , overpopulation and food scarcity cause a mass migration of birds off of the island and across the Indian Ocean .
The Aldabra rails are among the lucky ones who found a good new home .
The species is still vulnerable on the atoll where there are predators like cats and rats , but the Aldabra rail is the only flightless rail that currently lives in the Indian Ocean .
The study shows how these birds tend to favor the evolution into flightlessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
“ Evolution can be incredibly quick if the conditions are right , ” said Hume .
[ 6 ] Keep Reading : Blue Whales Have ‘ Unprecedented ’ Bounce Back From Brink Of Extinction

The white-throated rail is a bird about the size of a chicken. It is native to Madagascar and tends to colonize individual islands, specifically an atoll called Aldabra, a ring-shaped reef in the Seychelle Islands. The reef had contained no predators for the rails, and eventually, they became flightless. They also became extinct 136,000 years ago when the atoll disappeared below sea level during a flood.
“Aldabra went under the sea and everything was gone,” said lead researcher Dr. Julian Hume, avian paleontologist and Research Associate at the Natural History Museum in London. “There was an almost complete turn over in the fauna. Everything … went extinct. Yet as the Aldabra rail still lives on today, something must have happened for it to have returned.”
Researchers have discovered this history through fossil evidence that was found after the sea levels fell during the following ice age. Since then, about 36,000 years later, the atoll has become recolonized by the rails, which seem to be back from the dead. Experts believe that the species has re-evolved itself into existence. Once settled on the atoll, they again lost their ability to fly.
This unbelievable evolution is occurring once again in the 21st century.
Read: Canines to the Rescue: Dogs Trained To Protect Wildlife Have Saved 45 Rhinos from Poachers in South Africa
The Extinct Birds from the Aldabra Atoll are Back
Scientists from the Natural History Museum and the University of Portsmouth each determined that these birds have re-evolved themselves back into existence after comparing the ancient bones of the Aldabra rails to the second generation after the flood to the recently born birds. The latter includes the bones of flying rails and the flightless rails that currently co-habit the atoll. Their findings were published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. [1]
The researchers discovered that bones from before the flood were similar to the modern-day bird. They also found evidence that modern birds were evolving once again into flightlessness, for example, the ankle bone was stronger in the flightless birds when compared to the other birds that fly. This improved strength is a weight-bearing adaptation, indicating that they were getting heavier and unable to take flight. [2]
“These unique fossils provide irrefutable evidence that a member of the rail family colonized the atoll, most likely from Madagascar, and became flightless independently on each occasion,” said Hume. “Fossil evidence presented here is unique for rails, and epitomizes the ability of these birds to successfully colonize isolated islands and evolve flightlessness on multiple occasions.” [3]
The Aldabra rails are the only case found in history where the same species of bird have become flightless twice. According to Hume, “It wasn’t as if it were two different species colonizing and becoming flightless. This was the very same ancestral bird.” [4]
He describes this phenomenon as being possible due to “iterative evolution,” a process that occurs rarely that involves the evolution of “similar or parallel structures” from the same species or lineage that occurs at different points in time. Sophie Lewis from CBS News describes it as “a species can re-emerge over and over, despite past iterations going extinct.” [5]
“We know of no other example in rails, or of birds in general, that demonstrates this phenomenon so evidently,” said co-author Professor David Martill, from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. “Only on Aldabra, which has the oldest paleontological record of any oceanic island within the Indian Ocean region, is fossil evidence available that demonstrates the effects of changing sea levels on extinction and recolonization events.
“Conditions were such on Aldabra, the most important being the absence of terrestrial predators and competing mammals, that a rail was able to evolve flightlessness independently on each occasion.”
Read: Once Nearly Dead As The Dodo, California Condor Comeback Reaches 1,000 Chicks
The Aldabra Rails Face Predators Today
It’s unknown why the rails left Madagascar and emigrated to the atoll. However, every 50 or 100 years, overpopulation and food scarcity cause a mass migration of birds off of the island and across the Indian Ocean. The Aldabra rails are among the lucky ones who found a good new home.
The species is still vulnerable on the atoll where there are predators like cats and rats, but the Aldabra rail is the only flightless rail that currently lives in the Indian Ocean. The study shows how these birds tend to favor the evolution into flightlessness, at least when the environment is good.
“Evolution can be incredibly quick if the conditions are right,” said Hume. [6]
Keep Reading: Blue Whales Have ‘Unprecedented’ Bounce Back From Brink Of Extinction


theheartysoul--2020-05-28--Woman Up-Cycled Old School Buses into Greenhouses

Upcycling is the new recycling and we love it when old items are put to new use .
This is made even better when that new use is equal parts creative , functional , and sustainable .
That ’ s what makes these school bus greenhouses so undeniably cool .
Doni Rae of Brooks , Alberta , Canada knows an opportunity when she sees one .
An avid vegetable garden living in a country with a rather short growing season , she wanted a flexible and inexpensive way to allow her to start her plants sooner and enjoy her produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she found a couple of retired school buses for a good price when she thought that maybe those buses could be repurposed as greenhouses ( 1 ) .
A winter ’ s worth of work and two schoolbus greenhouses later .
As it turns out , she was right .
Rae and her family purchased the buses and all the materials at local auctions .
They had two school buses : a full-length 72 passenger bus and a shorter 32 passenger bus .
The first step for both buses was to rip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after that , the building process for each greenhouse bus was completely unique .
The best part about the smaller greenhouse school bus is that they kept the drivetrain in so it can be completely mobile .
Other details of the greenhouse include : • 3 , three-foot poly covered skylights • These create a softer , more ambient light so that the greenhouse doesn ’ t get as hot inside .
• 3 x 13-foot floor-level , 16-inch beds on both sides of the aisles • Having the beds on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that grow more produce .
For example , tomato plants will grow up to 13 feet tall if given the chance .
The larger bus required a bit more work to have ready for planting .
First of all , they did remove the drivetrain from this one to use for another project , so the larger school bus greenhouse is not mobile .
The family also had to cut off the rivets in order to remove both the exterior and interior tin roof of the bus , which was apparently quite challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus include : • Oilfield pipe to create a flat side to attach the roof • Soft plastic from an old walk-in freezer curtain stapled down overtop of the poly to protect it from windstorms , secured with boards on the inside .
• Recycled tin roof for the interior lining of the plant beds to prevent problems with rotting .
The clear roof of the large bus means that it gets much warmer inside this greenhouse than it does in the smaller bus .
Read : Couple builds greenhouse around home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first spring , they used propane heaters for some of the earlier , cold spring nights , with plans of installing permanent natural gas heaters for subsequent seasons .
Both buses had their floors painted with pavement sealer to avoid rusting from watering the plants .
In their first season , Doni Rae watered them with a regular garden hose but hoped to install drip irrigation for both .
School Bus Greenhouses are sustainable , affordable , and as long as you leave the drivetrain in , moveable .
Removing just the roofs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therefore windows intact also has its advantages .
There ’ s less heat loss from wind and ground exposure than a traditional greenhouse , but you can also open the windows to control temperature and ventilation if needed .
Keep Reading : Couple Lives Off The Grid After Spending 20-Years Building Self-Sustaining Floating Island

Upcycling is the new recycling and we love it when old items are put to new use. This is made even better when that new use is equal parts creative, functional, and sustainable. That’s what makes these school bus greenhouses so undeniably cool.
School Bus Greenhouses
Doni Rae of Brooks, Alberta, Canada knows an opportunity when she sees one. An avid vegetable garden living in a country with a rather short growing season, she wanted a flexible and inexpensive way to allow her to start her plants sooner and enjoy her produce longer.
At auctions with her family, she found a couple of retired school buses for a good price when she thought that maybe those buses could be repurposed as greenhouses (1). A winter’s worth of work and two schoolbus greenhouses later. As it turns out, she was right.
The Making of School Bus Greenhouses
Rae and her family purchased the buses and all the materials at local auctions. They had two school buses: a full-length 72 passenger bus and a shorter 32 passenger bus. The first step for both buses was to rip out all of the seats, however, after that, the building process for each greenhouse bus was completely unique.
Read: Turf Houses, Eco-friendly Homes with a Viking Twist
The 32 Seater
The best part about the smaller greenhouse school bus is that they kept the drivetrain in so it can be completely mobile. Other details of the greenhouse include:
3, three-foot poly covered skylights These create a softer, more ambient light so that the greenhouse doesn’t get as hot inside.
3 x 13-foot floor-level, 16-inch beds on both sides of the aisles Having the beds on the floor allows them to grow taller plants that grow more produce. For example, tomato plants will grow up to 13 feet tall if given the chance.
The 72 Seater
The larger bus required a bit more work to have ready for planting. First of all, they did remove the drivetrain from this one to use for another project, so the larger school bus greenhouse is not mobile.
The family also had to cut off the rivets in order to remove both the exterior and interior tin roof of the bus, which was apparently quite challenging.
Other elements of the big greenhouse bus include:
Oilfield pipe to create a flat side to attach the roof
6mm clear poly for the roof
Soft plastic from an old walk-in freezer curtain stapled down overtop of the poly to protect it from windstorms, secured with boards on the inside.
Recycled tin roof for the interior lining of the plant beds to prevent problems with rotting.
28 inch high raised plant beds that are 20 inches deep.
The clear roof of the large bus means that it gets much warmer inside this greenhouse than it does in the smaller bus.
Similarities
During their first spring, they used propane heaters for some of the earlier, cold spring nights, with plans of installing permanent natural gas heaters for subsequent seasons.
Both buses had their floors painted with pavement sealer to avoid rusting from watering the plants. In their first season, Doni Rae watered them with a regular garden hose but hoped to install drip irrigation for both.
The Benefits of School Bus Greenhouses
School Bus Greenhouses are sustainable, affordable, and as long as you leave the drivetrain in, moveable. Removing just the roofs of the buses and leaving the sides and therefore windows intact also has its advantages. There’s less heat loss from wind and ground exposure than a traditional greenhouse, but you can also open the windows to control temperature and ventilation if needed.
“As I’ve been getting more and more into commercial gardening, I’ve realized that these greenhouses are the best way to achieve a reliable harvest, stopping things like frost and hail from taking a toll,” Rae explains.
Keep Reading: Couple Lives Off The Grid After Spending 20-Years Building Self-Sustaining Floating Island


theheartysoul--2020-05-28--This Adventure-Ready Tiny House Has a Mud Room and Fold-Down Deck

The Draper home is the latest project of Brian and Joni Buzarde , a husband and wife team of Land Ark RV , mobile tiny house builders in Colorado .
Draper is the perfect place for adventure-lovers .
It could be driven out to all sorts of locations , and the comforts of home will be there the entire time with sleeping room for up to four people .
The structure is durable and insulated to keep the indoor temperature stable .
Plus there ’ s a pull-out deck to sit out and enjoy the view .
Read : Tiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can sleep a family of 4 — see inside The Sleek Design of the Draper Tiny Home The RV is covered in smooth , black corrugated steel on the outside and has a foldable Cumaru deck .
It is 300 square feet but its space is designed for airiness and efficiency .
Its floor plan includes a mudroom entranceway , a hallway with wide windows , and a sleeping loft that is accessed with a furnished oak ladder and has a beautiful view of the outdoor surroundings from the comfort of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built and resided in their own tiny home , which they dubbed Woody , since 2012 .
This experience made them realize the value of having a mudroom that separates the kitchen and main area from the entryway .
Read : Solar-powered Boat is the Perfect Tiny Home for a Life of Sailing A sliding door on the patio offers the option of extending the outdoors into the foldable deck .
Cumaru is a renewable Brazilian hardwood and the Land Ark RV uses this material for the deck and the inset siding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes for the deck to lift via a manual winch that is located inside the home then it ’ s all set to be driven to the next spot .
The hallway is filled with natural light from the window , giving the space a calming and elegant feel as one enters the main living area , which includes a gallery kitchen and U-shaped sofa that opens up into a queen-sized bed for hosting visitors .
The kitchen is equipped with a sink , a three-burner gas stove , an oven , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelves for storage .
The bedroom loft fits a king mattress , which is surrounded by shelving above it .
There ’ s plenty of built-in storage , closet space , and a cupboard to do laundry , including a washing machine and dryer .
Although the bathroom is compact , it ’ s actually quite large , complete with a wall-hung toilet , a walk-in shower with a window , and a vanity .
The home has 12 dual-pane tempered windows .
Four are at a fixed angle , while the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fresh air .
Levolor Light-Filtering Cellular Shades on the windows give the residents ’ privacy and insulation to save energy .
The frame of the home is lined with cold-rolled steel and closed-cell spray insulation for the walls , roof , and floors .
This also adds an additional layer of firm insulation to the home , a plus when driving out into an adventure through nature .
All of the walls and ceiling are made from white-washed pine wood , while the floor is made from waterproof luxury vinyl planks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltic birch plywood , and the curtains and sofa divider to give sleeping guest privacy from the main kitchen area is designed from Sunbrella Elements Collection fabric .
During the day , the curtains are kept open and a rectangular table is in the center of the U-shaped couch .
The Buzarde ’ s used Cumaru hardwood along the inset siding to tie in the deck into the rest of the structure .
The wood siding complements the black metal of the rest of the exterior of the home and when the deck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for transport , it ties into the rest of the house .
How Much & How To Buy The price for a Draper is currently $ 154,900 .
Its sister model is called the Drake ; it ’ s similar in terms of quality and detail , but the Drake is a tad bigger than the Draper .
To purchase , see the Land Ark Rv ’ s website .
Other specifications of the Draper include : Keep Reading : Australian Couple Turns Three 20 Ft .
Containers into an Amazing Home

The Draper home is the latest project of Brian and Joni Buzarde, a husband and wife team of Land Ark RV, mobile tiny house builders in Colorado.
Draper is the perfect place for adventure-lovers. It could be driven out to all sorts of locations, and the comforts of home will be there the entire time with sleeping room for up to four people. The structure is durable and insulated to keep the indoor temperature stable. Plus there’s a pull-out deck to sit out and enjoy the view.
Read: Tiny smart home looks like a space ship and can sleep a family of 4 — see inside
The Sleek Design of the Draper Tiny Home
The RV is covered in smooth, black corrugated steel on the outside and has a foldable Cumaru deck. It is 300 square feet but its space is designed for airiness and efficiency. Its floor plan includes a mudroom entranceway, a hallway with wide windows, and a sleeping loft that is accessed with a furnished oak ladder and has a beautiful view of the outdoor surroundings from the comfort of the bed.
The Buzarde’s have built and resided in their own tiny home, which they dubbed Woody, since 2012. This experience made them realize the value of having a mudroom that separates the kitchen and main area from the entryway.
“The mudroom entry features a generously sized seven-foot width wardrobe, a separate W/D utility closet, and a nook with a bench and cubbies. This maintains tidiness and creates a more calming living experience in the living/kitchen space where one would spend the most time,” said Joni. [1]
Read: Solar-powered Boat is the Perfect Tiny Home for a Life of Sailing
The RV’s Layout and Features
A sliding door on the patio offers the option of extending the outdoors into the foldable deck. Cumaru is a renewable Brazilian hardwood and the Land Ark RV uses this material for the deck and the inset siding of the home. It takes about two minutes for the deck to lift via a manual winch that is located inside the home then it’s all set to be driven to the next spot.
The hallway is filled with natural light from the window, giving the space a calming and elegant feel as one enters the main living area, which includes a gallery kitchen and U-shaped sofa that opens up into a queen-sized bed for hosting visitors. The kitchen is equipped with a sink, a three-burner gas stove, an oven, and a fridge, along with plenty of shelves for storage.
The bedroom loft fits a king mattress, which is surrounded by shelving above it.
There’s plenty of built-in storage, closet space, and a cupboard to do laundry, including a washing machine and dryer. Although the bathroom is compact, it’s actually quite large, complete with a wall-hung toilet, a walk-in shower with a window, and a vanity.
The home has 12 dual-pane tempered windows. Four are at a fixed angle, while the other eight could be open for letting in the fresh air. Levolor Light-Filtering Cellular Shades on the windows give the residents’ privacy and insulation to save energy.
The frame of the home is lined with cold-rolled steel and closed-cell spray insulation for the walls, roof, and floors. This also adds an additional layer of firm insulation to the home, a plus when driving out into an adventure through nature. All of the walls and ceiling are made from white-washed pine wood, while the floor is made from waterproof luxury vinyl planks.
The built-in accessories and furniture consist of Baltic birch plywood, and the curtains and sofa divider to give sleeping guest privacy from the main kitchen area is designed from Sunbrella Elements Collection fabric. During the day, the curtains are kept open and a rectangular table is in the center of the U-shaped couch.
The Buzarde’s used Cumaru hardwood along the inset siding to tie in the deck into the rest of the structure. The wood siding complements the black metal of the rest of the exterior of the home and when the deck lifts and is tucked along the wall for transport, it ties into the rest of the house.
“In a small space, materials shouldn’t demand your attention. From the light-colored cabinetry to the white-washed pine walls, and the slightly darker LVP flooring that grounds the space, the materials meld with the outdoor scenery, and the eye is instead drawn to the views framed by the large windows, and the overall refined feel of the space. The angled clerestory windows follow the roofline and draw your eye up as natural light pours in,” said Brian. [2]
How Much & How To Buy
The price for a Draper is currently $154,900. Its sister model is called the Drake; it’s similar in terms of quality and detail, but the Drake is a tad bigger than the Draper. To purchase, see the Land Ark Rv’s website.
Other specifications of the Draper include:
Tri-Axle Trailer Chassis: 30′ L x 8.5′ W x 13′-4″ H
Hitch Weight: 1,600 lbs.
GVWR (Maximum Trailer Capacity): 21,000 lbs.
Unit Dry Weight: 17,100 lbs.
Carrying Capacity: 3,900 lbs. [3]
Keep Reading: Australian Couple Turns Three 20 Ft. Containers into an Amazing Home


theheartysoul--2020-05-31--Peacock Spiders Are So Striking Blue That Even I Think They’re (Sort Of) Pretty

For most of us , it ’ s hard to imagine describing a spider as cute , much less beautiful .
That being said , even one of nature ’ s creepiest looking creatures can have their moments .
Peacock spiders are proof that mother nature hides beauty in even the most off-putting of her creations .
As it always seems to be with much of the world ’ s weirdest and wackiest creatures , Peacock Spiders can be found all over Australia .
Unlike many of the terrifying spider species found throughout that nation , however , peacock spiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re intimidated by flashy fashion and brilliant dance moves .
( 1 ) Here are some quick facts about Peacock Spiders : • Similar to the bird they ’ re named after , Peacock Spiders have a backside that is cast in brightly colored hues and patterns .
( 1 ) • Far more successfully than most humans , they use their dance skills to attract a mate .
In a fascinating pattern , they wave their colorful backside back and forth in front of a potential suitor to show off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 1 ) • They are incredible jumpers with the ability to jump over twenty times the length of their bodies .
( 2 ) • They are very small , almost rice-sized in fact .
• While they are technically venomous , their jaws are far too small to produce enough force to puncture human skin .
( 1 ) Now that we know there ’ s nothing to be afraid of , all there ’ s left to do is admire this incredible little species .
Read : Entomologist Explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Homes Safer This past March in 2020 , Museums Victoria researcher Joseph Schubert along with a team of spider enthusiasts discovered seven new species of Peacock Spider , bringing the total species count up to 87 types .
Most of these new types were found in Western Australia , however , a couple of them were also discovered in the Southern region of the country .
( 1 ) According to Schubert , his favorite of the new species is the Maratus constellatus , which means “ starry ” in Latin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t the only ones in the arachnid world to have striking patterns and colors .
One spider that has recently garnered much attention for its unique coloring is the cobalt blue tarantula .
( 3 ) Unlike the peacock spiders , however , this female species of spiders are anything but small : they can comfortably fit themselves around a regular-sized donut .
( 3 ) With mother nature out their painting artistic masterpieces on little spiders ’ backs , we can ’ t wait to see what more is discovered about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Discovered A Bunch Of New Spiders In Australia And Honestly , They ’ re Pretty Cute

Peacock Spiders Are So Striking Blue That Even I Think They’re (Sort Of) Pretty
For most of us, it’s hard to imagine describing a spider as cute, much less beautiful. That being said, even one of nature’s creepiest looking creatures can have their moments. Peacock spiders are proof that mother nature hides beauty in even the most off-putting of her creations.
Peacock Spiders
As it always seems to be with much of the world’s weirdest and wackiest creatures, Peacock Spiders can be found all over Australia. Unlike many of the terrifying spider species found throughout that nation, however, peacock spiders pose no threat to humankind – unless you’re intimidated by flashy fashion and brilliant dance moves. (1)
Here are some quick facts about Peacock Spiders:
Similar to the bird they’re named after, Peacock Spiders have a backside that is cast in brightly colored hues and patterns. (1)
Far more successfully than most humans, they use their dance skills to attract a mate. In a fascinating pattern, they wave their colorful backside back and forth in front of a potential suitor to show off their beauty as well as their grace. (1)
They are incredible jumpers with the ability to jump over twenty times the length of their bodies. (2)
They are very small, almost rice-sized in fact.
While they are technically venomous, their jaws are far too small to produce enough force to puncture human skin. (1)
Now that we know there’s nothing to be afraid of, all there’s left to do is admire this incredible little species.
Read: Entomologist Explains How Common House Spiders Can Actually Keep Our Homes Safer
New Varieties of Peacock Spiders Discovered
This past March in 2020, Museums Victoria researcher Joseph Schubert along with a team of spider enthusiasts discovered seven new species of spider, bringing the total species count up to 87 types. Most of these new types were found in Western Australia, however, a couple of them were also discovered in the Southern region of the country. (1)
According to Schubert, his favorite of the new species is the Maratus constellatus, which means “starry” in Latin. (1)
“It’s such a nice looking species,” he says. “The pattern reminds me of The Starry Night by Van Gogh.” (1)
Other Incredibly Colorful Spiders
Peacock spiders aren’t the only ones in the arachnid world to have striking patterns and colors. One spider that has recently garnered much attention for its unique coloring is the cobalt blue tarantula. (3)
Unlike the peacock spiders, however, this female species of spiders are anything but small: they can comfortably fit themselves around a regular-sized donut. (3)
With mother nature out their painting artistic masterpieces on little spiders’ backs, we can’t wait to see what more is discovered about this incredible species.
Keep Reading: Scientists Discovered A Bunch Of New Spiders In Australia And Honestly, They’re Pretty Cute


theheartysoul--2020-06-01--This Man Was Only Filming Seagulls, but He Suddenly Captures an Incredible Once-In-A Lifetime Scene

In 2015 , a man named Brad Rich was out on a boat expedition with his friends off the coast of Seward in Alaska [ 1 ] .
They were on a mission to film the beautiful seagulls native to the area .
If being in the “ right place , at the right time , at the exact moment ” ever needed a visual description , this guy ’ s encounter covers it to the letter .
We need an award for people who capture incredible natural phenomena like these to show the rest of the world who aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s even better than the spectacle ?
– The raw , stunned , and unfiltered reaction .
That ’ s the sound a person makes when their mind has been blown away .
Well , Brad got more than a bunch of excited seagulls and since his video hit YouTube , it ’ s amassed over 19 million views and a lot more across other platforms .
Be sure to watch the video first before reading the continuing text .
You don ’ t want any spoilers !
Read : Dolphins appear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brad heard the sound of the whales as they were coming up , slightly rocking their boat as he held his camera steady .
At 0:56 seconds , the entrancingly loud pod breached the surface in a wild chase of seagulls and fish .
It was a truly remarkable sight for Brad and his friends who couldn ’ t stop screaming in awe .
Even better , the whales decided to swim alongside their boat – probably wondering what all the excitement was about .
The stunning spectacle above is a complex whale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some of the most mysterious animals in the sea .
They are difficult to understand because they display certain odd behaviors and are highly unpredictable .
However , this is also a sign of high intelligence and enhanced adaptation skills .
Most people who take tours to watch humpback whales usually have one interest in common – witnessing the bubble-net ritual .
While most species of whales are typically loners who live , move , and feed alone , humpback whales are migratory and prefer to travel in groups .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to form what is known as a bubble net where a pack of whales simultaneously breach the surface of the ocean to catch tons of unsuspecting prey [ 2 ] .
This method is also called cooperative feeding and is a tactic employed to fluster and confuse the prey , normally a flock of seabirds or a school of fish .
The bubble net can be composed of a minimum of two or three whales and as much as sixty at a time , depending on the strength of the group .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on reefs just like birds How does it work ?
Humpback whales can choose to feed alone or in bubble nets , which is why there ’ s really no prediction for when it could happen .
Bubble-net feeding is a whirlwind of activity that demonstrates how biologically intelligent cetacean mammals can be .
It ’ s a highly synchronized event led by one whale who dives deep and shoots back up at high speed .
On its way up , the lead whale blows air upward to create a mass of bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The other whales follow closely behind while creating their own bubbles as well .
Since one humpback weighs between 25-30 metric tonnes , you can imagine how intense this can be .
As they come up , they form a fence around the prey , gulping up as many as possible before the bubble dissipate .
The fish can ’ t handle the noise and only a few – if any – can escape the forceful net .
During the summer , a humpback whale can eat as much as 3000 pounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the summer , bulking up so much weight for the rest of the year when they would be focused on breeding in quiet places .
Keep Reading : Blue Whales Have ‘ Unprecedented ’ Bounce Back From Brink Of Extinction

In 2015, a man named Brad Rich was out on a boat expedition with his friends off the coast of Seward in Alaska [1]. They were on a mission to film the beautiful seagulls native to the area.
If being in the “right place, at the right time, at the exact moment” ever needed a visual description, this guy’s encounter covers it to the letter. We need an award for people who capture incredible natural phenomena like these to show the rest of the world who aren’t so lucky.
What’s even better than the spectacle? – The raw, stunned, and unfiltered reaction. That’s the sound a person makes when their mind has been blown away.
Well, Brad got more than a bunch of excited seagulls and since his video hit YouTube, it’s amassed over 19 million views and a lot more across other platforms. Be sure to watch the video first before reading the continuing text. You don’t want any spoilers!
Bubble-net feeding phenomena of humpback whales
Brad heard the sound of the whales as they were coming up, slightly rocking their boat as he held his camera steady. At 0:56 seconds, the entrancingly loud pod breached the surface in a wild chase of seagulls and fish. It was a truly remarkable sight for Brad and his friends who couldn’t stop screaming in awe. Even better, the whales decided to swim alongside their boat – probably wondering what all the excitement was about.
The stunning spectacle above is a complex whale behavior known as bubble-net feeding. Whales are some of the most mysterious animals in the sea. They are difficult to understand because they display certain odd behaviors and are highly unpredictable. However, this is also a sign of high intelligence and enhanced adaptation skills.
Most people who take tours to watch humpback whales usually have one interest in common – witnessing the bubble-net ritual. While most species of whales are typically loners who live, move, and feed alone, humpback whales are migratory and prefer to travel in groups. However, under certain circumstances, they may come together to form what is known as a bubble net where a pack of whales simultaneously breach the surface of the ocean to catch tons of unsuspecting prey [2]. This method is also called cooperative feeding and is a tactic employed to fluster and confuse the prey, normally a flock of seabirds or a school of fish. The bubble net can be composed of a minimum of two or three whales and as much as sixty at a time, depending on the strength of the group.
How does it work?
Humpback whales can choose to feed alone or in bubble nets, which is why there’s really no prediction for when it could happen.
Bubble-net feeding is a whirlwind of activity that demonstrates how biologically intelligent cetacean mammals can be. It’s a highly synchronized event led by one whale who dives deep and shoots back up at high speed. On its way up, the lead whale blows air upward to create a mass of bubble and force fish to the surface. The other whales follow closely behind while creating their own bubbles as well. Since one humpback weighs between 25-30 metric tonnes, you can imagine how intense this can be. As they come up, they form a fence around the prey, gulping up as many as possible before the bubble dissipate. The fish can’t handle the noise and only a few – if any – can escape the forceful net.
During the summer, a humpback whale can eat as much as 3000 pounds of fish a day. They feed all through the summer, bulking up so much weight for the rest of the year when they would be focused on breeding in quiet places.
Keep Reading: World’s oldest known wild bird has another chick at age of 70
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-06-01--Upcoming Meteor Showers In 2020 You Just Can’t Miss

Periodically throughout the year , different meteor showers come around for a few nights to light up the sky and give us the best light show the natural world has to offer .
They ’ re easy to miss , however , if you don ’ t know when they are happening and where you need to go to see them .
We ’ ve done the research for you so that you can spend more time staring at the beauty of the meteor showers and less time staring at the screen of your laptop .
There are four different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The major class of meteor showers is the most impressive one and the most accessible for the general public .
As you go down into the lower classes they become harder to see without specialized equipment and know-how .
( 2 ) These meteor showers are the largest and have the most activity .
To get the best viewing experience , you ’ ll want to make sure that ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) : • You are waiting until after midnight to start watching • You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have much light pollution ( for example , at a cottage or in the countryside as opposed to a town or city ) • There is not too much moonlight – if there is a full moon , it will be very difficult to see the meteors .
• Allow your eyes time to adjust to the night ’ s sky : no lights , and very importantly no screens .
Looking at your cell phone will ruin your night vision and you will have trouble seeing the shower .
While each meteor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same dates every year , their actual visibility will vary depending on the lunar cycle , which will be different every year .
If the moon is too bright it will be very hard to see .
Cloud cover will also affect visibility : if it is a cloudy night you won ’ t be able to see the meteors .
( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) How to Read to the 2020 Meteor Shower Calendar Before we get to the 2020 calendar , it ’ s best to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terminology being used .
These explanations will make it simple for you to navigate this schedule with ease .
• Shower : The meteor shower is named for the constellation it belongs to or the closest star with maximum activity .
( 2 ) • Activity Period : These are the dates that you can expect to see the shower .
( 2 ) • S.L .
( Solar Longitude ) : This is the date of maximum activity .
( 2 ) • Radiant : The area of the sky where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The radiant must be near or above the horizon in order for the shower to be viewable .
( 2 ) • ZHR : Zenith Hourly Rate is the average number of shower meteors visible per hour , provided the radiant is exactly overhead and there is a very dark sky .
( 2 ) • Time : This is the time of night when you can best view the shower .
( 2 ) • Moon : Showers happening when the moon is less than 10 days old will be more visible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read : Man Keeps Rock For Years , Hoping It ’ s Gold .
It Turned Out to Be Far More Valuable Without further ado , the 2020 Meteor Shower calendar .
While some of these have already occurred , there are still plenty more to enjoy .
Each meteor shower shows up roughly around the same time each year , with the main difference being which nights they are at their peak .
( 1 ) • Moon : thin crescent , two days before a new moon ( less moonlight ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , approaching full moon .
Earth ’ s natural satellite , however , will set before dawn so it won ’ t affect viewing .
• Radiant : Aquarius constellation , best viewed near the equator and the southern hemisphere • Moon : one day before the new moon ( best time for viewing ) Read : 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won ’ t believe aren ’ t photoshopped Experienced observers will be able to spot minor meteor showers , however , for the casual enthusiast , this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can really only be seen and tracked by scientists and those with specialized equipment .
( 2 ) Slightly Different from Year to Year Meteor showers will always happen around the same dates every year , but they won ’ t necessarily be exact and the best nights for viewing them may be different by a day or two .
The size and strength of the meteor showers can change over time , and some of them aren ’ t very big every year .
( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 1800s , the Geminid meteor shower was quite a bit smaller , with only about 30 meteors per hour on average .
Now it ’ s over 100 .
( 1 ) The Leonid meteor shower was highly impressive in 1966 , 1999 , and 2001 , with the next really big Leonid show set to be 2031 .
This is because , in those years , the Leonid comet was/will be making its closest approach to the sun .
( 1 ) There ’ s no doubt about it – meteor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know what to do and how to properly view them , you will be in for one of the most impressive shows nature has to offer .
So head out to the quiet countryside , set your alarms appropriately , turn off the lights , leave your phone inside , and relax and enjoy the view .

Periodically throughout the year, different meteor showers come around for a few nights to light up the sky and give us the best light show the natural world has to offer. They’re easy to miss, however, if you don’t know when they are happening and where you need to go to see them.
We’ve done the research for you so that you can spend more time staring at the beauty of the meteor showers and less time staring at the screen of your laptop.
2020 Meteor Shower Schedule
There are four different classes of meteor showers (2):
Major (Class I)
Minor (Class II)
Variable (Class III)
Weak (Class IV)
The major class of meteor showers is the most impressive one and the most accessible for the general public. As you go down into the lower classes they become harder to see without specialized equipment and know-how. (2)
Major Meteor Showers
These meteor showers are the largest and have the most activity. To get the best viewing experience, you’ll want to make sure that (1, 2, 3, 4):
You are waiting until after midnight to start watching
You are in an area that doesn’t have much light pollution (for example, at a cottage or in the countryside as opposed to a town or city)
There is not too much moonlight – if there is a full moon, it will be very difficult to see the meteors.
Allow your eyes time to adjust to the night’s sky: no lights, and very importantly no screens. Looking at your cell phone will ruin your night vision and you will have trouble seeing the shower.
While each meteor shower will be visible on roughly the same dates every year, their actual visibility will vary depending on the lunar cycle, which will be different every year. If the moon is too bright it will be very hard to see. Cloud cover will also affect visibility: if it is a cloudy night you won’t be able to see the meteors. (1, 2, 3, 4)
How to Read to the 2020 Meteor Shower Calendar
Before we get to the 2020 calendar, it’s best to go over these terms so that you understand the terminology being used. These explanations will make it simple for you to navigate this schedule with ease.
Shower: The meteor shower is named for the constellation it belongs to or the closest star with maximum activity. (2)
The meteor shower is named for the constellation it belongs to or the closest star with maximum activity. (2) Activity Period: These are the dates that you can expect to see the shower. (2)
These are the dates that you can expect to see the shower. (2) S.L. (Solar Longitude): This is the date of maximum activity. (2)
This is the date of maximum activity. (2) Radiant: The area of the sky where the shower is likely to appear. The radiant must be near or above the horizon in order for the shower to be viewable. (2)
The area of the sky where the shower is likely to appear. The radiant must be near or above the horizon in order for the shower to be viewable. (2) ZHR: Zenith Hourly Rate is the average number of shower meteors visible per hour, provided the radiant is exactly overhead and there is a very dark sky. (2)
Zenith Hourly Rate is the average number of shower meteors visible per hour, provided the radiant is exactly overhead and there is a very dark sky. (2) Time: This is the time of night when you can best view the shower. (2)
This is the time of night when you can best view the shower. (2) Moon: Showers happening when the moon is less than 10 days old will be more visible than older moons. (2)
Read: Man Keeps Rock For Years, Hoping It’s Gold. It Turned Out to Be Far More Valuable
Meteor Shower Schedule 2020
Without further ado, the 2020 Meteor Shower calendar. While some of these have already occurred, there are still plenty more to enjoy. Each meteor shower shows up roughly around the same time each year, with the main difference being which nights they are at their peak. (1)
The Lyrid Meteor Shower
S.L.: April 21-22
ZHR: 10 meteors per hour
Moon: thin crescent, two days before a new moon (less moonlight).
Time: 10:30 pm local time
Radiant: between constellations Lyra and Hercules
The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower
S.L.: May 4 and 5
ZHR: 20 to 40 meteors per hour
Moon: waxing gibbous phase, approaching full moon. Earth’s natural satellite, however, will set before dawn so it won’t affect viewing.
Time: Pre-dawn
Radiant: Aquarius constellation, best viewed near the equator and the southern hemisphere
The Perseid Meteor Shower
S.L.: August 11 and 12
ZHR: 60 to 75 meteors per hour
Moon: last quarter phase, may impede viewing.
Time: Early morning, a couple of hours before dawn.
Radiant: Constellation Perseus
The Orionid Meteor Shower
S.L.: October 20 and 21
ZHR: 10 to 20 meteors per hour
Moon: 23% full crescent phase, no interference.
Time: midnight local time
Radiant: constellation Orion
The Leonid Meteor Shower
S.L.: November 16 and 17
ZHR: 5 to 15 meteors per hour
Moon: thin crescent, little interference
Time: after midnight
Radiant: constellation Leo
The Geminid Meteor Shower
S.L.: December 13 and 14
ZHR: over 100 meteors per hour
Moon: one day before the new moon (best time for viewing)
Time: 2 am local time
Radiant: constellation Gemini
Read: 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won’t believe aren’t photoshopped
Minor, Variable, and Weak Meteor Showers
Experienced observers will be able to spot minor meteor showers, however, for the casual enthusiast, this will be very difficult. Variable and weak can really only be seen and tracked by scientists and those with specialized equipment. (2)
Slightly Different from Year to Year
Meteor showers will always happen around the same dates every year, but they won’t necessarily be exact and the best nights for viewing them may be different by a day or two. The size and strength of the meteor showers can change over time, and some of them aren’t very big every year. (1, 2, 3, 4)
For example, back in the early 1800s, the Geminid meteor shower was quite a bit smaller, with only about 30 meteors per hour on average. Now it’s over 100. (1)
The Leonid meteor shower was highly impressive in 1966, 1999, and 2001, with the next really big Leonid show set to be 2031. This is because, in those years, the Leonid comet was/will be making its closest approach to the sun. (1)
Mother Nature’s Light Show
There’s no doubt about it – meteor showers are incredible to watch. If you know what to do and how to properly view them, you will be in for one of the most impressive shows nature has to offer.
So head out to the quiet countryside, set your alarms appropriately, turn off the lights, leave your phone inside, and relax and enjoy the view.
Keep Reading: Photographer ‘Accidentally’ Captures Incredible Photos of a Brilliant Green Meteor


theheartysoul--2020-06-01--First Floating Ocean Hybrid Platform Can Generate Power From Waves, Wind And Solar

Scientists and engineers around the world have been working to come up with innovative solutions for more sustainable , environmentally-friendly energy generation .
While there have been several promising projects , one German company has come up with a solution that has stood out from the rest : floating solar panels .
As our world has become increasingly advanced and more reliant on technology , the global demand for energy has been rising .
This need poses two main questions : • Will we have enough affordable energy in the future ?
• What will we do in the long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the energy generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels [ 1 ] .
Globally , nearly 85 percent of the world ’ s energy is produced by oil , coal , and gas [ 2 ] .
This is problematic for a number of reasons , the most significant of which is that the burning of coal , natural gas , and oil for electricity is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide [ 3 ] .
Additionally , these fuel sources are non-renewable , which makes them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation .
Read : ‘ Anti-Solar ’ Cells Could Keep the Power Going at Night SINN Power was founded by Dr. Phillipp Sinn , and offers clean energy solutions to people living near coasts all over the world .
Through partnerships with academia and members of the power industry , the company has managed to take their idea from patent to prototype in just two years and is now operating fully-functional prototypes at their research space in Heraklion , Greece .
The company ’ s main goal is “ to turn the unlimited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost-efficient energy that is accessible for everyone.
” [ 4 ] SINN Power ’ s prototype is a hybrid platform that generates renewable energy from waves , wind , and solar sources .
The platform uses what is called wave energy conversion ( WEC ) .
While WEC is not a brand new concept , and there have been a number of innovations that have taken place in the field over the last several years , SINN ’ s modular design is unique because of how easy it is to connect and expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a variety of different combinations [ 5 ] .
The platform uses electrical sensors that are IP68-rated , which means that they are waterproof up to a certain length of time [ 6 ] .
These sensors continuously send data to diagnostic centers , allowing them to detect anomalies early , and prevent potential failures .
According to Sinn , a service plan for customers can be easily optimized , and they are able to anticipate repairs before major damage occurs by analyzing output patterns .
Each unit is made up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave energy relative to the water conditions .
In areas where there is low potential for wave energy ( meaning it ’ s not very wavy ) , they can add 20kW photovoltaic cells to generate solar power , as well as up to four small 6kWp wind turbines to generate wind power .
This allows them to take advantage of the environmental conditions of the area , and Sinn says there is no limit to the number of units that can be added [ 5 ] .
Sinn explains that this modular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing them to develop flexible maritime technologies with a wide variety of applications .
Read : Enormous Floating Solar Farms Can Extract Carbon Dioxide from Seawater to Replace Fossil Fuels Five years after its inception , SINN Power is preparing to commercialize their technology and start marketing their platform , with the hope that they will be able to start generating power for coastal communities in the near future [ 4 ] .
In addition to the innovative work that is being done by SINN Power , there are several other initiatives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , particularly in the solar energy field .
Solar ovens , solar homes , and solar farms are being designed to take the place of fossil fuels , and scientists have developed a liquid fuel capable of storing the sun ’ s energy for up to eighteen years .
Researchers have even invented a device that can generate energy from the rain , and a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia , the US , China , and Hong Kong have developed a technology that creates fuel from carbon dioxide using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s brightest minds continue to work on new technologies that will allow us to generate electricity and power from renewable resources , there is hope for a future in which energy and electricity is affordable and available to everyone , without damaging our environment .
Keep Reading : Project combines hemp and solar to go totally off grid

Scientists and engineers around the world have been working to come up with innovative solutions for more sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy generation. While there have been several promising projects, one German company has come up with a solution that has stood out from the rest: floating solar panels.
As our world has become increasingly advanced and more reliant on technology, the global demand for energy has been rising. This need poses two main questions:
Will we have enough affordable energy in the future? What will we do in the long term?
Currently, more than 60 percent of the energy generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels [1]. Globally, nearly 85 percent of the world’s energy is produced by oil, coal, and gas [2].
This is problematic for a number of reasons, the most significant of which is that the burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide [3]. Additionally, these fuel sources are non-renewable, which makes them an inadequate long-term solution for global energy generation.
SINN Power
SINN Power was founded by Dr. Phillipp Sinn, and offers clean energy solutions to people living near coasts all over the world. Through partnerships with academia and members of the power industry, the company has managed to take their idea from patent to prototype in just two years and is now operating fully-functional prototypes at their research space in Heraklion, Greece.
The company’s main goal is “to turn the unlimited power of ocean waves into clean and cost-efficient energy that is accessible for everyone.” [4]
Floating Solar Panels
SINN Power’s prototype is a hybrid platform that generates renewable energy from waves, wind, and solar sources.
The platform uses what is called wave energy conversion (WEC). While WEC is not a brand new concept, and there have been a number of innovations that have taken place in the field over the last several years, SINN’s modular design is unique because of how easy it is to connect and expand the platform, opening up the possibility for a variety of different combinations [5].
The platform uses electrical sensors that are IP68-rated, which means that they are waterproof up to a certain length of time [6]. These sensors continuously send data to diagnostic centers, allowing them to detect anomalies early, and prevent potential failures.
According to Sinn, a service plan for customers can be easily optimized, and they are able to anticipate repairs before major damage occurs by analyzing output patterns. Each unit is made up of four integrated converters that generate power through wave energy relative to the water conditions.
In areas where there is low potential for wave energy (meaning it’s not very wavy), they can add 20kW photovoltaic cells to generate solar power, as well as up to four small 6kWp wind turbines to generate wind power. This allows them to take advantage of the environmental conditions of the area, and Sinn says there is no limit to the number of units that can be added [5].
“It’s always the same, it’s super modular,” says Sinn. “We can always use the same parts, the same electronics regardless of which configuration is constructed. So, with this strategy, we want to get into volume, get the practice low, and then it’s so we can show [sic] that wave power is really attractive against solar,” [5].
Sinn explains that this modular design has been an important factor in allowing them to develop flexible maritime technologies with a wide variety of applications.
“The floating platform can supply renewable energy to islands across the world, for example, and contribute to the worldwide implementation of offshore wind farms,” he said [5].
Read: Enormous Floating Solar Farms Can Extract Carbon Dioxide from Seawater to Replace Fossil Fuels
Commercialization on the Horizon
Five years after its inception, SINN Power is preparing to commercialize their technology and start marketing their platform, with the hope that they will be able to start generating power for coastal communities in the near future [4].
In addition to the innovative work that is being done by SINN Power, there are several other initiatives and projects that are being developed around the world, particularly in the solar energy field. Solar ovens, solar homes, and solar farms are being designed to take the place of fossil fuels, and scientists have developed a liquid fuel capable of storing the sun’s energy for up to eighteen years.
Researchers have even invented a device that can generate energy from the rain, and a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, the US, China, and Hong Kong have developed a technology that creates fuel from carbon dioxide using the motion of waves.
As the world’s brightest minds continue to work on new technologies that will allow us to generate electricity and power from renewable resources, there is hope for a future in which energy and electricity is affordable and available to everyone, without damaging our environment.
Keep Reading: Project combines hemp and solar to go totally off grid


theheartysoul--2020-06-01--Poland’s Mysterious “Crooked Forest” Populated with 400 Bent Trees

There are many unexplained natural phenomena around the world .
The sailing stones in California ’ s Death Valley National Park , Australia ’ s Pink Lake , and the Fairy Circles in the Namib Desert are just a few examples of natural wonders that have baffled scientists for decades .
One lesser-known but equally fascinating occurrence that fits into this category is Poland ’ s Crooked Forest , which looks like it was taken from the pages of a dark fairy tale .
The Crooked Forest , or Krzywy Las , is located deep in the woods of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the town of Gryfino .
It is named for the four hundred trees that all bend at a sharp ninety degrees at their base , then curve back up to point toward the sky , creating an odd , pot-bellied appearance [ 1 ] .
To add to the mystery , they all bend in the same direction- North .
The pine trees are believed to have been planted in the early 1930s , however , Gryfino was all but destroyed during the Second World War , and so the origins of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , has left things open to theories and legend- of which many abound .
There are rumors that the trees ’ strange shape was made through some sort of man-made technique , and were planted to grow bentwood for things like ships , rocking chairs , and sleighs [ 2 ] .
Read : Hospice Patients Share Their Mysterious Dream Experiences : “ Who You See Before You Die ” William Remphrey , a retired plant scientist from the University of Manitoba , believes that the phenomena is likely due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests one possibility , which is that a heavy snowfall weighed down the young saplings into the spring , causing buds to sprout up and grow from the snow-covered trunks .
He admits , however , that this does not explain the straight pines that surround this patch of forest [ 1 ] .
While he does admit that there is a possibility that the shape was man-made , he is hesitant to agree with that theory based on the sheer number of trees that have the peculiarity .
He has found , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to offer a scientific explanation , as he has in his work studying another oddly-shaped set of aspen trees in Manitoba , people aren ’ t really interested in listening .
Not surprisingly , the eery and sinister-looking trees have inspired any number of fantasy-like tales .
Kilian Schoönberger , a landscape photographer who has been to the forest a couple of times , has captured the creepy scene on camera , and is aware of the stories that have been told .
If you want to see this natural phenomena in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is to travel first to Berlin , then go by car to the forest .
Located just on the other side of the German border , you can arrive in just under two hours if you take the autobahn .
The best time of year to visit is the early spring , when the trees are still mostly bare , making it look even spookier , but the temperatures have warmed to a more tolerable temperature .
The morning is the best time of day to , when the sun shines through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more mysterious feel .
If you ’ re lucky , you ’ ll get there on a foggy day , according to Schoönberger- it makes it look that much more other-worldly .
Keep Reading : A Mysterious Deep Space Radio Burst is Reaching Earth Every 16 Days

There are many unexplained natural phenomena around the world. The sailing stones in California’s Death Valley National Park, Australia’s Pink Lake, and the Fairy Circles in the Namib Desert are just a few examples of natural wonders that have baffled scientists for decades.
One lesser-known but equally fascinating occurrence that fits into this category is Poland’s Crooked Forest, which looks like it was taken from the pages of a dark fairy tale.
A Forest of Mystery
The Crooked Forest, or Krzywy Las, is located deep in the woods of the West Pomerania region of Poland, just outside the town of Gryfino. It is named for the four hundred trees that all bend at a sharp ninety degrees at their base, then curve back up to point toward the sky, creating an odd, pot-bellied appearance [1].
To add to the mystery, they all bend in the same direction- North.
The pine trees are believed to have been planted in the early 1930s, however, Gryfino was all but destroyed during the Second World War, and so the origins of the forest were lost. This, of course, has left things open to theories and legend- of which many abound.
There are rumors that the trees’ strange shape was made through some sort of man-made technique, and were planted to grow bentwood for things like ships, rocking chairs, and sleighs [2].
William Remphrey, a retired plant scientist from the University of Manitoba, believes that the phenomena is likely due to some sort of environmental factor. He suggests one possibility, which is that a heavy snowfall weighed down the young saplings into the spring, causing buds to sprout up and grow from the snow-covered trunks. He admits, however, that this does not explain the straight pines that surround this patch of forest [1].
While he does admit that there is a possibility that the shape was man-made, he is hesitant to agree with that theory based on the sheer number of trees that have the peculiarity. He has found, however, that even if he is able to offer a scientific explanation, as he has in his work studying another oddly-shaped set of aspen trees in Manitoba, people aren’t really interested in listening.
“What I found with the crooked aspen is that even after I was able to explain the crookedness with a scientific basis, many people did not want to believe it and held onto to their far-out theories.”[1]
Not surprisingly, the eery and sinister-looking trees have inspired any number of fantasy-like tales. Kilian Schoönberger, a landscape photographer who has been to the forest a couple of times, has captured the creepy scene on camera, and is aware of the stories that have been told.
“More obscure theories talk about witchcraft and energy fields… but perhaps there will never be a final answer,” he said [2].
Witness the Forest Yourself
If you want to see this natural phenomena in person, the easiest way to get there is to travel first to Berlin, then go by car to the forest. Located just on the other side of the German border, you can arrive in just under two hours if you take the autobahn.
The best time of year to visit is the early spring, when the trees are still mostly bare, making it look even spookier, but the temperatures have warmed to a more tolerable temperature. The morning is the best time of day to, when the sun shines through the trees, giving it an even more mysterious feel. If you’re lucky, you’ll get there on a foggy day, according to Schoönberger- it makes it look that much more other-worldly.


theheartysoul--2020-06-02--“Guerilla Grafters” Secretly Graft Fruit-Bearing Branches Onto Sterile City Trees

The Guerrilla Grafters are a group that was launched in 2011 .
Their mission is to secretly—and illegally—graft fruit-bearing branches onto decorative trees that line city streets .
Their goal ?
To help build a better and more nourishing environment in every neighborhood .
To them , every sterile decorative tree is viewed as a missed opportunity to provide free fresh fruit to people , which can be particularly helpful for homeless folk .
Many urban planners specifically avoid planting fruit trees since multitudes of flowering fruits would cause a mess on the streets once they ripen and fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an annoying mess that are magnets for insect and vermin , this rebel group considers them as a way to revolutionize sustainability and provide healthy food for passersby .
[ 1 ] “ Just taking an evening stroll , and then you see a fruit and you reach over and now you ’ re nourished , ” says grafter Tara Hui .
The grafting method is fairly simple .
They take a healthy branch from a fruit tree , insert it into a cut onto the sterile tree , and secure the branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest .
After the branch heals , it will grow as a part of its new host .
After each grafting , locals volunteer to care for the tree , its harvesting , and preventing of pests and messes .
The slogan of the Guerilla Grafters is to transform the “ city streets into food forests , and unravel civilization one branch at a time.
” Although their agricultural vigilantism is illegal , many people can get behind their cause to make fresh and healthy produce available for citizens .
[ 2 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organic Burial Pods Will Turn YOU Into A TREE When You Die Ilana Strauss joined a group of guerilla gardeners in New York City and documented her first experience grafting on Tree Hugger .
She explains the cities plant trees to keep temperatures stable , clean the air , and decorate what would otherwise look like a stale , concrete street .
Strauss was among about six others when she was taught how to graft .
Then the group took the branches wrapped in damp paper towels and embarked onto the Brooklyn streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked in broad daylight during the afternoon .
They trekked to a row of ornamental cherry trees , bred specifically not to bear fruit .
They appreciated the irony of grafting peach branches onto a cherry tree .
Hui grafts in the Bay Area with her two assistants .
Her experience planting fertile pear branches onto a line of sterile pear trees was reported on NPR .
“ We don ’ t have a supermarket and we have very few produce stores [ here ] , ” she says .
“ What better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impoverished area than to grow them yourself and to have it available for free.
” [ 4 ] Read : Stop Buying Avocados : here ’ s how you can grow an avocado tree in a small pot at home As good-hearted as this type of ‘ vandalism ’ may be , it ’ s still considered vandalism and the police haven ’ t been pleased .
Officials at the Public Works Department have declared that the trees are city property and it ’ s unacceptable to graft them .
They hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can become hazards and attract rodents .
Carla Short is an urban forester for the San Francisco Department of Public Works and in charge of 103,000 public trees .
She ’ s opposed to these rebel grafters .
“ The City considers vandalism a serious offense , ” says Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru .
“ There would be fines for damage to city property.
” Nuru reminds readers that anyone interested in urban agriculture could contact the City to discuss suggestions .
[ 5 ] So if you ’ re walking around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single tree branch bearing fruit , you may be witnessing the results of a grafter .
Take a fruit and enjoy !
It ’ s for you .
While the majority of media coverage on The Guerilla Grafters fell between 2012 and 2015 , they are still active on social media .
It is unclear if they are still on the streets grafting today .
We hope their efforts have not been fruitless .
Keep Reading : The Tree of 40 Fruit is indeed a coat of many colors [ 2 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limb.
” SFGate .
Tom Levy .
August 27 , 2012 [ 3 ] “ I joined a guerilla mission to turn city trees into fruit trees.
” Tree Hugger .
Ilana Strauss .
May 21 , 2018

The Guerrilla Grafters are a group that was launched in 2011. Their mission is to secretly—and illegally—graft fruit-bearing branches onto decorative trees that line city streets. Their goal? To help build a better and more nourishing environment in every neighborhood. To them, every sterile decorative tree is viewed as a missed opportunity to provide free fresh fruit to people, which can be particularly helpful for homeless folk.
Many urban planners specifically avoid planting fruit trees since multitudes of flowering fruits would cause a mess on the streets once they ripen and fall. As much as fruit trees are considered an annoying mess that are magnets for insects and vermin, this rebel group considers them as a way to revolutionize sustainability and provide healthy food for passersby. [1]
“Just taking an evening stroll, and then you see a fruit and you reach over and now you’re nourished,” says grafter Tara Hui.
The grafting method is fairly simple. They take a healthy branch from a fruit tree, insert it into a cut onto the sterile tree, and secure the branch with tape. Then nature does the rest. After the branch heals, it will grow as a part of its new host. After each grafting, locals volunteer to care for the tree, its harvesting, and preventing pests and messes.
The slogan of the Guerilla Grafters is to transform the “city streets into food forests, and unravel civilization one branch at a time.” Although their agricultural vigilantism is illegal, many people can get behind their cause to make fresh and healthy produce available for citizens. [2]
Read: Mountain Where Soil Is ‘90% Gold’ Discovered Causing Big Gold Rush
A firsthand experience of grafting fruit trees
Ilana Strauss joined a group of guerilla gardeners in New York City and documented her first experience grafting on Tree Hugger. She explains the cities plant trees to keep temperatures stable, clean the air, and decorate what would otherwise look like a stale, concrete street.
“These city trees tend to be decorative—they don’t bear fruit—and some people think that’s a waste. There are so many hungry people in cities; why not plant fruit-bearing trees? Whole cities could be lined with free apples and peaches,” she writes.
“So people take this issue into their own hands by turning decorative trees into fruit-bearing trees. These folks are called guerilla grafters. And I joined them on one of their expeditions.”
Strauss was among about six others when she was taught how to graft. Then the group took the branches wrapped in damp paper towels and embarked onto the Brooklyn streets. Despite the illicit behavior, they worked in broad daylight during the afternoon.
They trekked to a row of ornamental cherry trees, bred specifically not to bear fruit. They appreciated the irony of grafting peach branches onto a cherry tree.
“I slid the peach branch into the cherry branch. Then I covered the branches in wax, taped them up, and wrapped a rubber band around them. Down the line, maybe someone would enjoy free peaches. Take that, agribusiness.
“So if you’re ever wandering through Brooklyn and notice a peach growing out of a cherry tree, you’ll know what went down.” [3]
Hui grafts in the Bay Area with her two assistants. Her experience planting fertile pear branches onto a line of sterile pear trees was reported on NPR.
“We don’t have a supermarket and we have very few produce stores [here],” she says. “What better to alleviate scarcity of healthy produce in an impoverished area than to grow them yourself and to have it available for free.” [4]
The law is fighting Guerilla Grafters
As good-hearted as this type of ‘vandalism’ may be, it’s still considered vandalism and the police haven’t been pleased. Officials at the Public Works Department have declared that the trees are city property and it’s unacceptable to graft them. They hold that ripe fruit falling in the streets can become hazard and attract rodents.
Carla Short is an urban forester for the San Francisco Department of Public Works and in charge of 103,000 public trees. She’s opposed to these rebel grafters.
“It gets very dangerous very quickly,” Short says. “I mean the minute that fruit gets crushed on the sidewalk, it is slippery. We certainly don’t want people to get injured.” She adds that fruit trees are not illegal everywhere and they are encouraged in community gardens.
“The City considers vandalism a serious offense,” says Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “There would be fines for damage to city property.” Nuru reminds readers that anyone interested in urban agriculture could contact the City to discuss suggestions. [5]
So if you’re walking around San Francisco or New York and spot a single tree branch bearing fruit, you may be witnessing the results of a grafter. Take a fruit and enjoy! It’s for you.
While the majority of media coverage on The Guerilla Grafters fell between 2012 and 2015, they are still active on social media. It is unclear if they are still on the streets grafting today. We hope their efforts have not been fruitless.
Keep Reading: Why Did Norwegian Teachers Wear Paper Clips During World War II?
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-06-02--New York State Farmers donate 70,000+ pounds of milk, beef and produce to NYC families in need

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting the poorest communities the hardest , New York State farmers are stepping in to help out .
Instead of dumping the produce , milk , and other products that they are unable to sell , they are donating them to those in need .
After having to painfully watch their hard work be dumped and destroyed , The Northeast Dairy Producers Association announced that farms and co-ops across the state have decided to take a different stance .
Instead of dumping , they decided to start donating .
As of May 14th , upstate farms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beef , fruit and vegetables to those in need .
“ We can not have hungry families in New York City , and farmers upstate dumping their product because they can not sell it .
Together with our farmer partners , we created our own network , and we will convert our district office into a food distribution hub to provide our neighbors with fresh produce and meals , ” said Senator Jessica Ramos .
Read : Millions of US farm animals to be culled by suffocation , drowning and shooting Food hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Packages of crayons and coloring books have also been donated and have been available for families at the Senator ’ s office in East Queens since May 1st .
So far , these are the donations that have been made : • 300 pounds of beef donated by La Casa De Leche Farm ( Livingston County ) and the Northeast Dairy Producers Association .
• 1,700 gallons of milk donated by Dairy Farmers of America .
• 20,000 apples equaling 5,700 pounds donated by Farm Fresh First , Inc. , which markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the state .
• 14,000 pounds of onions , 8,000 pounds of potatoes and 4,000 pounds of cabbage donated by Torrey Farms , Inc. ( Genesee County ) and the New York State Vegetable Growers Association .
• 2,880 pounds of blueberry and vanilla parfait yogurt donated by Upstate Niagara Cooperative , Inc. , a dairy cooperative located in Western NY .
• 575 packs of Prang Crayons made with soybean oil donated by the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association , along with coloring books sponsored by New York dairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North East .
Read : Egg farmer considered killing half his flock until a woman on Facebook devised a plan to save them This is yet another testament to the human spirit .
Despite the financial losses these farms have suffered from COVID-19 , they are still willing to help other people who are also hurting .
When we come together and support one another , the world is a better place .
Keep Reading : Dairy Farmers are Dumping Their Milk Down the Drain .
‘ Nowhere for it to Go ’

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting the poorest communities the hardest, New York State farmers are stepping in to help out. Instead of dumping the produce, milk, and other products that they are unable to sell, they are donating them to those in need.
New York Farmers Donate Product to Feed Families
After having to painfully watch their hard work be dumped and destroyed, The Northeast Dairy Producers Association announced that farms and co-ops across the state have decided to take a different stance. Instead of dumping, they decided to start donating. As of May 14th, upstate farms had donated 70,000 pounds of milk, beef, fruit and vegetables to those in need.
“We cannot have hungry families in New York City, and farmers upstate dumping their product because they cannot sell it. Together with our farmer partners, we created our own network, and we will convert our district office into a food distribution hub to provide our neighbors with fresh produce and meals,” said Senator Jessica Ramos.
Not Just Food
Food hasn’t been the only thing donated. Packages of crayons and coloring books have also been donated and have been available for families at the Senator’s office in East Queens since May 1st.
So far, these are the donations that have been made:
300 pounds of beef donated by La Casa De Leche Farm (Livingston County) and the Northeast Dairy Producers Association. 1,700 gallons of milk donated by Dairy Farmers of America. 20,000 apples equaling 5,700 pounds donated by Farm Fresh First, Inc., which markets NY apples from over 100 apple growers throughout the state. 14,000 pounds of onions, 8,000 pounds of potatoes and 4,000 pounds of cabbage donated by Torrey Farms, Inc. (Genesee County) and the New York State Vegetable Growers Association. 2,880 pounds of blueberry and vanilla parfait yogurt donated by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., a dairy cooperative located in Western NY. 575 packs of Prang Crayons made with soybean oil donated by the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association, along with coloring books sponsored by New York dairy farmers and donated through American Dairy Association North East.
This is yet another testament to the human spirit. Despite the financial losses these farms have suffered from COVID-19, they are still willing to help other people who are also hurting. When we come together and support one another, the world is a better place.
Keep Reading: Dairy Farmers are Dumping Their Milk Down the Drain. ‘Nowhere for it to Go’