06/14/2026
This morning, I was deadheading flowers in the pots around our front gate when a very robust baby robin came barreling out of the honeysuckle, clearly offended that I had interrupted its flight training session!
Instead of startling me, it made me smile.
Lately, I’ve become increasingly passionate about creating a sanctuary that doesn’t just provide refuge for rescued farm animals, but also supports the native wildlife that shares this land with us. It’s a delicate balance. Farm animals, as wonderful as they are, can be much harder on the landscape than wildlife. Years of hooves, grazing, and heavy use has left our hillsides bare, compacted, and struggling to support the diversity of life that once thrived there.
One of my goals at Hope Haven is to transform our worn paddocks and barren hillsides into lush spaces that nourish both our rescued residents and the wild creatures who call this area home.
And perhaps that’s why this little robin made me so happy. Because it reminded me of the dream that keeps growing in my heart for our new sanctuary property.
I imagine beautiful nature trails winding through the woods. Whimsical walking tour paths that meander through flower and veggie gardens dotted with aviaries filled with rescued birds. There are views of the expansive green pasture where rescued calves graze peacefully. Just beyond there’s a natural pond bursting with life—fish, turtles, tadpoles, frogs, dragonflies, and countless other creatures finding a safe place to thrive.
And next to the pond, standing proudly at the heart of it all, our historic bank barn —a place where our community can gather for events, classes, celebrations to enjoy the abundance.
This little robin probably had no idea how much inspiration it gave me this morning, but for a few brief moments, as it darted out of the honeysuckle and into the sunshine, it felt like a glimpse of everything Hope Haven is working toward becoming. ❤️
