Today at research, as a side project, I shoveled horse manure that my professor’s wife will use for composting.  In return, I get some of this super nutrient soil.  Also, while on this adventure I met a cute horse named Lucky and his not so cute owner, who tried to gain access to our biologically sensitive research area even after I told her that people not affiliated with the our research group aren’t allowed inside unless they are on a guided tour.  I also pointed to the bright orange signs that reiterated everything I had just said: “Biologically sensitive area. Do not trespass.” Still, she said “I’d love to get in there,” hoping to ride Lucky around the marsh area.  Although she said she would be careful, the problem is that she might not know how to be careful in a biologically fragile environment, where several species of endangered of birds are nesting.  It’s not her fault.  I wouldn’t know either if I weren’t working here.  Even people who are trained sometimes make mistakes.   I think 2-3 weeks ago somebody in my research group accidentally broke 2 least tern eggs when they were doing artichoke weeding.  They are hard to see because they blend in so well with their surroundings.  

Anyway, I’m looking forward to having homemade soil.  I have to figure out where I am going to use it.