RANCH PROPERTY
1. Hay irrigation is done by center pivots designed to spread water close to the crops which conserves water. The water from the pivots is controlled by a GPS guidance system which disperses water where it is needed. The vertical gravity flow of water to the system negates the need for any powered pump. Fertilizer can be directly applied to the crops through the spray heads when needed. This reduces the amount of fertilizer needed and also protects the pastures from heavy spray equipment.
2. Our ponds were made to eliminate the surface water in some of our dry land and pastures. The sub surface water drains into the ponds and eventually flows through controlled drainage ditches to adjoining farm land. The ponds also are a good habitat for native birds, deer and small animals. We have fish in pond #3 and natural wind driven oxygenators in ponds #3 and #4 which keeps the water healthy for plants and fish. As a result, there is no stagnation during periods of hot weather.
3. The Ranch has several delineated wetlands which are federally protected. Sage Creek is a perennial Stream which flows through one of the main wetlands and includes many plant species found only is these very small protected areas. We encourage visitors to use only marked trails in these areas to help us protect the environment.
4. All fencing at the Ranch is environmentally friendly as well as safe for horses, wildlife, and domestic animals. We use very thick high tensile polypropylene coated wire which will not cut animals. Spacing of wire is done to BLM standards.
5. All of the wood from trail making is used. Larger logs are used by homeowners for fire wood. Small trees, tree tops and limbs are shredded on to our trail system.
6. We have a very active program for the control of noxious weeds. The Ranch is nearly weed free and we have a system in place for spot spraying.
7. All horse manure and shavings a harrowed into the horse pastures. This eliminates dumpster use and manure and saw dust are great soil conditioners. During irrigation season each horse pasture has a watering pond which provides a constant source of fresh moving water. These ponds are also used for irrigation of the horse pastures.
GREEN HOMES AND STRUCTURES
1. The barn and outbuildings are largely covered in very old recycled barn wood. We have paid particular attention to the site from a visual standpoint and have excavated a considerable amount to keep structures as low as possible. All material from excavation has been used and all top soil has been applied to foster native vegetation and grasses. Plantings close to structures has been minimized to protect from wild fires.
2. All roofing materials are either steel or class1 fire rated 50 year shingles. The colors have been chosen to fit in with the landscape. The Ranch managers house has non flammable concrete siding.
3. All windows are wood with vinyl or metal cladding. The also carry the Energy Star rating. Argon gas is used between panes for added thermal protection.
4. In floor radiant heat is used in our homes for consistency and conservation. Numerous zones allow for heat to be used only where needed. Where possible, on demand hot water heaters a used and our boilers have a 98% energy efficiency rating. 5. Watering of plants and shrubs is done by drip irrigating, thus conserving water. Grasses are our native variety and require little or no water.
5. Watering of plants and shrubs is done by drip irrigating, thus conserving water. Grasses are our native variety and require little or no water.
6. All of our insulation is a low density soy based foam which is sprayed into all framing and penetrations to the structure. This provides an extremely high R value and makes the home air, rodent and water proof. 2x6 walls and 2x12 ceiling framing allow use to conserve a high amount of energy.
7. All lighting in interior and exterior fixtures is either low voltage or put on a rheostat. Fixtures are Energy Star rated.
8. All water usage from toilets and fixtures are low flow. New technology has allowed for great performance while conserving water.
9. Fireplaces have outside air funneled into the fire box so warm interior air in not taken from the home.
10. Ceiling fans are used in nearly all rooms for both summer and winter comfort.
11. Recycled thick rubber tiles are used in the hallway of the barn and tack up area as well as a patio on the main Ranch house. The Tiles are made from used tires.
12. The main Ranch home uses solar hot water, wind and solar electric. 75% of energy used will be provided by state of the art solar and wind power. Heat and domestic hot water is provided by the sun. For cooling, as system of 16 automatically powered awning windows in two cupolas provide a venturi tube effect for the extraction of hot air. If a window senses any moisture the window will automatically close.
13. The design of the main home also utilizes the natural site setting. North windows are very minimal and overhanging eves allow for sun in winter and shade in summer.
14. Most paint is natural pigment from New Mexico and is added to natural clay. This ensures non toxic gas emissions and also helps absorb sound and moisture. Plaster on walls is natural limestone and is also pigmented with natural colors.
15. All gravel roads at the Ranch are treated with an environmentally friendly dust control.