Welcome to our site!
We are Michael and Jen from Ontario, Canada and we wanted to put this site together as a way to share what we are working on, our plans, and our adventure as we go about building our property into a Smart Farm.
The grand plan for the property is to turn it into a self sufficient ecosystem where smart technology, a sustainable mindset, and animals can all thrive together.
The property is planned to run almost exclusively on renewable energy with a focus on rehabilitating the land, fostering it to be an environmental eden for animals, nature, ourselves and guests. It will be a space where anyone can come stay and learn about sustainable methods or take a tour, basking in the beauty of what the property has to offer.
Feel free to check out our project list below to see our grand plan and vision for turning Birch & Bark into a smart farmstead. We have only just begun so the list is long but Michael and I look forward to the road ahead, rolling up our sleeves, and building a future.
If you have any questions, ideas, or want to get involved please feel free to get in touch with us.
Smart Technology
We want to use the latest in green design & technology to maximize our self sufficiency.
Green Living
We want to produce all of our own energy and food to decrease our dependency on the system.
Animal Friendly
We would like to add animals such as rabbits, chickens and bees that will enhance the ecology of the land.
Smart Design
We are working with a Permaculture Team to help us design our property using Permaculture techniques.
Projects
Sunflower field
Companion Plants: Pumpkins, squash, Basil, Corn, Onions
https://www.homefortheharvest.com/companion-plants-for-sunflowers/
4 seater Side by Side UTV
https://www.kubotausa.com/products/utility-vehicles/full-size-utility-vehicles/rtv-x1140 View full product details
John Deere Tractor
For Snow Removal, Earthworks, wood chipping etc
Con: Diesel
View full product details
Flower and Guild Gardens
For Bees, Butterflies, Permaculture Garden examples (3 Sisters), Companion plants View full product details
Chickens
Cackellac Shelter may be best options since it can temporarily house things during the house build then be used for chickens in the future. Biggest one at Canadian Farm Supply is the 1822 and it is 17,000
https://canadianhomesteadsupply.com/cackellac-model-1822/
View full product details
Rabbits
For their poop, soil building and tractor skills. Could also stay in Cackellac. View full product details
Lap Pool or Endless Pool
If we have the room, a lap pool would be ideal vs The Endless Pool swimming treadmill View full product details
Fire Pit Swings (Water Area)
Using Toja Grid Brackets, Kaz Cabana Wood plus asking them to build seats and including an Iron Embers 6' FirePit.
Roughly 10,000$ Estimate
6,000 Fire Pit, 2500 Toja Brackets etc
View full product details
GreenHouse Pool/Outdoor Lounge Area
An all in one area and attached to the house View full product details
Camping Platforms
We'd like to build camping platforms complete with picnic table, enclosed firepit+ Prospector Tent and camping stove/heater. View full product details
Vermiculture + Compost system for Dog/Goose Poop
We'd like to add vermiculture composting for dog poop and other organic waste.
Ex: https://www.wayfair.ca/Tumbleweed--Pet-Poo-Inground-Worm-Farm-Composter-PPC012-L3348-K~CHSU1011.html?refid=GX185556029224-CHSU1011&device=c&ptid=1157931747015&targetid=aud-1650677860292:pla-1157931747015&network=g&ireid=136141611&gclid=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuI-Bq6EljgGhqB3zlvNT8XG_L3Qq7onYHNhCB9RuOI9PjIK4lgpWAhoCKcgQAvD_BwE
View full product details
Bunkie (with electrical in future)
We would like to have a minimum of 4 mini cabins (with electricity) for guests to stay in.
Yeti Power Bank
View full product details
Remove Junk (DONE)
There is a ton of junk on the property that needs to be removed professionally. View full product details