Farm to Yarn: The Dye Part 2 of a 3-Part Series on the Life of Local Fiber

Lindsay Welsch Sveen, Samuel Welsch Sveen

Lindsay Welsch returns to Marble Hill Farm for the second article in her three-part series on procuring yarn from its source. Stage two comprises the many steps in dyeing wool and the hands-on relationship that develops with color as it’s drawn out of indigo, goldenrod, marigold, and onion skins and affixed to the animal fiber. Click here to read the full story.

October 30, 2015

Deckard’s Outdoors: Leonard Springs Nature Park

Trent Deckard

If you’re looking for a quick hike to see fall color up close, check out what Trent Deckard calls Bloomington’s best-kept secret. The main trail at Leonard Springs Nature Park is just over a mile long and takes you by two caves, a wetland, an erstwhile dam, and the springs. And the entire trail is lined with hardwoods that should be showing color for a few more weeks. Click here to watch the video.

October 21, 2015

Deckard’s Outdoors: Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve

Trent Deckard

In the premiere video of his series, “Deckard’s Outdoors,” in which he explores local nature preserves, parks, and other outdoor spaces, Trent Deckard films Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. Managed by Sycamore Land Trust, this unique wetlands has a 2 1/2 mile raised boardwalk trail that offers chances to see flora and fauna such as rare orchids, the endangered Indiana bat, Kirtland’s snake, and even bald eagles. Click here to watch the video.

October 5, 2015

This unprocessed fleece has been soaked and skirted (the dirty parts removed) but still contains organic debris and long, scraggly top hairs. It will be among the fleeces Whitney sends off to be milled for her spring CSA shares. | Photo by Lindsay Welsch Sveen

Farm to Yarn: The Wool Part 1 of a 3-Part Series on the Life of Local Fiber

Lindsay Welsch Sveen

Knitting and other fiber crafts have found a new generation of enthusiasts who care about the source of their yarn as much as about its color and pattern. In this first installment of a 3-part series, Lindsay Welsch traces yarn to one of its local sources, Marble Hill Farm. Click here to read the full story.

September 4, 2015

The Strahl Lake Trail wraps around a beautiful lake in Brown County State Park. | Photo by Miranda Addonizio

6 Great Places to Run Wild Near Bloomington

Jen Hockney Bratton

Ultramarathoner Miranda Addonizio tells Jen Hockney Bratton her favorite off-road running trails in southern Indiana, where you'll discover waterfalls, caves, and lush forests — for letting go of urban anxiety and putting in some wild miles. Click here to read the full story.

September 4, 2015

Red Frazier bison graze in the summer heat. Photo by Ron Eid

Bring on the Bison: Natural, Nutritional Meat Making a Comeback in Indiana

Brian Hartz

Thanks to the efforts of the government and private individuals such as Zach Martin, owner of Red Frazier Bison Ranch in Greene County, America is once again a land where the buffalo roam — just in time for Indiana’s bicentennial next year. Click here to read the full story.