Can we get any Greener?

We're sure going to try! At Serenity, we already do many things to protect our planet.

Here are just a few of the things we do to be earth friendly at Serenity-

--we use exclusively solar fencing on our electric fences
--we do not use chemicals on our grounds, lawn, or plants. (our piggies are natural weed eaters- the dandelions don't have a chance!)
--we use natural biodegradable cleaners whenever possible
-- we currently turn and work our manure pile and have several local gardeners who pick up manure.
--we keep our turnout pens, paddocks and arena clean to naturally reduce flies and other insects
--we brought in tons of gravel to help reduce mud in our front pastures- our mud management program is a work in progress but this winter is already much better than last overall.
--we rescued goldfish for our pond to keep disease carrying mosquito populations down (yep, you're right- we have rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs, pigs and goldfish!!)

But we've got a new goal- raising funds to build a compost system that will provide soil to local gardeners and reduce our waste as efficiently and quickly as possible. We tried to build one of wood, but the poo couldn't be contained, it broke. :(

So now we're raising funds to bring in huge cement blocks (large ones) to make a nice large 3 space compost set up that will maximize our ability to turn manure into gardener's gold! By providing this to our community we can reduce the amount that local gardeners buy in bags, cutting down on waste and spending.

Our wonderful volunteer Lorrin is going to help by coordinating thefundraising. You can e-mail her at green@serenityequinerescue.com to discuss our Green Fundraiser. Lorrin grew up riding and is an animal lover, we're lucky to have her.

Our sponsor is Gately Training Center, multi world title holder Kim Gately is going to be at Serenity in March for a clinic to help fund raise. Details on the clinic are coming soon, if you are interested e-mail webmaster@serenityequinerescue.com to sing up. Cost will be $100 per rider (10 rider limit) but worth every penny- you won't believe how much you'll learn. The clinic is one day long and riders of all different backgrounds can benefit from Kim's amazing ability to help horses and riders connect and succeed. Kim's website is www.paradisestable.com and we're thrilled to have her sponsorship for our Green Campaign.

How can you help?

• Donate at Chip In: http://serenity.chipin.com/serenity-equine-rescue-green-project
• Donate via paypal and earmark your donation "GREEN" . Donate by going to PayPal and sending money to paypal@serenityequinerescue.com
• Volunteer to come help prepare for our bins to be installed- just email green@serenityequinerescue.com
• We need a backhoe to come out and dog some ditches for us, to mitigate for future weather emergencies (like the ones in December and January). Do you have a backhoe or large tractor?

Contact Lorrin at green@serenityequinerescue.com for more information on ways you may be able to help. Meanwhile, we'll be seeking grants and other funding opportunities for this special project.