True to form, March came in like a lion and leaves like a LAMB! If there was a season to be claimed, spring was Catherine’s: the animal mamas and their babies, robins pecking for worms, newly bloomed crocus, and finally - a touch of sun-kissed skin. 

Every spring, I wish I could see the season through Catherine's eyes. And isn’t that the case for so many? To see with fresh eyes the wonder and magic that's all around us. It seems silly to admit amongst all that is happening but I wish we didn’t have to cancel this month’s "Sunday at the Sanctuary" workshop about PASTURE ANIMALS. This one was quintessential Catherine! I exhaled long in disappointment and yet, as I have come to learn, grace is there waiting. The grace is that we can now share a local offering with all of you!
 

While I will miss the smiling faces and the littles crouched in front of baby goats and sheep, my wish is this: may spring unveil her grandeur as we explore greener pastures and the animals who call it home. And may we all see with fresh eyes the beauty and majesty that shines across this world - together. 

LOCAL PROJECT: We're sharing our raised garden beds with Real Food Share to help grow and secure nutrient dense food for the people who need it most. Want to help? Sign up as an individual or a family to prep a garden bed for spring! View all the details HERE or email us at info@cvhfoundation.org. 

Mr. "T" explores the secret life hiding in stone walls!

Join the sanctuary's naturalist & educator, Mr. "T", as he shares the secrets and hidden stories of wildlife within stone walls. Meet the animals who call it home, learn the history of stone walls, and find out how to build one yourself!

Mr. "T" introduces the mini miracles within the pastures and how to spot them!

Time to channel your best "Ant Man" powers! Join Mr. "T" as he investigates the tiny hidden treasures within the pasture.

Goats will eat anything from tin cans to the shirt on your back

FALSE - Despite a common myth, goats are actually picky eaters who will always seek foods that are nutritious. So, why do these sweet creatures get the "garbage disposer" bad rap? Because goats are naturally curious creatures who investigate anything from the inside of a tin can, to the taste of your shirt sleeve - much like toddlers who try to "taste" and explore new objects with their mouth. 

FUN FACT: One food source that goats are not crazy about is hay. Hay isn't nutritious enough for goats and they would much rather use it as bedding for an afternoon nap!

cows have four stomachs

TRUE & FALSE - Technically, cows have one stomach with four distinct compartments made up of the Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum, facilitating a special digestive process to break down the tough and course food it eats. 

FUN FACT: Cows spend about 6.5 hours eating and drinking a day!

llamas like to spit on people

FALSE - Llamas are gentle and social animals who do not typically spit on people. Llamas may spit on other llamas as a show of dominance or when they're eating and want to keep others away from their food. They may also spit when threatened by a predator. If raised correctly, llamas are unlikely to spit at humans unless they feel directly threatened or have a history of mistreatment.

FUN FACT: One of the ways llamas communicate is through humming!

Dr. Emily talks herding dogs!

Join Dr. Emily Andersen from our veterinarian partner, Valley Veterinary Hospital as she shares the fabulous qualities of herding dogs! See what makes these dogs so special and the tips to keep these high energy dogs happy and healthy.

CVH Animal Sanctuary DIY - BIRD NESTING HANGERS

How do pasture animals help birds and wildlife? Untreated sheep wool, goat hair and llama fibers make great natural nest building materials. See how you can give wildlife a hand during this busy nest building season! 

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