History of the Land

For many centuries, the land that is now Balsam Moon was occupied by the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwe (Anishinabe) peoples. It was a beautiful land of virgin evergreen forest, rolling hills (the Foot Hills), and numerous lakes, marshes, swamps, rivers, and creeks. The influx of European settlers in the early 1800s resulted in rapid changes. Between 1850 and 1900 virtually all of the grand stands of virgin timber were cut. Lumbermen were soon followed by an influx of farmers (including Doug’s grandparents) who cleared the stumps and rocks and planted gardens and fields of grain and corn and raised cattle, hogs, and chickens. The sandy soil soon lost its fertility and many settlers moved on.  

 

Doug purchased the land, which is now Balsam Moon, from his cousin in 1976.  His goal was to honor and restore the land. He has replanted trees, worked to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, create gardens and a pond, enhanced wildlife habitat, and incorporated sustainable practices including multiple applications of solar energy.

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Barb joined Doug in 2019 to build their relationship and also co-create Balsam Moon Preserve, a dream and vision they shared independently. This emerging vision continues to be revealed as they seek to mend that which was broken, working with earth, nature, and spirit into the future.

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Together they set the vision/mission, guidelines, plans, Board of Directors and established Balsam Moon as a tax-exempt non-profit. Now they work in concert with the Board of Directors, members, and volunteers to provide a variety of activities and educational classes throughout the year, tend and grow vegetable and flower gardens and an orchard, plant trees, continue to regenerate the soil, design and construct buildings needed to support the hosting and education of guests.

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May the dream continue to emerge in partnership with the earth, nature, spirit, and all living beings, seen and unseen.