Herd animals often need protecting, and there are plenty of great animals to do the job! Dogs, donkeys and even llamas are often kept by a herd. But…geese? Geese may seem docile from afar but they can get fiercely protective over their flock, and in this case sheep! In Geneseo Country Village & Museum (GCV&M) they recreate what life would be like in the 1800s. They have a schoolhouse, bakery, town hall, farm and so much more. Their mission is to educate and include everyone in history. Part of that is to house all the animals that would be on a 19th century farm.

Geese are social animals, meaning they like to stick together. However this trait isn’t just limited to other geese. Goslings become attached to the first moving object they see and they stick by that for their whole lives. Often times this will be the baby goose’s own mother. But when the geese are introduced to the sheep they start to stick by them too. The organizers of the farm stated that they chose to get the geese because they knew they’d protect the sheep. The geese can chase away hawks, which threaten newborn lambs. They even keep coyotes away with their protective nature.

Although the geese free-range during the day they return often to their sheep friends. “I often say I don’t control the geese” said one of the farm managers at GCV&M. The sheep and geese get along and are seen running around together and sticking close by. There are 6 geese in the flock and all female. The managers at the museum stated that the geese can be extremely territorial when they have babies. And with the harmonious nature they have with the sheep, they don’t want to ruin that.

While being social animals geese are also very independent. They can forage for food on their own, which includes nuts, berries, and fruits. The flock has a pond in the field which helps them stay cool during the summer. Because of their teamwork skills they can easily chase away anything that bothers them. Many animals know not to mess with a goose, making them great defenders of the sheep. They are very bonded to their flock and whenever one of them is sick the rest will help to care for them.

Having geese on the farm has not only protected the sheep but also given them great friends. While geese are often known for aggressive attacks they can also be gentle and kind. When with their own flock or humans they know they can be the opposite of aggressive. Sheep scare easily, and they’ve taken to trusting their geese protectors wonderfully. Without the geese the herd would live in fear of lurking predators. The geese and sheep are always safe together, sharing the bond of friendship.

In summer time if you are an only child it can be boring being at home all day. In this article you will learn 7 fun things to do in the summer to keep you busy during the week!

To make Secret Message Rocks the first thing you need to do is go outside and find a nice rock, then paint a Morse code message on it. Morse code translators can be found online. After your rock is dry set it outside for someone to find!

Grab your paper and pens and look out the window, because it’s time to start telling your story! Writing is a great way to pass the time and use your creative mind. Look out the window and find and object, a car, or a person to write about. Be creative!

Everyone knows that in this century we all do too much online shopping… but sometimes that can be a gift! If you’re a kid, grab that cardboard and make something great! You could make a dress or a time machine, you could even make a space ship. Use your creative skills, hot glue, and your scissors and make something nice.

In a world full of screens, we don’t always appreciate all of the great podcasts in the world. Grab your screens (but not for looking) for listening. There are some great kid’s podcasts out there. One good one is called “Brains On”.

Go to your craft station and get some materials. Making a game is a great way to use your brain skills and make something, not only you, but others can appreciate. A great way to start is to make a design on paper and then grab materials you need. Every game should have a goal, or a winner, at the end.

It’s time to go outside and set up shop on the grass because it’s about to get messy. For this activity you will need:

-White chalk

-Mixing containers

-Food coloring

-Ice molds

-Water

First, put one stick of white chalk into a mixing container with water and start mixing together. Then you can add whatever food coloring you want to make beautiful colors. Make sure not to mix together different colors because you will end up with brown (unless you want brown). Then you will want to put your new colors in the ice molds to freeze until dry.

For this great project you will need:

-Air dry clay

-Wild flowers or grass

-A stick or needle

Roll your air dry clay into spheres. You can either flatten your sphere and put a flat hole at the top or keep it a sphere. Then you will want to put your flowers on as soon as possible. After you add the flowers you can make ingravings of anything you like!

For thousands of years, people have used medicine all over the world. In the U.S, the FDA controls the safe use of herbal remedies. Less regulated than prescription drugs/medicines. The following herbal remedies are generally considered safe and effective when used as directed. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any herbal supplements you're taking, as they may interact with prescribed medications.

Feverfew has been used to treat fevers. Feverfew has been used for over 2,000 years, tracing back to Ancient Greece. Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th-century English herbalist, promoted its use in his writings. Small, daisy-like blooms with white petals and yellow center. Often confused with chamomile due to similar appearance

A rhizome is a type of plant stem that grows horizontally underground and serves as a storage organ and a means of vegetative reproduction. Goldenseal can help with eye and skin irritation. Goldenseal got its name from the distinct yellow color of its root and the seals left on the rhizome where stems used to grow.

Milk thistle is used for liver problems and high cholesterol. Its main active compound, silymarin, is a complex of flavonoids with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties. Traditionally, milk thistle has been used to support liver function, treat hepatitis and cirrhosis, and protect  against liver damage caused by toxins like alcohol and certain medications.

Saint John's wort can help with mild to moderate depression. The plant contains active compounds like hypericin and hyperforin, which are thought to influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—similar to the way many antidepressants work.

Nathan Minie, a perfusionist nurse, explained that there are many different plant-based medicines that he sees in his field. He has been in this position for 5 years and shared his knowledge on the topic. There are many different plant based medications that he encounters in his field including, Advil (willow plant) and morphine (poppy seeds). Advil is used for non-intense pain and morphine is used to induce drowsiness and sleep to patients during surgery. He stated that unregulated amounts of morphine can stop a person’s breathing. “Everyone should know what they're putting in their body and everyone should do their research on the things that they're putting in their body”.

It’s important to know what kinds of effects certain plants can have on you before taking them as a medicine. Consulting experts is vital before eating anything that could harm you. Nature is full of amazing things. But with our modern innovations we sometimes ignore the original beauties that we’re already there. We take for the granted the incredible abilities that nature has. Before industrialization people relied on forests and plants. “I think that plants and herbs are very reliable and before we had all this technology and new knowledge we only had plants and herbs to help with our health.”

Locally grown food and local small businesses are well overlooked. Especially because of the large corporations constant advertising. Those foods are not locally grown. Locally grown foods have fresher tastes than what you find in the the grocery store. Food that is locally grown is in its natural environment is more fresh than food from other countries. This is because it is not driven from far and the carbon footprint is drastically lower. Small businesses are nice, original and also important because you don’t know how long small businesses will be here. The increase of chain stores threatens to destroy real talent and ideas kept alive by small businesses.

One small business owner, Chris Hurley, the owner of Kettle Ridge farm expressed his experience from running a small business. His farm produces male syrup and honey. His business has been operating since 2010 and they host many events during the year. Kettle Ridge farm is located at 515 Log Cabin Road Victor, NY 14564. He stated that he used to have an office job but he always knew that wasn’t for him. After starting his own farm he found his calling and has kept it going ever since.

However because of large corporations many of these special business don’t get the recognition they deserve. Hopes and dreams are left unsupported when people opt for easier choices like Amazon and Temu. “Every city that you go to has different things and it's fulfilling to support people’s passions” said Chris, explaining why supporting small farms is crucial. Small businesses always have their own spark and uniqueness that no chain market could match.Supporting small business will also benefit your savings. Tariffs are increasing the price of things made and sold by other countries to U.S. citizens.

Therefore it is cheaper to buy things made in the U.S, otherwise right in your state. If you shop locally you are supporting people in your community instead of billionaires and large franchisees. There are many ways to shop small including buying groceries at farmers markets instead of chain grocery stores. You can also eat at restaurants that are small businesses. You can shop for clothing at small shops instead of online. Even though small business are occasionally more expensive, you’ll know that the quality is exceedingly better than hastily manufactured items from across the world. They have no orgianility and are always harmful for the world.

“Once companies become super big they lose some of that creativity” Chris Hurley stated. Supporting small businesses and shopping at local restaurants and farms is better for people in your community, your bank account, and for the environment. If you can shop locally it will benefit thousands of people, not just the farm you bought fro. There are any issues in the world but starting here will make a real difference in your community.

Geneseo Country Village and Museum - Interview

National Geographic - Infomation

Nate Minie - Interview

Chris Hurley - Interview, https://www.kettleridgefarm.com