Latest News
Gardening for Wildlife
In the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region, gardens are verdant intersections where nature and humanity meet. More and more gardeners want to attract the whimsical dance of birds, bees, and butterflies, harmonizing their gardens with the natural world. Some...
Own a business? Consider these retirement plans
If you own a small business or are self-employed, you’ve always got plenty to do, but you can’t forget about the days when you’ll be less busy — that is, when you’re retired. How can you prepare for that time of your life? One key step is establishing a retirement...
Unlocking Nature’s Recycling System
Composting, often heralded as nature's own recycling system, stands at the fascinating intersection of science and what feels like magic. At its core, composting is the art of turning organic waste, like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, into nutrient-rich...
What does it cost not to have life insurance?
It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And that means it’s a good time to become more aware of the benefits of having life insurance — and the dangers of not having it. Unfortunately, confusion about some of the basic...
Field Notes: The summer of free books
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. Seven years ago, my job as director of business retention and expansion for Statesville Regional Development was eliminated. The entire...
The Water is Fine: Aquaponics & Hydroponics
In our quest for sustainable food sources, homesteading without much acreage, and urban/suburban agriculture, aquaponics and hydroponics are leading the charge. Both are innovative farming techniques that defy traditional methods, emphasizing growth without soil....
Should you invest … or speculate?
You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals. To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative...
Field Notes: Mountain legs and autumn light
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. A famous poem by Emily Dickinson notes, "There's a certain slant of light, Winter Afternoons." The same might be said of autumn evenings....
Increase Biodiversity and Reduce Pests
Is there a secret to fending off those nasty ticks and other pests that plague us? Biodiversity might be one of the keys. While all life is precious, some creatures great or small can cause real health issues for humans, like the ticks that carry disease and the...
Should you downsize when you retire?
When you retire, you’ll experience many changes — should one of them involve your living arrangements? The issue of downsizing is one that many retirees will consider. If you have children, and they’ve grown and left the home, you might find yourself with more space...
Field Notes: Sink the Boeckling
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. I was reading a book on the front porch of my parents' house late in the summer of 1985 when my mother poked her head out the door and...
Mental Health Benefits of Digging in the Dirt
Gardening is often thought of as a tranquil hobby, a way to cultivate beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. Yet, beneath the petals and produce lies a powerful form of therapy that can have profound effects on mental well-being. The simple act of digging in the...