Following record-breaking floods in Columbus, Indiana, we made our way out to the farm to check on the creeks that weave through our woods. With such heavy rain, major roads—including the I-65 exit to highway 46, were completely flooded and closed. Even big-name stores like Sam’s Club and Walmart were affected, and the main route to Brown County State Park was underwater.
Given the circumstances, we braced ourselves for the worst—but were pleasantly surprised. While we saw signs that the creek had briefly crested its banks, the fields told a different story. No standing water. No flood damage. Just green, healthy growth.
Thanks to our fall-planted cover crop, the fields handled the water beautifully. What was once a muddy mess during last year’s wet season—where boots easily got stuck—is now a soft, walkable stretch of land. The cover crop is doing its job: absorbing moisture and protecting the soil.
Most of what’s thriving now is lush, vibrant cereal rye and clover. Some of the beneficial species we planted last fall were intentionally winter-killed, clearing the way for these hardy, living plants to take over. Their deep roots help break up the heavy clay compaction, while also capturing sunlight to create and transfer nutrients into the soil—preparing it for the next generation of seeds we’ll plant. It’s working—and it’s beautiful to witness.
We’re building this farm and future campground with nature in mind, and this moment showed us we’re headed in the right direction.
