For many years the grassy valley that runs along the west edge of Hawthorn Valley Farm along Stoney Creek was used to pasture flocks of sheep raised for meat and wool production. But our concerns about erosion along the hills of the valley caused by herding, and about manure run-off into the watercourse, prompted us to consider new and alternative uses for this unique habitat.

Over the past five years we have begun to re-naturalize the valley area by encouraging native plant species to re-establish themselves. Our efforts at seeding, annual controlled burnings, and active species management have changed the landscape dramatically from the "old days".  The banks of the watercourses are now thick with a variety of plant species, and aquatic life is once again flourishing.  The valley itself is filled with beautiful grasses and wildflowers, which bloom throughout the spring and summer. As a result, Hawthorn Valley is a bird-watcher's paradise, with many different species nesting in the birdhouses we have constructed throughout the conservation area.

Since 2001, we have also planted more than 8,000 new trees at Hawthorn Valley, reforesting the equivalent of more than 3 acres of land.

Integrated with this conservation effort, we designed and landscaped a small par-3 eco-golf course that runs up, down and across the valley, meandering amongst broad areas planted with native grasses and trees.