DIY Pond Projects near the 108 steps

Volunteer activities took place in mid-September. In the Catskills, the leaves had begun turning yellow, fully embracing autumn's beauty. We were blessed with perfect weather—not too hot—making it an ideal day for work.

This time, we began preparations to create a pond at the base of the 108 Steps. Weeding, digging, and excavating the soil revealed numerous large stones along the way. Digging out these big rocks proved an incredibly difficult task. Despite using unfamiliar tools, the indescribable joy when we all worked together to dig out those large, heavy stones was incredible!

After finishing the main work, we heard a faint, delicate cry. Looking around carefully, we spotted a baby mole scurrying back and forth around one of the stones we'd dug up. A baby mole's body was incredibly tiny, but it moved energetically, a truly adorable sight.

A pleasant breeze would occasionally blow, causing the yellowed leaves to dance in the air—an indescribably beautiful sight.We want to continue our activities energetically, cherishing this magnificent nature!

☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。☆☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。

Scheduled Volunteer Date: 9/28/2025  (Dates are subject to change without notice)

☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。☆☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。☆

Please share about us if possible! https://www.honzohaven.org/s-u-p-p-o-r-t

contact@honzohaven.org

☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。☆☆・:゜。☆.・:゜。

9月中旬にボランティア活動が行われました。キャッツキルでは、葉っぱの色が黄色く紅葉し始めて、すっかり秋模様となりとても綺麗でした。天候に恵まれ、暑すぎず、作業をするのに最適な日となりました。

今回は、108階段のふもとに池を作る準備を始めました。草むしり、土掘り、土を掘っていく過程で沢山の大きな石が出没し、大きな石を掘り出す作業が至難の技です。慣れない道具を使いながらも、みんなと力をあわせて大きな重い石を掘り出せた時は、なんとも言えない喜びでした！

一通りの作業が終り、か弱い鳴き声が聞こえ、辺りをよく見渡すと、モグラの赤ちゃんが掘り出した石の周りを行ったりきたりしていました。とびきり小さい体でしたが、元気よく動き、なんとも可愛い姿でした。

時折、心地よい風が吹き、黄色く色づいた葉っぱが舞い踊り、なんとも言えない美しい光景でした。雄大な自然を大切に、これからも元気に活動を続けていきたいと思います！