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99-001 Headquarters Prototypes Development
Numerous prototypes saw progress during 1999. Nancy, the headquarters site owner, is the Principal unless otherwise noted.
- Worm Beds
- The high priority project has met with delays as the basement area where the worm beds are to be situationed needs plumping upgrading and was filled with refuse in 1999. The refuse was cleared, and the site owner has arranged for the plumbing upgrade, in process in early 2000. In 1999, $250 was set aside for materials, but has not yet been spent. The worm beds will be built according to the design used by Vital Earth company of Australia - raised beds watered from above, with a metal drain to collect the liquid fertilizer below. Originally an old metal wash tub with wringers was donated to demonstrate purging and crushing of the worms, but this proved to be beyond repair. A replacement washer with wringers was purchased for $250, but is not yet an approved expense. Ron will build the beds and stock them with worms and soil in early 2000, but composting and maintainance of the beds may be done by Ichi during 2000. Ichi is expected to be the Principal as he will be developing worm recipes.
- Hydroponics
- This high priority project also met with delays as the basement area where the hydroponics beds were to be situated needed both plumbing and electrical upgrading and was likewise filled with refuse in 1999. The refuse was clearned, the area power washed, and arrangements for both plumbing and electrical upgrading made by the site owner and in process in early 2000. In early 2000, a designated contribution of $3,950 was made toward hydroponics with aquaponics. At least two pumping stations will be purchased, so that experimentation can be done using liquid worm fertilizer to fertilize the hydroponics. A 500 gallon fish tank will be included. Additional funding may be required to heat the basement during the winter months, and to pay heat and light bills. Ichi will be the Principal on this project.
- Fish/Algae Tanks
- Catfish flourish naturally in the Baraboo River which flows past the headquarters site, so could be expected to flourish in catfish ponds fed by earthworms from the worm beds. Edible blue/green algae might likewise be expected to flourish in spring fed water ponds. These ponds have not yet been developed, so funding has not begun nor are estimates on requirements available.
- Rainwater/Springwater/Distillation
- These three projects have not been funded or started as yet. Rainwater collection is pending upgrading of a hand pump and cistern at the headquarters site, not yet estimated. The rainwater could furnish soft water for the Distillation exhibit, as less mineral residue would be involved. The rainwater project may be done in conjunction with activating an old well on the headquarters site, as a well expert may need to be involved in both projects. The well has good water which could be used to water the Family Garden during droughts. The springwater collection would go hand in hand with the Fish/Algae Tank project, also not yet started.