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Welcome to The Homestead Lodge

The Homestead Lodge and Medicine Wheel Buffalo Preserve is a unique place. A throw back to the era of sustainable living. If you wish to get closer to nature without forfeiting modern conveniences, come and experience what we have to offer.

We believe in and practice sustainable living; from "reduce, recycle, and reuse" to harvesting our own woods, grasses, and animals: both wild and raised.

Before the industrialization of this country's food chain, a diversified farm not only fed the people on it, but 12 to 20 other people as well. Now the American Farmer can't even afford to feed his own family if not for government grants and a second or even third family income. And though it's impossible for us the survive totally off the grid, and there are not many who would enjoy their stay with us if we were, we seek a simpler way of life and have much to offer, much to teach, and much to enjoy. Our goal is to utilize renewable resources while practicing sustainable living and small foot print ethics.

We heat by wood when we can. Controlled cutting and clearing means little waste and new pastures. The buffalo roam and fertilize the new pastures naturally. And the ashes from the wood stove adds nutrients to the soil.

We raise our own meat and/or harvest wild animals. We grow raspberries, grapes, plums, and apples for jams, preserves and pie fillings. We support local and organic growers by purchasing Maine Downeast Blueberries and Aroostook You Pick strawberries. We practice a bartering system whenever possible, swapping buffalo meat for locally grown crops, handy man work, and even some heavy equipment for our road maintenance.

We pay our regular bills by way of selling furs from a trap lines and boarding hunters. Both trapping and hunting are firmly set in the traditions and heritage of our forefathers. Even before that of farming. Trapping and hunting of animals is one of the first recognized renewable resources. We hold a reverence with all animals not unlike the Indians before us. We practice ethical and humane harvesting only, and expect all clientele to do the same. A change is easily recognized in any individual who works with our beautiful giant buffalo; or who walks into the woods with snow on the ground and a pack on his back to retrieve the furs that are Blessings and gifts from the animals.

If you're looking to relax, why not try the simple workings of a farm and country folk. We have over 250 acres of pasture, softwood and poplar groves as well as a small cedar deer wintering yard. And are Blessed with approximately 1.5 miles along the Aroostook River. Come canoe or hike miles of dirt roads. Watch four to six resident Bold Eagles and a pair of Golden Eagles that visit occasionally from Baxter State Park. Maybe see a Whitetail Deer fawning or the buffalo calving. Fish, swim or just enjoy the wonder of nature unfolding all around you.

Come. We welcome you to our farm and our family. Sincerely John & Gloria