Esteban Ademovski

B.E.L. Post # 223

Today our team split up to tackle several projects around Wheaton Labs.

This morning, Matt and Leo teamed up with Stephen, while Melissa and Jesse joined me at the Abbey. Jesse continued filling in one of the junkpole fence panels, and Melissa focused on mulching around the area. While they kept those projects moving forward, I harvested roundwood to help Leo with the junkpole panel rebuilds back at Basecamp.

After lunch, we shifted gears and spread out again. I assigned Jesse to continue building trails, while Melissa and Leo took care of irrigating the berms in the garden paddock, working at the firewood rack, and doing chop-and-drop.

Meanwhile, Matt and I unloaded the roundwood from Roy's metal rack before making a recycling run. We then headed back to the Abbey to irrigate the area. Matt harvested additional junkpoles for Jesse's panel, while I finished the afternoon mulching and doing more chop-and-drop.

B.E.L. Post # 222

This morning started with Stephen and Leo filling up the water turtle tanks to bring up to the Abbey. After that, they continued with chop and drop work while also making progress on the wing wall repair.

Meanwhile, I guided my team through framing up the final three junkpole panels running alongside the driveway. I had Matt, Jesse, and Melissa work through the full process of measuring, marking, notching, and fastening each horizontal and vertical piece of the frame.

The tools we used included chainsaws with extra batteries, an angle grinder for removing stubborn nails from some reused materials, permanent markers for layout, safety glasses, and gloves.

I'm happy to report that the framing phase is now complete! Tomorrow we will begin filling in the panels and continuing the transformation of this section of fencing.

During the afternoon shift, I tasked Leo and Matt with remaining at basecamp to continue working on the junkpole fencing up at Lightning Hill.

Meanwhile, Jesse, Melissa, and I headed up to the Abbey. We brought with us three chainsaws with extra batteries, motion lotion, a hatchet, pruning saw, a couple of sickles, and plenty of determination.

Upon arrival, I had Jesse begin filling in the junkpole panel while Melissa and I focused on setting up the water system. We connected the water pump, ran the hoses, and got everything prepared and ready to go.

After that, we moved into some mulching and began chop and drop work on the first berm on the left-hand side when entering the Abbey entrance.

Another great day of teamwork, learning, and improving the land one project at a time. It is rewarding to see the fencing progress, the systems coming together, and everyone continuing to build confidence with each new task.

B.E.L. Post # 221

The day started off at Basecamp with irrigation. With the warmer weather upon us, getting water where it needed to go was the first priority.

I had Matt and Melissa set up a sprinkler between the Red Cabin and the garlic patch, positioning the sprinklers so they would work toward each other. Meanwhile, I worked on setting up irrigation at Apricot Alley and the berm across from the Library.

Starting from the outside of the garden gate, I placed the sprinklers so the coverage would slowly work inward, eventually meeting at the horseradish berm. We ran each sprinkler location for about an hour before moving them to the next spot. This allowed us to systematically work through the different areas while giving the soil and plants time to absorb the water.

While we were getting the Basecamp irrigation going, Stephen and Leo were busy filling up the two Turtle water tanks to haul up to the Abbey. This helped stage everything for the afternoon irrigation work.

Once the sprinklers were set and the watering schedule was underway, we shifted gears into another rockjack build.

I had Matt, Melissa, and Jesse continue working on a rockjack at the same location where I had guided Matt the previous day. My goal was not only to finish another structure, but also to give them more hands-on experience with the entire process—from selecting the right materials, preparing the pieces, building the rockjack, and eventually framing junkpole panels from the ground up.

The reason I enjoy teaching these skills is because I want the knowledge to continue spreading. Today’s boots become tomorrow’s teachers, and having more people understand these techniques only strengthens the community.

We started by selecting a good-sized log from beneath the Bermshed that would work well for the project. While the team transported the log to the work area, I gathered the tools and materials needed.

For this build, we only needed:

* Chainsaw
* Nail gun
* Air compressor
* Marker

I measured and marked the cuts, preparing two 7-foot pieces for the arms and two 5-foot pieces for the legs. After staging everything near the miter saw, I walked Matt and Jesse through the proper use of the equipment and let them make the cuts themselves.

Once the pieces were prepared, we transported everything to the work site and began assembly.

Melissa helped hold the main post in place while Jesse and Matt marked, notched, and fastened the pieces together. Using the leftover cutoffs from the shop along with other woody material, we finished building the shelving portion of the rockjack.

The final step was adding the rocks, completing another structure and another opportunity for the team to practice the process.

After the rockjack was finished, I had Jesse and Matt work on filling in the junkpole panel that Leo had framed the previous day. While they worked on that, Melissa helped move irrigation hoses around as needed, and I gathered materials for the next task.

Once the junkpole panel was completed, Jesse headed off to work on trail building at one of the berms. I then brought Melissa and Matt over to the Library area where I showed them a small plant identification project I had been working on.

Using processed aluminum cans, we created durable plant identification tags. I demonstrated the process of preparing the aluminum, embossing the plant information, attaching the tag to an appropriately sized bamboo stake, and placing it in the ground.

Matt and Melissa followed along, creating their own plant markers. Afterward, we planted seeds, covered them with mulch, installed the plant tags, and gave everything a final watering with watering cans.

After lunch, we switched gears again and divided the team between Basecamp projects and irrigation work at the Abbey.

I had Leo and Melissa stay at Basecamp to continue working on the junkpole fencing at Lightning Hill and then transition over to the firewood rack project. Leo was running point on both of those projects, giving him more experience with taking ownership and coordinating work.

Melissa also continued helping with irrigation by moving hoses where needed.

The rest of us gathered the tools for the afternoon work:

* Three chainsaws with extra batteries
* Hatchets
* Folding saw

Once we arrived at the Abbey, we gathered the irrigation equipment, including the hoses, sprinklers, water pump, apparatus, and battery. We staged everything near the Turtle water tanks and worked on putting the system together.

I guided and assisted the team as they connected the irrigation components and laid out the hoses. It was another good opportunity for everyone to gain experience with the setup and operation of the system.

After the irrigation was ready, Jesse and Matt continued working on the final framed junkpole panel from the section I had started earlier. While they worked on that, I harvested more material to continue framing the next section of fencing.

Overall, it was another productive day combining irrigation, natural building, material harvesting, plant establishment, and teaching.

What I enjoy most about these days is seeing the team gain confidence. A project is never just about the finished structure—it is also about the skills, knowledge, and experience that get passed along during the process.

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:

Esteban Ademovski wrote:...

Hi Esteban. I love such a well-organised computer screen! (comment on the last photo)

Haha, thank you! 😊 Those folders contain some of the projects I’ve been working on and documenting. It’s actually pretty rewarding seeing them all organized in one place — each one represents a lot of work, learning, and memories along the way. 😄

B.E.L. Post # 220

This morning started with a delightful walk around Basecamp with my little doggo, Chapito, enjoying the morning before the commencement of the blitz.

The blitz went by quickly as usual, especially with Melissa's joyful, loud, and thundering personality bringing plenty of energy and laughter to the work. There is always a lot of enthusiasm and good spirit during these busy moments!

Afterwards, I moved on to a little personal project I've been wanting to establish—a cover crop demonstration garden. I selected a site nearby Basecamp that was easily accessible but far enough away from the hugels so it could develop into its own small planting system.

The idea behind this project is to create a living demonstration area focused on soil building, plant diversity, resourcefulness, and observation. I began by processing used aluminum cans into upcycled plant labels. Using simple hand tools, I transformed discarded materials into functional markers that will help identify the different plants as the garden develops.

After preparing the labels, I planted the first round of sunflower cover crops. I then used a sickle to cut surrounding vegetation and applied it as chop-and-drop mulch around the planting area. This will help retain moisture, add organic matter back into the system, and continue building the soil.

I finished the installation by watering the newly planted area and giving the seeds their first start.

This is only the beginning of the demonstration garden. Over time, I plan to add additional cover crops and useful plants, including walking onions and other species, to increase diversity and observe how different plants interact within the system.

Tomorrow, I plan to guide a few fellow Boots through the process of creating their own upcycled aluminum plant labels and contribute to expanding the demonstration area. My hope is that this small project becomes a hands-on example of how discarded materials, simple techniques, and thoughtful planting can come together to create something useful and productive.

Every project is another opportunity to learn, experiment, and leave the land a little better than I found it.

B.E.L. Post # 220

This morning I started the day by doing some chop-and-drop along the back of the Solarium and Library. Once I had a good amount of material collected, I spread the mulch onto the berm across from the Library to continue building organic matter and help retain moisture.

Afterward, I took Chapito for a walk around Basecamp, making our usual rounds and enjoying some fresh air before getting back to work.

Later in the morning, I had a meeting with Paul that I had set up earlier in the week. We discussed my personal development, long-term goals, and ways I can continue growing both during my time at Wheaton Labs and beyond. I really appreciated the opportunity to get his perspective and advice.

Following the meeting, I spent some time processing aluminum cans before shifting my focus indoors. I worked on organizing and expanding my portfolio of projects I've completed here at Wheaton Labs, documenting my progress and the skills I've been developing over the past several months.

To wrap up the day, I spent some time journaling and reflecting on my experiences, the progress I've made, and the goals I'm continuing to work toward. It was a productive day that balanced physical work, personal growth, and planning for the future.

B.E.L. Post # 219

This morning started with Leo and Melissa heading off with Stephen to fill up the two turtle water tanks and bring them to the Abbey. While they were there, Stephen answered their remaining questions about irrigation and the water pump, and they helped with the other tasks he had planned for the day.

Back at basecamp, I tasked Kathy with continuing to sand the patio picnic bench while Jesse worked on chop and drop. I spent the morning irrigating Lightning Hill before pairing up with Matt to rebuild two junkpole fence panels at basecamp. One of the rock jack's legs had failed, so we disassembled the two panels along with the damaged rock jack. I then walked Matt through building his very first rock jack, explaining each step as we went. It was great getting him some hands-on experience with that style of construction.

After lunch, I had Leo and Kathy continue working on the basecamp junkpole fence panels before moving over to the firewood rack project. Melissa picked up where Kathy left off on the picnic bench, watered the garlic patch, and began putting away the sprinklers and hoses before the end of the boot day.

Meanwhile, Matt, Jesse, and I headed to the Abbey to continue irrigating and work on the junkpole fencing. Jesse finished filling in all of the fence panels that Leo had framed, while I completed another panel from my section. That leaves just one more panel remaining from the section I framed, and we'll have that stretch wrapped up soon.

B.E.L. Post # 218

This morning we started our day working at the Abbey. I had Leo and Melissa focus on irrigation and chop-and-drop while Jesse and I continued working on our junkpole fence panels. Meanwhile, Matt worked on filling in additional sections of the fence with junkpoles, helping keep the progress moving forward.

For the afternoon shift, I had Leo and Matt continue working on the basecamp junkpole fence repair and rebuild before joining Melissa, Kathy, and me on another maintenance project. This time, we were restoring the outdoor picnic table on the patio.

The picnic table had become weathered and grey over time, so we worked on bringing the surface back to life using only card scrapers and hand planers. The goal was to remove the rough, weathered areas and reduce the chance of splinters while preserving the character of the roundwood timber. Once finished, the plan is to protect the wood with two coats of linseed oil to help extend its life and keep it protected from the elements.

While we were working on the table restoration, irrigation continued at the berm across from the library and the horseradish berm. Jesse continued working on the horseradish berm as well, keeping that project moving forward.

Another good day of working together, maintaining what we have, and learning new skills along the way.

B.E.L. Post # 217

After the morning meeting, Melissa and Kathy headed out with Stephen to fill up the large water containers for the Abbey and take care of some other tasks Stephen wanted to accomplish.

Meanwhile, back at basecamp, I got my crew started on a few different projects. I tasked Leo and Matt with beginning the process of disassembling some of the broken or gimpy rock jacks up at lightening hill. These structures have served their purpose, and now we’re reclaiming the materials and making better use of the space. I’ll also be having Leo take point on the junkpole fencing at basecamp while I continue my work on the junkpole fencing at the Abbey.

While they were working on that, Jesse was over at the horseradish berm continuing improvements there. She worked on chop and drop as well as further trail maintenance to improve the area and keep things moving forward.

My focus for the morning was irrigation and maintenance. I started watering the berms inside the garden gate and also made my way over to Apricot Alley to get irrigation where it was needed. Along the way, I also got some chop and drop done, performed some chainsaw maintenance, and processed aluminum cans.

After lunch, we headed over to the Abbey to continue the bigger projects there. Leo and Melissa worked on irrigation and mulching, making sure the plants and growing areas were taken care of. Meanwhile, Jesse and I continued working on the junkpole fencing project. We kept making progress on the fence while Matt and Kathy worked on processing the junkpoles that I couldn’t use for the actual build, helping filling in older built junkpole panels.

B.E.L. Post # 216

After the morning meeting, Stephen and Kathy headed over to the lab to make sure we had plenty of portable water for irrigation, along with taking care of a few other tasks.

Back at basecamp, I had Leo and Matt install three tree cages in Apricot Alley before sending them to the shop to continue working on the firewood rack project. Meanwhile, Jesse spent the morning on Lightning Hill before moving over to remove grass from the horseradish berm.

Melissa and I focused on chop-and-drop along the fence line on the opposite side of the drive. We gathered all of the organic material and used it as mulch on the berm across from the library. Once we finished there, we headed to the shop to perform maintenance on several chainsaws, making sure they were cleaned up and ready for future work.

After lunch, the whole crew made our way to the Abbey. Leo and Melissa took care of irrigation while continuing with more chop-and-drop. Jesse and I each continued building our fencing panels, while Matt and Kathy cleared away organic debris to create a small path along the fence line before joining Leo and Melissa.