HewnHaven is a farm and workshop business that focuses on quality meat, old-world crafts, and ecological land management

Fall Begins
2026-09-22 | Missouri
The 13 “seasons” of Missouri reflect the region’s unpredictable, rapidly changing weather, joking that it’s rarely just summer, winter, spring, or fall. This popular Midwestern cultural meme highlights frequent, abrupt shifts between extreme cold and warm temperatures, often occurring within the same week.

Second Summer Begins
2026-09-21 | Missouri

False Fall Begins
2026-09-11 | Missouri

Devil's Oven Begins
2026-07-30 | Missouri

Summer Begins
2026-06-21 | Missouri

Bobwhite Quail Hatch
2026-06-14 - 2026-07-18 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
While early broods hatch in June, nesting is prolonged, with significant numbers of chicks hatching through July, August, and sometimes into early September. Once the full clutch is laid, eggs hatch in approximately 23–24 days. Chicks are mobile immediately, with most broods out by late summer.

Extended Season: Due to renesting and multiple nesting attempts, hatching continues throughout the summer, with many nests hatching in late July and August.
Late Season Importance: More than 35% of all quail nests may hatch in August, particularly if earlier nesting attempts fail.

Turkeys Hatch
2026-05-24 - 2026-06-13 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Hens typically lay their eggs in April and begin a 28-day incubation period, resulting in the hatching of young poults around this time. While most hatching occurs early, renesting attempts can lead to broods appearing as late as August. Young turkeys (poults) are mobile and able to feed themselves within a day or two of hatching, but they cannot fly until they are about 2 weeks old. Once the young turkeys start to roost in trees (around 2 weeks old), their chances of survival increase significantly.

Incubation Period: Eggs are incubated for 28 days.
Peak Hatching: Late May to early June.
Habitat: Hens move broods into areas with abundant insects, such as grassy or herbaceous areas.

Making Redbud Jelly
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-25 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
We’ll turn our backyard’s pink explosion into something edible! With a big basket we’ll strip some of the gorgeous magenta blooms from the Eastern Redbud branches—they taste surprisingly like tart.

The result? A stunning, jewel-toned, jelly that smells slightly floral and tastes like a delicate blend of strawberry and grape. It’s sweet, floral, and is absolutely going to make morning toast feel like a spring fairy tale.

White-tailed Fawns are Born
2026-04-26 - 2026-07-04 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Most does produce twins after their first year. Newborns are hidden in dense cover or tall grass for the first few weeks to avoid predators and are often left alone by the mother, which is normal. They can walk within hours and begin following their mothers after about a month.

Appearance: Newborns have spots and weigh 4–7 pounds.
Survival:
Recommendation: If you find a fawn, leave it alone, as the mother is likely nearby.

Flowering Dogwoods are Blooming
2026-04-23 - 2026-05-31 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
When the dogwoods bloom, it’s as if the forest decided to throw a fancy white-and-pink party to celebrate spring! These trees shake off the winter blues, covering their branches in showy, star-shaped bracts (which are actually modified leaves, not petals!) before the green foliage even appears.

It’s a brief, magical, two-week spectacle that makes the woodlands look like they’re covered in popcorn or popcorn-like clouds. These stunning, native understory trees bring joy to the landscape, offering a “doggone” good time for pollinators and bird-watchers alike.

Spring Turkey Season
2026-04-20 - 2026-05-10 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Spring turkey hunting is essentially a high-stakes, caffeine-fueled chess match played in a sunrise-lit, waking forest. It is arguably one of the most interactive hunts, where you are not just waiting, but actively screaming (via calls) at a bird that often screams back in a boisterous, adrenaline-pumping gobble that makes the hair on your neck stand up.

It is all about the “spring strut”—when Toms are strutting and fanning their metallic, iridescent feathers while trying to show off for hens, often attacking decoys in a show of pure, stubborn machismo.

Coyotes Pups are Born
2026-04-15 - 2026-05-10 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Breeding occurs earlier in the year, peaking from mid-February into early March, with a gestation period of roughly 60 to 63 days. April through May is a high-activity period as parents hunt more to feed their young, often leading to increased sightings and potential conflicts. Both parents care for the pups, which start emerging from dens around early summer.

Birth Timing: Most pups are born in dens during late April or May.
Litter Size: A typical litter consists of 4 to 7 pups.

Humming Birds Arrive
2026-04-10 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
The “Hummingbird Highway” is officially open at Hewnhaven! Our tiny, speedy summer residents have returned to Southern Missouri, buzzing around the feeders and battling over the best nectar spots. Come watch these iridescent aerial acrobats fuel up; it’s a tiny, high-speed, sugar-fueled show you won’t want to miss!
Event Highlights:

Aerial Battles: Watch the feisty males chase each other around the feeders.
The Buzz: Enjoy the constant, mesmerizing hum of wings.
Native Blooms: See them feeding on native plants like beautyberry and trumpet creeper.
Best Viewing: Prime viewing is on rocky slopes in the early morning.

Bring your cameras and witness the magic of the annual return!

Eastern Redbuds are Blooming
2026-04-09 - 2026-05-15 | Missouri
As the winter chill finally breaks, the Eastern Redbud stages a breathtaking, magenta-pink magic trick! Often called the “harbinger of spring,” these cheerful understory trees don’t bother waiting for leaves to appear. Instead, they explode in a profusion of rosy, pea-shaped blossoms that cover their bare branches and even sprout directly from the trunk in a dazzling display known as cauliflory.

It’s a fleeting, high-contrast spectacle—often lasting only a few weeks in March or April—where brilliant magenta clusters light up woodland edges and residential landscapes alike, perfectly paired with the bright yellow of forsythia. A true showstopper, the redbud brings a vibrant, almost neon, pop of color to the landscape, reminding everyone that spring has finally arrived with a sweet-sour, edible splash of color.

Wean the Winter Piglets
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-12 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Weaning piglets is basically a rowdy piglet graduation ceremony—complete with graduation screams! It is the high-energy process of transitioning piglets from an all-you-can-drink warm milk buffet to “big pig” food. The separation from mom causes a chorus of loud, characteristic “calls” as they realize the milk bar is closed.
Piglets spend the first few days learning to share (or fight over) the feeder, establishing a new “peck order” in their new home. Once they realize pellets taste pretty good, the screaming stops, they get fat, and they become independent, oinking foragers!

Foraging Morel Mushrooms
2026-04-05 - 2026-06-07 | Missouri
Foraging for morels is part Easter egg hunt, part high-stakes treasure hunt, and 100% woodland magic! When spring wakes up, these brainy, honeycomb-textured treasures pop up around dead elms or in old orchards, playing hide-and-seek with your eyes.
It’s a “springy” adventure where we find ourselves walking like a zombie, staring intently at the ground, only to scream in delight when we spot that first, perfectly camouflaged, hollow cone. Finding them is a rush, but after a toss into a buttered skillet—deliscious!

Tornado Season Begins
2026-03-27 | Missouri

Spring Begins
2026-03-20 | Missouri

Cedar Tree Harvesting
2026-03-15 - 2026-05-02 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
There’s no smell quite like freshly cut cedar in springtime, especially when the sap is running and it’s acting like glue-remover on the bark! I’m standing here in the middle of my clearing, bark-spud in hand, looking at a pile of cedar that’s about to become the sturdy structures for future projects.
I start at the top, pushing the edge of the blade under the rough, outer layer. It’s immensely satisfying—like opening a giant woody Christmas present—revealing that bright, pale amber wood underneath. Sometimes I get lucky and a whole, long ribbon of bark sloughs off like a shedding snake, making me feel like the king of the woods.
The knots are the real troublemakers, though. They make the spud buck and jump, forcing me to stop and carve around them, which just makes the final pole look more rustic.

Mud Season/The Pollening Begins
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-26 | Missouri

Third Winder/Polar Vortex Begins
2026-02-17 | Missouri

Fence Building and Repair
2026-02-15 - 2026-09-26 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Building and repairing fence is less of a job and more of a “forced romance” between me and a thousand pounds of unruly metal wire.
The day usually starts with a “fence check,” which is just polite terminology for finding problems and not redeemable for cash. I head out armed with a wire stretcher—my magical, back-saving best friend—and several pounds of fence supplies.
By the end of the day, I’m covered in rust, my fingers are sore, and I’ve probably misplaced my fencing pliers three times, but there’s something oddly satisfying about looking at a line of wire stretched perfectly tight. I just know, come tomorrow morning, I’ll be back out there, mending the same spot.

Valentine's Weekend
2026-02-14 - 2026-02-16 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Our Valentine’s weekend is a marathon of love, kicking off Friday with a cozy movie night featuring heart-shaped snacks. Saturday is for an adventurous outing or a fun DIY craft, while Sunday winds down with lazy, indulgent meals. It’s a full three days of treats, laughter, and appreciation for each other ending everyday with Hallmark movies.

Spring of Deception Begins
2026-02-02 | Missouri

Clear Invasives from Pastures
2026-02-01 - 2026-08-15 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
A pair of leather gloves, a slightly dull sickle, and the delusional optimism of a sunny morning. My mission: take down a small army of Asian Honeysuckle, Canadian thistle and Honey Locust that had declared themselves rulers of this kingdom.
Now, if only I could find where I dropped my water bottle…

Winter Farrowing
2026-01-28 - 2026-02-09 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Outside, in the woods, Momma Sows are creating their own cozy, chaotic world. After a solid day of intense “nesting”—rearranging straw like a pig interior decorator—they’ll finally settle down with a happy, heavy flop, letting out a series of deep, guttural grunts. Then, the magic happens! Every 15–30 minutes, with a grand, dramatic push, out pops a tiny, slimy, “squeaker”. Before Momma can even check her watch, a little piglet is already scrambling, stumbling over its siblings to find the milk bar, guided by pure instinct. Soon, the nest is a wriggling pile of 10 to 12 newborn piglets, squeaking and nudging, while the giant momma rests, seemingly proud of her new, chaotic brood.

Second Winter Begins
2026-01-27 | Missouri

Prune Trees
2026-01-26 - 2026-02-28 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Winter is the ultimate “spa day” for our trees! Since they are sleeping (dormant), it’s the perfect time to give them a haircut without the drama of sap loss or bugs. Pruning in the cold boosts spring growth, prevents disease, and stops weak, icy branches from crashing down, all while you enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
Why Winter Tree Pruning is Essential:

Disease Prevention: With pests and fungi dormant, fresh cuts are safe from infection.
Structural Cleanup: Removing weak branches prevents them from snapping during heavy snow or ice.
Better Visibility: Without leaves, it is easier to see the tree’s structure and identify dead wood.
Faster Healing: Dormant pruning allows trees to focus energy on strong growth once spring arrives.

Fool's Spring Begins
2026-01-05 | Missouri

Firewood Gathering
2025-09-21 - 2026-04-04 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
With coffee in his belly and his trusty chainsaw roaring to life, we’ll spend the day dancing with oaks and tangling with timber. It’s a rhythmic, high-stakes game of “will this log split with one swing or three?” Clearing the woods with precision, turning fallen giants into manageable piles. The air is thick with the scent of oak and hickory, punctuated by the satisfying thwack of the splitting maul, transforming solid rounds into perfectly stacked winter warmth. By late afternoon, his back is tired, but his woodpile is high, leaving him with that magical, “I’ll be warm twice” feeling—once from chopping, and again from the fire.

The Ritual: “Place, stand, breathe, swing, cut.” It’s an active meditation, minus the quiet.
The Reward: Looking at the growing, neat stacks of firewood and knowing winter has nothing on him.
