This site optimize for best viewing on desktop computers.

No apology, No excuses,

The Science of Self Reliance as a Way of Life !

“Nothing happens in defiance of science and nature, only what we know of both.”

Dana Scully

Live world event

happening now!

See our “Dave’s Cool Stuff “ Page for more on this and others..

Jump to Page

ISS Emergency Monitoring Update – June 5, 2026

NASA and Roscosmos are responding to a worsening air leak in the Russian Zvezda module aboard the International Space Station. As a precaution, NASA directed Crew-12 astronauts to shelter inside their docked SpaceX Dragon spacecraft wearing pressure suits while engineers monitor the situation and Russian crews continue repair efforts.

No evacuation has been ordered, and officials report the crew is not in immediate danger. However, the leak is part of a long-running structural issue that has affected the station's Russian segment for several years. The increased leak rate has prompted heightened concern and closer monitoring, making this one of the most significant ongoing maintenance challenges currently facing the ISS.

Project Haystead: Virginia Bat Conservation Initiative Help Us Protect Virginia’s Bats Beginning this March,

Haystead is launching a 30-acre forest bat habitat restoration project. We are installing bat boxes throughout our woodland to support native and endangered bat species impacted by habitat loss and White-Nose Syndrome. You can help by building, purchasing, or donating a bat box. Each donated box will be installed, GPS documented, and monitored throughout the season.

Ways to Participate:

• Build a bat box and donate it to the project.

• Purchase and sponsor a professionally built bat box.

• Contribute funds toward materials and monitoring equipment.

• Share the initiative to expand community involvement.

For more information on this and other projects, check out our projects page.

Build a Bat Box – Haystead Conservation Guide

Recommended Materials:

• Exterior-grade untreated wood (¾ inch thickness recommended)

• Galvanized screws (1½ – 2 inches)

• Exterior wood glue

• Non-toxic exterior paint or stain (dark colors preferred)

• Minimum height: 24 inches

• Chamber width: 14–16 inches

• Internal roosting grooves or mesh for grip

• Ventilation slots near top

• Landing pad extending below entrance

Jump to projects page

🐝 Introducing the Haystead HAYBEES Project

The summer 2027 Haystead HAYBEES Project is our newest pollinator initiative dedicated to supporting honey bee populations while improving the health and productivity of the entire Haystead ecosystem. Spring 2026 we started a massive wildflower planting initiative to support our new Hay-Bees residence.

Launching this summer, the project will establish managed bee hives throughout our wildflower-filled mini-valley, creating a safe, natural habitat designed to support pollination for the biodome greenhouse and surrounding Haystead plants. With clean water sources, expanding native flowers, and science-based stewardship, the HAYBEES Project blends conservation with regenerative agriculture.

Our mission is simple: help restore pollinator populations, strengthen local biodiversity, and support sustainable food systems — because we truly need bees.

For more information, see our Projects page.

Jump to projects page

HRR-2026-017-ENG: BioDome Power & Infrastructure Initiative

As the Haystead BioLab continues to expand, so do its energy requirements. What began as a modest research facility powered through a connection to the main house has evolved into a complex scientific and agricultural research environment with growing demands for lighting, environmental controls, monitoring systems, communications equipment, water management, and future automation projects.

After careful evaluation, we have determined that the BioLab has reached the point where it must transition from a house-supported system to a dedicated, independent power infrastructure. This need has accelerated the timeline of our planned renewable energy program, moving the project from a future objective to an immediate priority.

The BioDome Power & Infrastructure Initiative (HRR-2026-017-ENG) will establish a scalable solar-powered energy system designed to support current operations while providing room for future expansion. The project represents a major milestone in the Haystead Ranch mission of creating resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient research facilities.

By investing in independent energy today, we are building the foundation that will allow the BioLab to continue growing without placing additional demands on household infrastructure, while advancing our long-term goals of sustainability, energy independence, clean agriculture and scientific research excellence.

Project Status: Active - Phase I Construction Beginning Immediately.