By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
MARCELLUS – Bluestone Ridge extends not only the economic viability of family farming, but also the natural beauty found on Fosdick Street going toward Decatur in north-central Cass County.
That's why it received the Ag Tourism Award at the 62nd annual meeting of the Cass County Conservation District Wednesday night at Hudson Memorial Building.
Nate and LouAnn Robinson have been involved in agriculture for 33 years. Outside the agricultural community they are best known as the bud queens' favorite farm tour destination – cuddling newborn pigs.
The Robinsons, who were in Washington March 14, have four children: Jacob and his wife Andrea, Jamie and her husband Sam, Lindsay and Renee, and three grandsons, Eli, Nolan and Parker.
Jamie Adams accepted the plaque on behalf of her parents.
The Robinsons, who live on Decatur Road, own and operate a farrow-to-finish, antibiotic-free, natural hog farm. They also farm more than 1,000 acres of crop land.
They are partners with Jacob and Andrea in Jake's Country Meats Inc., a retail natural pork business that operates from their farm.
Bluestone Ridge is a primitive campground with riding trails designed for the horseman's pleasure.
Well-marked trails wind through 750 acres of rolling farm ground and woods.
There are trails for the adventurous, such as Devil's Drop and Soggy Bottom, as well as less adventurous trails, such as Turkey Trot.
In spring the woods and fields come alive, with wild flowers carpeting the forest floor.
Visitors might see a newborn fawn or a flock of turkeys with their young.
In the fall, Bluestone Ridge pulsates with color as vibrant reds, yellows and oranges splash across the deep blue sky.
Bluestone Ridge offers 25 primitive campsites with approximately 10 miles of groomed trails.
You can also bring your horse and ride for the day.
The trails and campground open April 1 through Oct. 31, weather permitting.
"We have enjoyed providing farm tours to 4-H clubs, the Blossomtime queens and others," Nate says. "It is a good opportunity to share what we have been blessed with which, in turn, educates people about the process and daily operation of a farm. Most people are not aware of where and how their food is produced. Bluestone brings people into our community who, in turn, use our restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores."