Double El CD recently honored Melvin & Norma Cusic of Colorado Springs, Colorado as the 2017 Outstanding Small Acreage Manager.

Melvin’s parents purchased the property in 1947 (Roy & Lula Cusic).  Melvin & Norma purchased the property from his parents in 1970.

They installed the 1st pond in 1970.  A second spring fed pond was installed in 1975.  Terraces were installed to control erosion.

There were very few trees when they obtained the property.  They have planted trees every year. Over the years, they have hand planted and hand watered all the trees they planted.  They fence around each tree to provide protection until the tree is more mature.  They use straw mulch to help retain moisture and hand water with buckets.  They also mow around the pond areas 3-4 times per year, depending on moisture.

Some of the many species planted include the following: Elm, Cottonwood, Oak, Green Spruce, Blue Spruce, Decorative plum, Austrees, Honeylocust, Boxelder, Crab apple, Pinon, Aspen, Poplar, Silver Leaf Maple, Ponderosa Pine, Apple,  Peach, Cedar, Willow and Lilac and one unknown variety from North Dakota.

Melvin builds the many bird houses that are seen throughout the property.  Until just recently, they camped annually at this property with friends and family to enjoy this beautiful sanctuary and made many memories.

Melvin and Norma appreciate Steve and Debbie Payne for all the maintenance they perform on the property for them.