Greg Grimes:  I’m blessed to have worked in the outdoors as a wildlife and fishery biologist for the last 28 years, as well as live on seven acres in Ball Ground, GA—just a stone’s throw from the 156-acres Forsyth, GA property I grew up on. And, I’ve been equally blessed to have my wife of 21 years, Wendy, right there beside me in the outdoors, and two boys (ages 10 and 14) who are able expose their friends to God’s creation on our six-acre pond or the Towaliga River   . . . All with our chocolate lab Stella in tow! 

GG: Our 156-acre homestead contains a mile of river frontage, five miles of hiking/biking trails, and a six-acre pond that allow us to spend quality time outdoors. I would say the 20-person lodge we built is one of our property’s most unique features. Namely, how we’re able to use it as the focal point of our family ministry to share God’s great outdoors with those not regularly exposed to the gifts nature provides.

GG: Between the river, pond or woods, that’d be a tough call. But I’d have to say the kids would say the pond and its 100-foot slip ‘n slide!

GG: From fishing, hunting and axe throwing, down to sleeping in primitive campsites (or, on slightly fancier patio porch beds), our rural home fully supports the outdoor lifestyle we love to lead.

GG: Even though I manage ponds for a living, it would have to be staying on top of the lake to ensure it always produces the quantity and quality of fish that everyone enjoys.

GG: If food plots count, it’d have to be mowing the clover high in order to promote green, lush growth, and discourage competing grass growth. My second tip would be to add cover. While we have some great open hardwoods, our resident wildlife wouldn’t be nearly as prone to show themselves if we hadn’t added the proper cover they need to feel protected.

GG: Far and away, I’d have to say our dock. Whether folks use it for rest in the sun or casting out a line, everyone loves it. Other family and guest favorite would have to be our deck’s porch bed, and the kids would definitely say the slip ‘n slide.

GG: Of course! “CAMMO” (Creating Almighty Memories and Mission Opportunities) is what we’re all about here when it comes to introducing others to hunting and fishing. So far, our property’s allowed about eight folks to harvest their first deer. We’ve also hosted turkey, squirrel, coon and dove hunts here, and numerous guests have caught personal-best bass from our pond. (Our biggest so far is an 11.78-lb. lunker caught by six-year-old angler!

GG: That’s easy: Hosting anyone—usually family, friends, or our event visitors—who’s looking to enjoy God’s big backyard!

GG: My favorite backyard meal would probably a pork shoulder my wife’s prepared on our Big Green Egg. It falls off the bone, feeds a crowd, and we’re able to make carnitas with the leftovers. A family favorite that I usually cook would have to be pond-caught catfish that’s cooked the same day in my MAC DADDY fryer. Pair this with hand-cut fries and folks think I’m the gourmet cook of the family! Plus, involving kids in the process and teaching them how to properly fillet the fish allows me to teach them a valuable life skill.

Grae Buck: I was born and raised in southeast PA, where I began fishing from a young age. I got into the sport with my grandfather, and my fishing career—currently in my fifth year on the professional circuit—has continued to grow from there, ever since. I attended Penn State University where I obtained a BS in Environmental Science, as well as fished the college circuit with my wife. I reside in Green Lane, PA with Jessica (wife), who also loves to fish! When we’re not on the water, Jessica and I love to travel to National Parks throughout the country. My passion for fishing and the environment fuels my enjoyment of the outdoors and prioritizing a backyard lifestyle.

GB: We feel our acre-and-a-half lot in the Philly suburbs provides the perfect-size property to enjoy the outdoors, while also remaining manageable in terms of its size and the maintenance that’s required. We have a small stream along the property line, wetlands, woodlands and lawn. This varied landscape provides the perfect habitat for bird and wildlife populations.

GB: There are two giant white oaks (estimated to be 200+ years old) along our property line wood edge. This spring, we had the opportunity to observe Cooper’s hawks nest in one of them (right near the house) and raise three offspring. It was a very cool experience to watch the parents incubate the eggs, then witness them hatch. The tiny hawk heads and beaks became visible, chirping became louder, the adults brought prey back to the nest, and, ultimately, the three fledgings left the nest in the summer!

GB: When searching for our first home together (and, being outdoor and environmental enthusiasts), my wife and I were interested in a property with real outdoor value. What we ended up purchasing is a perfect piece of land to enjoy, and manage its flora and fauna.

GB: Our home’s situated on a sloping piece of land adjacent to wetland, so the backyard was pretty wet when we first moved in. I’ve since installed a French drain and other stormwater management improvements to help with drainage, but there are still areas that hold moisture. We’re continuing to improve these areas through vegetation management and proper soil and lawn care.

GB: One thing we’ve learned in the past year since owning our property is that you won’t “win” when it comes to dealing with deer. Prioritize planting deer-tolerant species if wildlife will inevitably be browsing in your yard. We’ve also found that caging or fencing trees and shrubs helps prevent vegetative damage.

GB: Since purchasing our home in 2019, Jessica and I have been enjoying landscaping and upgrading the property, both indoors and outdoors. While 2020 was a tough year due to COVID, we enjoy entertaining and look forward to increasing our outdoor gathering spaces by adding a patio in 2021. Our biggest home upgrade, to date, has been the construction of a fishing shop/boat garage, which included full site work and landscaping. Additionally, I built a large raised bed garden (with full deer exclusion fencing!) for my wife that’s enabled us to enjoy beautiful, fresh produce all summer long!

GB: While there are plenty of whitetail and other wildlife on our property, we aren’t hunters. We live just minutes down the road from the Perkiomen Creek, a stream I grew up fishing as a child. There’s also a few small local lakes—Green Lane Reservoir and Lake Nockamixon—nearby, which I also grew up fishing, and provide an opportunity for local outings with my wife. While PA fishing doesn’t stack up to other areas the country, our local lakes are fun fisheries, and produce some surprisingly big bass!

GB: That’s an easy one: Cutting the grass on my Exmark mower, then having dinner and relaxing by a campfire in the backyard.

GB: I began smoking meat this year and haven’t turned back! We have two Traeger smoker grills, and use them at least three times a week. My wife and I have enjoyed learning new techniques for diverse cuts of meats. A few of our favorites include pork chops, eight-hour pulled pork and 17-hour beef brisket.