By Shelly Patterson

When I first arrived on Anarchist Mountain in 2017 and walked the property we now call home, Mullein didn’t interest me in the slightest. To me, it was simply a weed.* It grew everywhere—fields of tall, sturdy…

by Shelley Patterson

Last year I wanted to write about the beautiful Indian Paintbrush that we have here on Anarchist Mountain. Somehow though, I missed the chance to photograph it before its brief season was over. This spring, however, I…

by Shelley Patterson

Spring has arrived on Anarchist Mountain, bringing bursts of colour and life back to the hillsides. One of the most striking sights right now is the bright yellow Arrowleaf Balsamroot.

These sun-like flowers rise on sturdy stems…

by Shelley Patterson

Spring on Anarchist Mountain doesn’t arrive all at once—it reveals itself in quiet, remarkable moments.

What I’ve learned in my short time here is that assumptions don’t hold much weight. Not about flora, not about fauna, and…

by Shelley Patterson

Out walking here on Anarchist Mountain, as the snow recedes quickly but true spring growth still feels out of reach, I’ve been noticing low-lying clusters of burgundy, red, and lime-green glossy leaves exposed now on the damp…

By Shelly Patterson

As this unusually mild fall lingers on Anarchist Mountain, many of us have found ourselves gifted with a little extra time—time to clear away low branches, tidy up deadfall, and dream up fresh ways to welcome the…

By Shelly Patterson

Whether you are driving the roads or walking the trails on Anarchist Mountain lately, chances are you’ve seen golden plumes swaying in the late summer and now autumn breeze. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is one of the most…

Hilda Reimer, a long-time resident on Raven, creates unique wares from atypical ingredients she cultivates from her acreage. A favourite is ‘Rose Jam’ made from her wild roses – great on toast, a baguette, ice cream, and even in tea. 

Here’s proof that lush gardens can flourish in our hot, dry mountain climate. With careful research, hours of backbreaking work, and dedicated nurturing, Jackie Dings and Scott Avery deserve recognition for their bountiful garden. 

And thanks to three avid Anarchist…

By Shelly Patterson

Every summer, the hillsides and meadows of Anarchist Mountain come alive with the vibrant magenta of fireweed. Towering on tall stalks, this wildflower is more than just a splash of colour—it’s a symbol of resilience. Fireweed (Chamaenerion…

By Shelly Patterson 

Anarchist Mountain in July — prime Saskatoon season. 

Every July, a quiet excitement stirs along the trails and backroads of Anarchist Mountain. It’s Saskatoon berry season — that sweet, short window when the bushes burst with deep…