2015 Marshall County SWCD Beautification Winners

The Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce Earl and Treasure ‘Toby’ McGregor as the winners of the 2015 Farm Beautification Award!

Earl and Toby have spent 30 years at their farmstead site located in section 5 of Comstock Township. Earl and Toby have one son and three daughters, and enjoy hosting their 5 grandchildren when they come to visit. Since they moved here in 1984, their home has blossomed into a welcoming space characterized by plentiful trees, bright gardens, and plenty of space to enjoy with their family.

The McGregor’s home is nestled into a pocket of woods along Marshall County Road 14. Their history of their home turf begins in the 1960s, when many of these trees were first planted. CRP plantings enhanced the forested area and provide shelter and shade for their home and much of their yard. Earl himself has been planting trees every year since he was 16, and his commitment to ensuring that his trees are healthy and strong is evident. Since moving here, Earl has used a tree mover to bring some larger evergreens from their farmland onto their homestead, giving their yard a warm and inviting feel. Their son Joey has taken over the day-to-day operation of the farm, but Earl is adamant that he will never retire from aspects of life around the farmstead.

From the road, the first sign of the McGregor’s property is a large decorative archway welcoming you up the driveway. A large rock fountain with a goldfish pond and lush flower garden stands at a fork in the drive; to the left is the way to the house while the right winds towards a swing set and farm buildings. On all sides of the house are hanging baskets, planters, and gardens with richly colored flowers. The tree plantings around their yard include maple, willow, and spruce trees. A spacious backyard dotted with multiple tree species leads to a pond large enough for their grandkids to kayak around the island in the middle. 

The McGregors excel at the art of storytelling, and tales of their travels were shared throughout our afternoon visiting with them. Traveling has been a significant part of Earl and Toby’s lives, and one of their favorite parts of it is interacting with people and learning about diverse cultures. They value personal connections and this is shown in their time in Marshall County as well, where they share lively conversation and stories about their adventures. Every piece of their farmstead has a story, too – rooster and flamingo figurines from Mexico, an old wagon and tricycle now used as planters, and plenty of birdhouses and feeders with their distinct morning guests. Rather than listening to morning TV, Toby prefers to open the doors and windows to listen to the birds. With the orioles, sparrows, and goldfinches flittering through the yard, it is clear that they are valued guests as well.

The McGregor homestead truly reflects their goals in life – to continue to ‘enjoy life and be healthy’ for many years to come.

Thank you to Earl and Toby for showing us around the farmstead and for sharing countless stories of their adventures here and across the globe. Congratulations to our Marshall County Farm Beautification Award winners of 2015!