Episode 536: Lenore Braford and Paul Drake of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

This week Jasmin interviews Lenore Braford and Paul Drake of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge about the unique animal-specific architecture they designed and built to accommodate the rescued animals at their sanctuary. By paying critical attention to the different needs of the array of animals on site and utilizing their design training, Lenore and Paul have created a sanctuary that aims to mimic as closely as possible the natural habitats of their animal population. They talk about why this is so important, and they share some of their knowledge and tips for anyone who is looking to do similar work even just at the microsanctuary level.

Lenore Braford is the founder of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and serves as the Shelter Manager, directly caring for and helping to coordinate the care for the 120 animal residents who call the Refuge home. Lenore has nearly a decade of experience working with and enriching the lives of animals. Before beginning her work with animals, Lenore served for nearly 10 years as a therapist for children with disabilities. Paul Drake graduated from NC State University with a Master of Architecture where he received both the Catalano Scholarship and the Kamphoefner Fellowship for outstanding design work. Paul Drake is the primary designer and builder at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. His pioneering work at the Refuge calls attention to the plight of farm animals and advocates for a more compassionate animal architecture.

In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin ask what it would mean to go back to “normal” for animals after a pandemic and if we actually want to go back to that, debate what is “essential” during a pandemic, and share how they spent their Seders. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Lagusta’s Luscious, Besties, Nature’s Plate, and Plant-Based Grocery. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties!

As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.

 



This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

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Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by the incredible Michael Harren.