Giant Gophers?

Several months ago, there was a patch of acreage to the west of us that sprouted dirt piles overnight.

 Last month, more of these piles sprouted even closer.  oh no!  Should we be wary of gophers?

 The first plot was graded, over and over and over again, until it looked like this:

 Two weeks ago, it was explained to me.  They were removing a sand streak, to make better farm land.  See those hills in the middle of the frame?  They are made from the removed sand, which is then sold.  (Does it end up at the beach?  I dunno.)

A few days ago I drove by again.  Click on the photo, and you can see what has happened.  There are more holes, but they are different.  These are for planting.  That entire plot is now covered with a grove/orchard.

Rumor has it that these are walnuts.  We'll definitely be watching their progress.

And that's it from my "learn something new every day" file.