Not Using Your Land? Turn it into a park.

Since the rider died I've had to revert to push mowing. Way too much land to walk - what to do? Now, I just mow paths and designs ( 1/2 tank of gas per endeavor). It's actually getting interesting. Birds are showing up I've never seen. Concern for unwanted varmints - not an issue - perimeter mowed.
Question? Have you ever done/doing this and what are the results.
Thanks