Swales are a way to slow, sink, and spread water while also mitigating erosion on slopes, and they can be made by hand with a shovel. Swales provide microclimates that can help plants and soil biology to establish in degraded soils. At this field day, we will use swales and soil restoration techniques to stabilize an eroding, sandy hillside above the Acequia de la Mesa Prieta on a farm in Ojo Caliente. We’ll start by learning how to build and use low-tech A-frames to find contour and then design and dig the swales, adding organic matter to the soil as we go. We will also learn about soil biology as we make and apply a compost extract. Then, we’ll sow a diversity of seeds and add mulch. 

What to bring: hat and layers for sun, water bottle, work gloves, sturdy shoes. Dogs are welcome.

Please sign up so we know how much food to make: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEPcz58dgoOI_asKIiDpJV54RQ1TIG4Kw4Rz2UY2_XVjI