Stop Erosion, Retain Water, Create Fertile Hillsides
Master natural engineering solutions to combat soil erosion, improve water retention, and transform barren slopes into productive, fertile landscapes.
Erosion Control
Learn how water movement causes erosion and discover natural barriers to slow, spread, and sink water flow.
Water Retention
Implement systems to capture and hold rainwater in the landscape, reducing runoff and increasing soil moisture.
Soil Building
Transform eroded areas into fertile growing spaces through strategic placement of organic matter and vegetation.
Natural Engineering Solutions
Swales & Berms
Earthworks that capture and infiltrate runoff while preventing erosion.
- Contour alignment
- Spillway design
- Plant integration
Terracing
Step-like structures that break slope momentum and create level growing areas.
- Stone retaining walls
- Living terraces
- Drainage systems
Ground Cover
Strategic vegetation to protect soil surface and stabilize slopes.
- Native plant selection
- Root system design
- Mulching techniques
Check Dams
Small barriers in drainage channels to slow water and trap sediment.
- Natural materials
- Proper spacing
- Maintenance planning
Learning Goals
- Understand water flow patterns and erosion mechanics
- Calculate slope gradients and water volumes
- Design appropriate interventions for different landscapes
- Select proper materials and vegetation for local conditions
- Plan long-term maintenance and system evolution
- Integrate multiple solutions into cohesive landscape design
Hands-On Activities
Watershed Model
Build a scale model to demonstrate water flow and test different erosion control methods.
Site Assessment
Evaluate real erosion problems and design site-specific solutions.
Construction Workshop
Build actual swales, terraces, or check dams on demonstration slopes.
Plant Propagation
Start erosion-control plants from seed and cuttings for immediate installation.