About 3 years ago, Tas and Chase did some permaculture design work at Wellspring. I am excited to dig this work up (out of the google docs) and get it where I can apply it to my permaculture design plan!
By Tas Zink and Chase Jones
There is no shortage of suitable placements for ponds and swales. It’s my recommendation before we do any further design, a rough zoning map should be drafted. First we need to print a variety of maps, google earth, and topography and any others accessible through the free version of google earth. Then we need to draw the best property lines we can onto the maps. The structures and spaces that are already defined and planned should be labeled so we can get a better idea where to place future resources.
Two promising spots for pond placement stuck out above the rest. Site A is located closer to the community and at a decent height on the property for gravity pumping. Thanks to foresight on Roberts part he redirected a culvert, bringing water onto the property that would have otherwise gone elsewhere, and the result carved out a site that seems naturally inclined for pond construction and berming. The other, Site B, is closer to the edge of the property but would serve as a valuable reserve for any droughts the community might encounter. This second site also seems to be the biggest flow of water moving through the property. Our goal is to maximize the amount of infiltration for rainwater into groundwater, and prolong water from leaving the property as long as possible.
Soil samples were taken from both sites to test for levels of sediments such as clay, silt, and sand. An ideal spot for building a natural pond and avoiding the use of liners will have a lot of clay and less sand. As well I will be testing for the alkalinity of the clay. A simple water tester was purchased at the local homebrew store. Acidic clay is more likely to bond together and create an impermeable barrier to prevent water from leaking out. If the clay is too alkaline the clay will resist bonding. In this case there are a number of different techniques that work for some to increase the acidity of the clay. Another promising observation was the ubiquitous presence of huckleberry plants and ferns. Both of these are known to favour more acidic soils.
Robert showed me where he thought there was possibly a spring and from his information and the look of the site it seems highly probable that there is a spring located just off the property that is a major source of water at Site B. This will ensure that even during prolonged dry periods we will be able to continue storing water.
Both sites have ideal wind exposure, which should be minimal in order to avoid evaporation. Many beautiful large stones are scattered over both sites, which although may initially be an obstacle to digging the pond out, large stones are essential for sinking heat into the pond and thus keeping it warmer later into the fall and winter for increased growing period for aquatic food cultivation.
Another thing to keep in mind during design is that a curvy pond with varied edging provides more growing space, diversity in depth for varied species, and for fish and wildlife to take advantage of. I will have the results of the soil tests tomorrow after the water is completely settled, and then from there we can get together to discuss zoning. I’m looking forward to helping you with your strategy to fortify the water systems on your land.
