May 2 & 3, 2015
This course is designed for landowners and farmers who manage just a few acres up to hundreds and wish to better their understanding of water in the landscape and apply techniques to improve water storage and flow.
Learn how to see water as a valuable asset to small and large landscapes by observing the design and implementation of water harvesting and storage systems at Wellspring Forest Farm including ponds, swales, terraces, rainwater harvested systems (including potable use) and rotational grazing systems.
Students will practice site mapping and learn how to use contour tools, participate in hands-on construction of a sanitary (potable) rainwater barrel construction, observe excavation and assist in finishing and planting a 300 foot swale system, and help seed and plant a productive riparian buffer on the farm.
Saturday:
- Key Concepts
- Water Assessment & Mapping
- Marking Contour
- Rainwater Catchment systems
Sunday
- Earthworks design
- Ponds, Swales & Terraces
- Swale design & construction
- Riparian Buffer design and installation
About the site and facilitators
Elizabeth and Steve Gabriel operate Wellspring Forest Farm in Mecklenburg, NY where they employ permaculture and agroforestry principles on 10 acres of pasture and woodland.
The farm currently produces mushrooms, maple syrup, duck eggs, and pastured lamb. Steve has experience with water design and excavator use and together they developed one of the only potable rainwater systems approved to code for use in New York State.
This course has a sliding scale tuition based on what you can afford. The minimum price for the weekend is $125. The fee for only Saturday’s class is $75. There is also small charge for camping at Wellspring Forest Farm. If you can afford to pay more your additional tuition will help support the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute carry out this event and other educational programs.