To sustain the ecological watershed at the base of Ben Lomond Mountain by managing drainage and erosion to ensure health of the property and local natural resources.
Our Efforts Include:
- Planting fruit trees, shrubs and perennials on hillside; removing non-native plants and maintaining the Native Woodland Forest for health and fire prevention;
- Using garden methods that involve a system of design: composting, companion planting, no dig, crop rotations, worm composting, bee pollination, water harvesting, and recycling;
- Fertilizing organic garden with compost from Manure Bunker to amend soil;
- Using natural pest sprays and organic materials, such as nettle tea, egg shells, and white oil;
- Ensuring proper drainage slope, erosion control, and run-off zones for water flow by digging natural drainage swales;
- Working with local resource agencies, such as the Resource Conservation District, Ecology Action, Livestock & Land, and the USDA to gather information and implement a plan to mitigate issues related to manure, mud, water, and erosion;
- Employing Integrated Fly Control using FlyRaptors;
- Minimizing rodent impact with proper food storage systems using metal garage cans and hardwire cloth.
Goals:
- Establish a paddock system: confine horses to a sacrifice area during different seasons to minimize impact on the soil;
- Add gravel to mud zone and create a path with secure footing to Manure Bunker;
- Decide if redwood grove will have underground drainage tube or natural swale;
- Build retaining wall behind Manure Bunker using black locust limbs with drainage going into a drainage swale around the corral;
- Build a living “green” roof on Manure Bunker to capture water and reduce run-off through the corral.
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