Restoring Watersheds Using Ancient Techniques
Anna Valer Clark1*, and Jose Manuel Perez2
1Cuenca los Ojos, Pearce, Arizona, USA; vclark@cuencalosojos.org
2Cuenca los Ojos, Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico; jmperez@cuencalosojos.org
Cuenca los Ojos has been using ancient techniques to restore watersheds, resulting in enhanced plant species diversity, improved wildlife habitat, improved watershed conditions, and increased water availability. We use native materials such as rocks and wood to build small trincheras in upper portions of watersheds. In more defined channels we use gabions where flood waters are more forceful and channels are deeply eroded. Both types of structures slow runoff (moderate hydrograph), trap sediment, and result in increased soil moisture and often the presence of surface water associated with the structures. These areas of greater soil moisture are perfect for planting and seeding of native plants species. We have focused our plant palette on milkweed and nectar species to enhance pollinator habitats, and native grasses. The construction of the structures is relatively simple, but it is important to read the landscape to choose the right structure and location for the site-specific conditions of the watershed. Native Americans used similar techniques with great success for hundreds of years. We are mimicking their techniques across southeastern AZ and northern Sonora with incredible results. While observations confirm these low tech/ low-cost techniques appear to be successful, we are working with a number of researchers and restoration practitioners to quantify their benefits. We conduct outreach and education to teach others how to assess the specific watershed conditions, and choose the appropriate structure size and shape for each location in the watershed. We have trained students, local landowners and ranchers, agency personnel, restoration practitioners, scientists and others in how they can restore their watersheds.