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Building a Food Forest Series: Sponge Workshop
INSTRUCTIONS: Call (505) 897-8831 for reservations
Albuquerque, NM— New Mexico soils can be challenging to garden in: heavy clay doesn’t allow water to penetrate and sand is a water sieve. How can you introduce organic matter, create a favorable environment for beneficial microbes, while storing moisture underground for plants? By creating in-ground sponges.
Jim Brooks, permaculture designer and founder and president of Soilutions, Inc., will share methods, tips, and tricks for "banking" water in the soil through the use of various "sponge" techniques employing commonly available materials and tools. These simple in-ground sponges provide very effective protection that ameliorate the effects of episodic dry periods giving your plants a more stable and reliable source of water.
This program will begin with an indoor presentation and continue with a hands-on workshop outdoors. Guests should bring gloves, water and sun protection. Registration is required; please call (505)897-8831.
This workshop is made possible through a grant from the PNM Foundation and the Open Space Alliance.
James Brooks, founder and president of Soilutions, Inc., has provided consultation, design and installation services for soil and water conservation and compost products for over 16 years. Trained as a permaculture designer and certified as a permaculture instructor. James uses permaculture principles as a guide to the preservation of natural resources, and the creation of healthy terrain systems. He has designed and installed storm water, erosion control and landscape systems that maximize water infiltration and retention while minimizing soil erosion at many private, commercial, and governmental sites. James is widely respected in New Mexico as an erosion control expert. He currently co-chairs the New Mexico Organic Recycling Organization and is former chair of the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District.