November Erosion Control Workshop a Success!

AWPF Erosion Control Workshop

We hosted an erosion control workshop last weekend. Craig Sponholtz of Dryland Solutions, Inc in Santa Fe was the instructor. It seems to me that these workshops bring the cream of the crop to the Double Circle. There is nothing very romantic about swinging a pick and shovel and carrying rocks in 26 degree weather – but 26 people did just that. People from their early 20’s to mid 70’s worked side by side and had fun doing it! Not only are the volunteers – who by the way are not paid – heads up over average, the behind-the-scenes folks who make these workshops possible deserve a lot of credit. The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) Commission funded three of these erosion control workshops, two of which are completed, and Greenlee County Highway Department furnished the rock. My long-suffering husband Doug loaded and hauled all the rock to the worksite – not an easy job. Hal Herbert, Graham County historian gave a talk about the colorful history of the Double Circle. Jim Holder, our neighbor and business partner, gave a presentation on how we use intensive rotational grazing to promote forage health and diversity on our ranches.

THANKS to the AWPF Commission, Greenlee County, and all the volunteers who made this erosion control workshop a big success. The rock structures that were constructed will slow water flow, catch sediment, increase groundwater infiltration, and help reduce turbidity in Eagle Creek. Plus over 20 people went home armed with new skills and knowledge and ready to tackle erosion problems in their backyards and watersheds. They will be picking and shoveling at home.