This past autumn, the Eaton Canyon Nature Center embarked on a new mini-project within the canyon to fix erosion caused by Tropical Storm Hilary and prevent more erosion from future storms. Following the repavement of the main parking lot that sent water flowing in new directions, heavy rains would significantly erode the decomposed granite trail connecting the staff parking lot to the main walkway in front of the Nature Center. This erosion would create a hazard for visitors, and something needed to change. Instead of placing unsightly sandbags, the nature center dug a 20′ long, 1′ deep trench in the ground to serve as a swale.
A swale is a landscape feature designed to manage stormwater runoff by gently sloping a tract of land to create a shallow, vegetated channel. It serves to capture, slow down, and absorb rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate the soil rather than running off. Swales prevent erosion, filter pollutants, and help recharge groundwater, serving as an eco-friendly method of water management in both urban and rural settings. The longer the swale exists, the more efficient it is at absorbing water.
