MAXWELL — Practical Farmers of Iowa will host a field day “Planning for a Permaculture Swale System on Pasture” walk-through of the swale design process as well as plans to diversify with trees and other perennials from 1 to 5 p.m. June 6 at Carney Family Farms, 13602 NE 96th St. near Maxwell.
Bruce Carney of Carney Family Farms was inspired to install a permaculture swale system on his livestock farm near Maxwell after attending a workshop taught by expert grazier Greg Judy and permaculture expert Mark Shepard.
Swales are basically water-harvesting ditches with flat bottoms that are built on the contours of a landscape. Unlike ditches, however, which are sloped to help move water away from an area, swales are built to catch and hold surface water so it can soak into the soil and stop erosion.
The event is free and will feature a potluck following the program. The Carneys will provide the main dish. Guests are asked to bring side dishes or dessert to share. RSVPs are requested for the meal. To sign-up, contact Lauren Zastrow at 515-232-5661 or lauren@practicalfarmers.org by June 3. The event is sponsored by Prudenterra and Story County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2015 field day season features 40 field days around Iowa. All field days are open to the public, and most are free to attend.