To accelerate the restoration of water penetration and to create concentrated areas of moisture, we employed the services of a grader and excavator to build ponds and a dam, and to create a series of shallow pans, rip lines and contoured trenches, all of variable depths and size to slow and capture the flow of rainfall runoff.

All flow overland is directed to a 2.5 million litre dam, which in turn, overflows to a series of canals known as adgingbongs, which when full, eventually overflow to the nearby Juan Creek.

Flows across Janahn mimic the return of water from the mountains to the delta.

Deep sub-soil moisture reserves in these swales and adgingbongs gradually increase over time.

Productive plant species are selected to utilize and enhance moisture penetration and storage. Fungi associated with roots and humus in the soil from leaf litter greatly increases the soils water holding capacity.

The holding capacity of earthworks increases as plants establish and humus levels increase.

Since commencing earthworks in December 2005, many modifications to improve the effectiveness of the total system have been implemented

Adgingbongs when first cut in 2006. Overflow from the dam is directed here. Main focus is the establishment of useful deep rooted pioneer species to condition the soil and increase its water holding capacity.


Combined swale and entrance road to Janahn Forest.
This particular swale is the final diversion swale for flow to the dam from half the catchment area.