Square World Round Heart

“Pattern literacy and generation are the keys to understanding whole systems and to generating whole systems, lives, and communities.” ~ Joel Glanzberg

One can see in 2’ contour interval the public space of the river its floodplain and alluvium. How like a Noli diagram this is!

A meander is a sinuous stream channel whose length is generally 1.5 times greater than its downstream length. A meander can slow waterflow and yield sediment depositions within its flood plain. Although a single stream meander is an idealized and romantic form they are also, if allowed to migrate as a braided form within a dynamic flood plain, a rich source of vegetated habitat diversity. We realize that not all streams necessitate enforced meanders. The issue is complex. The goal of this blog is to re-introduce the pattern of a meander. Now, with rapid and vast ecological change already upon us, the interstices of land based practice MUST travel with and through our urban landscapes. Square World Round Heart proposes four things: Albuquerque Neighborhood Associations

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To reduce and RECYCLE THE CONCRETE used in the stormwater drainage system. This would offset urban heat island effect created by concrete massing along the drainage system. To introduce ALTERNATIVES to the current stormwater drainage system. A rural stream restoration practice is the primary focus of this blog. To plant resultant ‘point bars’ in the sedimented catchment areas along the buffer zones with EDIBLE LANDSCAPE. This landscape would assist food production for two leggeds, four leggeds and other creatures in the coming years. To encourage adoption of local ‘meanders’ by civic organizations like NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS or Public Schools. These adoption areas could create matrix proximities that would enhance the creation of viable habitat along the stormwater corridors. Contact AMAFCA.org if you are interested in this idea. A current proposal for recreational trails is already underway for the Hahn Arroyo.

Interventions courtesy of Bill Zeedyke Perhaps we should begin in small increments higher up in the watershed. A more dynamic floodplain may be possible here. This may alleviate the scouring of sediment loads downstream.

One rock dams all the way down? These frequently fail during high flood events. But using ( chunks of concrete?) between induced meanders and baffles in arroyos may build help build more saturated soils and a plant base so that erosion does not pollute the waterways.

After small upstream meanders are installed many neighborhood associations could help maintain larger stream sections.. Especially at intersections and where public parks and trails occur.

What if some of these baffles were constructed out of recycled steel? Or large wooden posts made into birdhouses/bathouses?

In dense urban areas the opportunity to define floodplains for edible landscape at induced point bars might be defined by the following criteria: Close proximity to a Neighborhood Association who will adopt care and maintenance duties at AMAFCA ‘s discretion. Vacant lots or parking lots Close proximity to School systems Large swords of semi arid grassland species or habitat protection could define the borders of these enterprises.

The planned linear drainage areas in red on the adjacent map may be more opportunities to investigate other methods for slowing stormwater runnoff and creating new land held in common for our future generations. so much depends upon a red wheel barrow glazed with rain water beside the white chickens -William Carlos Williams