Probably on Saturday, I'll reinforce my little dams, cause more expected next week! Bring it!
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I have an aerial photo of my farm in 1961. There were only 2 trees observed on the 240+ acres at that time. The entire place is terraced to control the water (a very good thing). I can still see the terraces today. As you stated, they do need to be maintained to keep the water flowing in the proper directions. I have several that have been breached, causing water that should go in my pond, to escape around the edges. I’m not sure why the cattle think they have to walk in the same place all the time, but they do. This is another project for the retirement list.
Your dams appear to be more robust than my terraces. I am amazed that your trenches filled in so well, left the 1 puddle, and that puddle was not full, from 4.5” of rain. It really shows you know your land. You’ve taken the proper steps to capitalize on the rain fall when it comes.
I did see the Indigo snake video. I like snakes (no, I don’t play with them). They have their place & purpose. I have bull snakes around my buildings that are a darker color phase (similar to your Indigo), but with a slight pattern. I also have some black plastic pipe laying that gives me the “Willy’s” when I stumble across it. A couple times, that black plastic pipe hissed at me.