12. Avoiding Erosion

Interpretive Intent: Fast, furious rain falls can take it’s toll on slopes. And considering the little rain fall of Utah, you’d think erosion wouldn’t be that large of a problem here. Heavy clay soils are especially vulnerable to both rain and wind erosion. It’s not porous enough to absorb a winter downpour, and it doesn’t support enough vegetation to keep from blowing away during summer’s hot, dry winds. The results: gullies, mudslides and lost topsoil.

Exhibit Design: By far, the best long-term solution to erosion is vegetation. Grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees break the force of the rain, reduce the speed of storm runoff, and shield the soil from wind. On slopes, you’ll need deeply rooted plants; shrubs do a nice job. The large slope in this exhibit is a wonderful example of a well planted slope that avoids erosion problems.

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