READING THE LANDSCAPE SERIES: Snow Cover

Late winter view of center field at *fields without fences* under a cover of snow, 2019.

From a permaculture perspective, late season snow presents a wonderful opportunity to read patterns in the landscape. By observing snow melt, we can easily identify where water naturally moves across the landscape, and this gives us insight into ways we might harness water flow, interrupt or redirect it, or choose select species that thrive in seasonal inundation. We can identify microclimates in our landscapes by observing where the first snow melt happens, and which areas linger under a blanket of white long after the snow has receded elsewhere. With this knowledge we can work with our existing topography to choose everything from walking paths, to pond sites, to planting areas.