Finding Contour Lines and Marking Bio-Swales with this Easy-to-Make Tool

I’ve seen A-frame and water levels for marking swales. They’re clunky, often require two people, and the A-frame string is prone to wind movement. Then I found this idea from  @WestTexasGardenExperiment  I whipped one up in 5 minutes and in another 20, had my new swales marked.

I’m digging a swale not just as a permaculture to-do list item—it’s actually going to help slow, catch, and spread water in my sacrifice plot. It will be staked with flags and bamboo poles post construction to protect my livestock and keep them away from the trench.