Are you wondering what these rock structures are? They are low-tech restoration structures called Zeedyks. The main purpose of this project was to stop erosion from cutting into the trail. These Zeedyks will not only stop the erosion from progressing, but allow vegetation to re-establish in these areas.

Zeedyks are not a new concept when it comes to land management and restoration, but they have only recently regained popularity. They are typically constructed out of rock and local materials and are mostly built using hand tools. These structures can be used to increase the amount of water in the soil by slowing the flow of water and stopping erosion in head cuts and gullies. The name “Zeedyk structure” refers to Bill Zeedyk, a retired U.S. Forest Service biologist who championed the concept of using these small stone structures to improve wet meadow habitat.

What Is a Zeedyk?

Zeedyks are not a new concept when it comes to land management and restoration, but they have only recently regained popularity. They are typically constructed out of rock and local materials and are mostly built using hand tools. These structures can be used to increase the amount of water in the soil by slowing the flow of water and stopping erosion in head cuts and gullies. The name “Zeedyk structure” refers to Bill Zeedyk, a retired U.S. Forest Service biologist who championed the concept of using these small stone structures to improve wet meadow habitat.