At Sadhana Forest, trees spring from once-barren land. This article in the 2015 March 23 print edition of the Christian Science Monitor on replanting once-barren lands is notable for its description of wick irrigation. I wonder how this might translate into open-weave sponge mats in drought-stricken California. Due to fire danger, the hillsides of California near roads and houses can’t be allowed to get too dry. Annual rye grasses and eucalyptus tree litter are a large part of the problem. When there are winter rains, trees and ground cover are important to keep the hillsides in place – especially in areas in which the adobe (clay) soil predominates. Any watering system needs to withstand rampaging deer and digging raccoons and squirrels.