Environmental Planning & Engineering

Much of our work is undertaken towards the vision of a restored balance between human impact and benefit in the landscape. Approaching projects of broader scope and scale, a range of specific objectives are in reach, from complete recovery efforts of degraded habitat, to maintained multi-use private or public space. Watershed enhancement, erosion control and permeable surfacing, greenways, ponds and wildlife corridors are common themes for us, in the following general categories:

Ecological Restoration
As a design + build firm that is grounded in the principles of ecological design and Permaculture, La Loma Development has a sound scientific understanding of ecological processes and can provide restoration plans that recognize biological opportunities and constraints. Historical conditions may never be replicated, but we seek to reestablish stable havens of biodiversity that may ultimately anchor sweeping transitions.

Keyline Design
Using the natural filtration of plants and soils is one of the best ways to manage and treat storm-water runoff. La Loma Development designs and constructs terracing, swales and bio-retention ponds that can dramatically reduce pollutants and sediment in runoff. These systems provide local flood control, increase aesthetic appeal of streets and slopes, provide wildlife habitat, decrease the burden on municipal stormwater systems, improve soils and recharge groundwater.

Soils Assessment and Amendment
An important starting point for any cultivation work is analysing existing soil biology, chemistry and site geology. We can conduct appropriate testing and examinations to determine strategies for improvement and regeneration. The world underfoot is immensely complex and influential, with general goodwill for us when properly provided for.  Careful considerations taken early in a remediation or replanting effort can pay off indefinitely to the benefit of all concerned.  Likewise, unmindful missteps may lead to lasting difficulty.