Retaining Wall

Looking north along this hillside, we can see a small crib retaining wall, consisting of interlocking wooden boxes filled with granular material which allow free drainage. Building on steep slopes can encourage erosion, so retaining walls like this one are constructed in order to prevent hillside disintegration and protect hilltop streets from collapsing. While it may not look like much, this retaining wall is truly an important feat of engineering working to keep hillsides, roads, and homes safe from harm.