Ama Earthworks

Ama Earthworks is a hydrological design studio based in Western North Carolina—repairing streams, rehydrating landscapes, and stewarding living water systems in our local watersheds. Our work combines ecological design, field-based engineering, and advanced analysis to restore the natural movement of water through land. We assess each site as a living system, mapping water flow, soil, and ecological patterns to create precise, regenerative designs. We then implement targeted interventions: stream bank repair, water retention systems, and landscape shaping that slows, spreads, and sinks water. Our approach is relationship-first. The two main people behind it are Dan Casciato and Apollo Saldana. Dan has a background in systems engineering, regenerative ag, and land stewardship. Apollo has been a core member of the Water Stories team for over 6 years, and brings a decade of field expertise and experience working with water all over the planet.