The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI)’s Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program is hosting three free workshops in April and May for Texas residents interested in land and water stewardship.
“We are able to offer these workshops without cost thanks to program funding provided through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Nikki Dictson, TWRI Extension program specialist and coordinator.
The watersheds, dates and locations are:
- Big Cypress Creek watershed: April 27 at the Jefferson Transportation Center, 305 E. Austin St. in Jefferson. The workshop is co-hosted by the North East Texas Municipal Water District and the AgriLife Extension office in Marion County.
- Gilleland Creek watershed: May 5 at the Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. in Pflugerville. The workshop is co-hosted by the city of Pflugerville and AgriLife Extension office in Travis County.
- Village Creek/Lake Arlington watershed: May 24 at the Trinity River Authority General Office, 5300 S. Collins St. in Arlington. The workshop is co-hosted by Trinity River Authority and the AgriLife Extension office in Tarrant County.
All workshops are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the afternoon sessions include a walk and presentation along the creeks. Catered lunches are available for $10.
Dictson said the workshops focus on the nature and function of stream and riparian zones, as well as the benefits and economic impacts from proper functioning riparian systems. A riparian zone is the land area adjacent to the bank of a stream, creek, bayou or river.
Workshop topics include riparian and watershed management principles, water quality, riparian vegetation, hindrances to healthy riparian areas, stream processes, management practices and discussion of local resources. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and appropriate continuing education unit certificates at the conclusion of the training.
“The goal of the workshops is for participants to better understand riparian and watershed processes, the benefits of healthy riparian areas and what resources are available to prevent degradation while improving water quality,” Dictson said.
Attendees must RSVP online or to Dictson at 979.458.5915 or n-dictson@tamu.edu by certain dates.
The riparian education program is managed by TWRI. For more information, contact Dictson or visit texasriparian.org or the program’s Facebook page.
