The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI)’s Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program will host a free workshop Sept. 26 in the Plum Creek watershed for area residents interested in land and water stewardship.
“Riparian areas – the green vegetated land area adjacent to the bank of a stream, creek, bayou, river or lake – are unique and important ecosystems that provide many benefits including habitat and forage,” said Nikki Dictson, AgriLife Extension program specialist for TWRI. “Proper management, protection and restoration of these vital areas directly influences water quality and quantity, plus stabilizes stream banks and improves fish and aquatic habitats and communities and more.”
The workshop will be from 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lockhart State Park Recreational Hall, 2012 State Park Road. The afternoon session will include a walk and presentations along the creek. The workshop is co-hosted locally by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Caldwell County and the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership.
Attendees must RSVP by Sept. 21 to Dictson at 979-575-4424 or n-dictson@tamu.edu or online. Attendees are encouraged to RVSP early as the facility is limited to 50 people.
The program will include a lunchtime presentation. A catered lunch is available for $10 or participants may bring their own lunch. Register for lunch online or pay cash at the door.
Dictson said the goal of the workshop is for participants to better understand riparian and watershed processes, the benefits of healthy riparian areas and what technical and financial resources are available to prevent degradation while improving water quality.
The institute is able to offer the workshop without cost because of program funding provided through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion and appropriate continuing education unit certificates at the conclusion of the training.
For more information, contact Dictson, visit Texas Riparian Association website or go to its Facebook page.
