The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is hosting free Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program workshops Oct. 15 in Lockhart and Oct. 23 in Junction for area residents interested in land and water stewardship.
The Oct. 15 workshop is from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for residents in the Plum Creek watershed. The morning session will be at the Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Rd. The afternoon session will include a walk and presentations along the creek.
The Oct. 23 workshop is from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for residents in Kimble County and surrounding counties. The morning session will be at Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station, 254 Red Raider Lane. The afternoon session will include a walk and presentations along the river.
Clare Entwistle, research associate at the institute’s San Antonio office, said those planning to attend the Oct. 15 workshop must RSVP by Oct. 11 online at Texas A&M Marketplace, to Entwistle at 210-277-0292 ext.205, or clare.entwistle@ag.tamu.edu.
Attendees for the Oct. 23 workshop must RSVP by Oct. 14 online at Texas A&M Marketplace, or to Entwistle.
Entwistle said proper management, protection and restoration of riparian areas directly influences water quality and quantity, plus stabilizes stream banks and improves fish and aquatic habitats and communities.
“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,” she said.
Entwistle said the institute is able to offer the workshop 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 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, visit TWRI’s event page, contact Entwistle or visit the Texas Riparian Association’s website or Facebook page.
