MOODY — The Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program will host a workshop on the Leon River watershed Sept. 12 near Moody.
The no-cost educational program on how streams function and the role of riparian vegetation in stream-system function is set for 8 a.m.–4 p.m., according to Nikki Dictson, Texas Water Resources Institute Extension program specialist and program coordinator.
The program is managed by the Texas Water Resources Institute, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University. It is funded through a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The morning session will be at The Grove Community Center, located 5.5 miles from Mother Neff State Park near 5554 Texas State Highway 236. The afternoon field portion will take place at Mother Neff State Park, 1680 Texas State Highway 236, Moody.
The Leon River, a 190-mile stream in north Central Texas, is the focus of watershed planning efforts by area stakeholders.
Dictson said the workshop will include indoor classroom presentations and presentations in the field by representatives from AgriLife Extension, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Mike Marshall, AgriLife Extension associate and Leon River watershed coordinator.
Afternoon activities will include a field visit to stream sites to see the Leon River and the riparian vegetation at Mother Neff State Park.
“Riparian education programs like this lead to informed landowners and members of the public more inclined to use practices that improve the management of riparian and stream ecosystems,” Dictson said. “Proper management, protection and restoration of these vital areas directly influence water quality and quantity, plus improve stream banks, fish and aquatic habitats, communities and more.”
“Stakeholders recognize successful implementation of a watershed protection plan requires a variety of management strategies,” Marshall said. “The riparian and stream workshop is an educational event supporting this effort.”
A catered barbeque lunch is available for $10 cash. Participants must RSVP by Sept. 6. To register online, go to: naturalresourcestraining.tamu.edu/schedule.
Pasquale Swaner, AgriLife Extension agent for Coryell County, said the workshop offers three continuing education units — two general and one integrated pest management — for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders, one unit from the Texas Water Resources Institute and six hours for Texas Nutrient Management Planning specialists. He said the program is acceptable for health, safety and welfare credit from the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and may also be used for continuing education units for professional engineers.
For more information, please contact Dictson at 979-458-5915 or n-dictson@tamu.edu or visit texasriparian.org.
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