Online riparian, stream ecosystem workshop
Will be presented in two parts: virtual training and April 20 discussion
The Texas Water Resources Institute, or TWRI, will host a two-part online workshop of the Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program training.
This free training is for area residents and others interested in land and water stewardship in the Joe Pool Lake watershed.
Two-part program
Training will be presented in two parts. This first will be a virtual training that includes a prerecorded program that can be viewed before April 20.
The prerecorded online education program will cover an introduction to riparian principles, watershed processes, basic hydrology, erosion/deposition principles and riparian vegetation, in addition to potential causes of degradation and possible impairment. It will also address any available local resources and technical assistance for watershed improvement.
After viewing the online program, participants can join instructors and local watershed coordinators from 10 a.m.-noon April 20 on the Zoom meeting platform to discuss and ask questions about the program and hear about improvement work being done in the Joe Pool Lake watershed.
Clare Escamilla, research associate at the institute’s San Antonio office, said the training is co-hosted locally by the San Antonio River Authority and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County.
Registration and RSVP
Online program registration is available. Those planning to participate in the April 20 portion must RSVP by April 14 at the Joe Pool Lake Watershed Riparian & Stream Ecosystems Training page or to Escamilla at [email protected].
The virtual training will be made available to all registered participants two weeks prior to the April 20 gathering.
Escamilla said proper management, protection and restoration of these areas directly influences water quality and quantity, plus stabilizes stream banks and improves fish and aquatic habitats and communities.
“The goal of the training 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.
The program is sponsored in part 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.
The training offers many types of continuing education units, including three units — two general and one integrated pest management — for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders. It offers one unit from the Texas Water Resources Institute, seven hours for certified crop advisors, and six hours for Texas Nutrient Management Planning specialists. The program may also be used for continuing education units for professional engineers.
The Texas Water Resources Institute manages the riparian education program. The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
For more information, contact Escamilla or visit the Texas Riparian Association website or Facebook page.
