The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Llano River Watershed Alliance are presenting the Llano River Riparian Woodlands Workshop on Sept. 10 in Junction. It will focus on repairing and managing natural resources to protect the woodlands.
Onsite check-in will begin at 8 a.m., and the event will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Llano River Field Station, Texas Tech University Center, 254 Red Raider Lane. Participants will proceed to the South Llano River State Park for the outdoor portion of the event around 10 a.m. It will conclude around 12:30 p.m.
The cost is $10, and preregistration is required at https://tx.ag/LlanoOnlineRegistration. Participants who prefer to pay by mail can find the form at https://tx.ag/LlanoMailForm.
Event organizers said the workshop will allow participants to learn or review the introductory principles of a healthy riparian system, including the plants and land management practices that create a functioning riparian system. Attendees will learn what’s impacting the irreplaceable woodlands and what can be done.
The featured speaker is Steve Nelle, retired U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources and Conservation Service natural resource specialist/wildlife biologist, San Angelo.
Texas Master Naturalists should consult their local chapter about available advanced training credits.
Riparian workshop events, topics
Nelle will be sharing his expertise and guiding attendees through the indoor and outdoor portions of the program, which will include:
- Presentation covering the introductory principles of a healthy riparian system and the impact of Axis deer.
- Field trip to the South Llano River State Park with three stops.
- Observation of the park’s healthy and functioning riparian system along the river, and the vegetation, including treated Arundo, a non-native invasive giant cane.
- A 3/4 mile walk through the park’s riparian woodlands to see the impact of Axis deer and a history of various exclosures, an area from which unwanted animals are excluded.
- Identification of woodland vegetation, as well as the non-native Mexican needle grass.
- A 1/4 mile walk to see a 27-year-old exclosure and the story it tells.
Llano River Watershed Alliance
The Llano River Watershed Alliance is an organization of landowners and interested stakeholders whose mission is to preserve and enhance the Llano River and adjoining watersheds by encouraging land and water stewardship through collaboration, education and community participation.
For questions or additional information, contact Scott Richardson at scottr@ctesc.net or 830-459-2271.
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