The Texas Water Resources Institute, or TWRI, will host a free Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 30 in Weslaco for area residents interested in land and water stewardship in the Arroyo Colorado Watershed.
The morning session will be at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center on 2401 Business Highway 83 East. The afternoon session will include a walk and presentations along the Arroyo Colorado.
The training will focus on the nature and function of stream and riparian zones and the benefits and direct impacts from healthy riparian zones. The riparian education programs will cover an introduction to riparian principles, watershed processes, basic hydrology, erosion/deposition principles and riparian vegetation, as well as potential causes of degradation and possible resulting impairment(s) and available local resources including technical assistance and tools that can be employed to prevent and/or resolve degradation.
These one-day trainings in watersheds across the state include both indoor classroom presentations and outdoor stream walks. Instructors are experts from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The goal is for participants to better understand and relate to riparian and watershed processes, the benefits that healthy riparian areas provide and the tools that can be employed to prevent and/or resolve degradation and improve water quality. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available:
- Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License - 3 CEUs
- Texas Nutrient Management Planning Specialists - 6 hours
- International Society of Arboriculture - 8.25 CEUs (Certified Arborist: 2.75, Municipal Specialist: 2.75, BCMA - Science: 0.75, BCMA - Practice: 2)
- Texas Forestry Association - 6 hours
- Society of American Foresters - 6 hours
- Certified Crop Advisor- 7 CEUs (Nutrient Mgmt: 1, Soil & Water: 1.5, IPM: 1.5, Crop Mgmt: 2.5, Manure Mgmt: 0.5)
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners “Acceptable for HSW credit”
- Texas Floodplain Management Association – 7 CECs
- The program may also be used for CEUs for Professional Engineers.
- Check with your Chapter for Master Naturalist and Master Gardener to see if it is approved for your area. This course is approved for the Texas Waters Specialist certification program
Registration is required by April 23, 2024. A catered lunch will be available to participants for $15. Lunch can be paid for in advance by credit card or in cash on-site the day of the event. Participants may also choose to bring their own lunch. Dress is casual and comfortable for the weather as we will be outside along the arroyo during the afternoon.
For more information or questions please contact Alexander Neal at Alexander.Neal@ag.tamu.edu or 979-314-2351. This workshop is free because the program is funded through a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Contact Information:
Alexander Neal, TWRI Program Specialist
Alexander.Neal@ag.tamu.edu
979-314-2351