Residents and professionals interested in water conservation and environmental stewardship will soon have an opportunity to learn more about local water resources at the Texas Watershed Steward Workshop on May 19 in Oakalla, Texas. Hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the free event is designed to engage community members in the protection and management of the Lampasas River watershed.

The workshop will take place at the Oakalla Community Center (29011 Farm-to-Market Road 963) from 1-5 p.m. and is open to the public. Those interested must register in advance via this online link or by calling 979-321-5935. Once registered, participants will receive additional event details. Attendees will also receive a Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion.

The workshop will feature discussions on watershed systems and water pollution sources, providing insight into the best management practices for improving water quality. A community discussion will address local efforts in watershed protection and management.

“This workshop is designed to help watershed residents learn about their water resources and how they may become involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and Texas Watershed Steward coordinator.

In addition to community education, the Texas Watershed Steward program provides continuing education units (CEUs) for various professionals, including:

• Soil and Water Management – 4 CEUs for certified crop advisers, engineers, teachers, geoscientists, and floodplain managers.
• Environmental Planning – 4 certification maintenance hours and 1 law hour for American Institute of Certified Planners.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Licensees – 4 CEUs for wastewater system operators, public water system operators, on-site sewage facility installers, and landscape irrigators.
• Private Pesticide Applicators – 3 general CEUs for Texas Department of Agriculture-certified license holders.
• Nutrient Management Specialists – 2 CEUs.

The Texas Watershed Steward program is funded through a federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant, administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on the Texas Watershed Steward program, contact Michael Kuitu at 979-321-5935 (michael.kuitu@ag.tamu.edu) or Kelly Tarla at 512-756-5463 (kelly.tarla@ag.tamu.edu).

For questions specific to Lampasas River watershed, reach out to Lisa Prcin, AgriLife Research specialist, at 254-774-6008 (lprcin@brc.tamus.edu).

Residents are encouraged to attend and take an active role in the protection and restoration of their local water sources.