A Texas Watershed Steward workshop focusing on the Blanco River and Cypress Creek watersheds will be held on Sept. 24 in Wimberley.
“This workshop is designed to help watershed residents learn about their water resources and how they can become involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the Texas Watershed Steward program in Bryan-College Station.
The Blanco River watershed spans five counties in the Texas Hill Country and supplies water to some of the fastest-growing population centers in the state. The Blanco River interacts with the Trinity and Edwards aquifers, contributing to iconic springs such as Pleasant Valley Springs, Jacob’s Well Spring, and San Marcos Springs. The watershed has also been shown to contribute to Barton Springs during periods of low flow and drought, making it essential in maintaining the delicate environmental flow balance of these springs and waterways.
The Cypress Creek watershed, located in northwest Harris County and extending into Waller County, drains 267 square miles into its primary waterway, Cypress Creek.
The free event will be held at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, from 1 to 5 p.m., and is open to anyone interested in improving the region’s water quality. Participants must pre-register by visiting the Texas Watershed Steward website at tamu.edu/ workshops/registration or by calling 979321-5935. Additional meeting information will be provided upon registration, Kuitu said.
The workshop will include discussions on watershed systems, types and sources of water pollution, and community-driven watershed protection and management. Attendees will learn about water quality management and how they can contribute to improving and maintaining the water quality of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River through best management practices.
Though the workshop will emphasize local water resources, the information is applicable to waters throughout the region, Kuitu said.
Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and are eligible to earn a certificate of completion.
For more information on the Texas Watershed Steward program, visit tws.tamu. edu.
