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Free Watershed Steward training offered Nov. 10 in SeguinTexas A free, one-day Texas Watershed Steward training will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 10 at the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority's River Annex, 905 Nolan Street in Seguin. The training is sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in cooperation with the river authority. "This program is designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their water resources by showing them how to get involved in local watershed protection and management activities," said Jennifer Peterson, AgriLife Extension water quality program specialist in College Station. Peterson said the training is being held in Guadalupe County because it is home to the Geronimo Creek Watershed, an important water source located between the two major metropolitan areas of Austin and San Antonio. A 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory published by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality showed Geronimo Creek had elevated bacteria concentrations and nitrogen levels. The water body has been monitored by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority since 1996 as part of the Clean Rivers Program. The almost 70-square-mile watershed is part of the larger Guadalupe River Basin. "This region of South Central Texas has undergone and continues to undergo rapid urbanization which is having a significant impact on quality and future availability of water resources," she said. "As this area continues to develop and population and urban land use both increase, the role of hydrology and the need for improved water quality will also increase." She added that the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, along with other stakeholders, have been working on a plan to improve the water quality in the watershed. An initial meeting to discuss issues and begin development of a watershed protection plan for Geronimo Creek was held Oct. 6 in Seguin. "Other local partners in this effort include the Comal-Guadalupe Soil and Water Conservation District, the city of Seguin and Guadalupe County," Peterson said, adding that more information on the Geronimo Creek Watershed Partnership can be found at http://geronimocreek.org. "Planning and implementation of any water quality efforts require the input and action of area residents for them to be successful," Peterson noted. "That's why we're holding this free Texas Watershed Steward training on Nov. 10 and inviting area residents to participate." Texas Watershed Stewards learn about watershed systems, water quality regulation and monitoring, methods to improve water quality, and community-driven watershed protection and management, she said. The associated training provides the basic knowledge and tools needed to form a watershed action group, participate in and organize local watershed activities, and become more involved in protecting and enhancing community water resources. Participants will receive training, a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Curriculum Handbook, free prizes and gifts, and a certificate of completion. They also have the opportunity to acquire: --Seven continuing education units in soil and water management for certified crop advisors. --Seven Texas State Board for Educator Certification continuing professional education credits for certified teachers. --Seven American Institute of Certified Planners certificate maintenance credits for planners. --Seven hours for professionals belonging to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. --Three general continuing education units for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders. Pre-registration for the training is open and required for participation. For more information and to pre-register, visit the Texas Watershed Steward website at http://tws.tamu.edu or contact Peterson at 979-862-8072 or jlpeterson@ag.tamu.edu.
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