The Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District sponsored an education event with AgriLife Extension for the public on June 11 & 12 in Wilson and Atascosa County respectively. Landowners and county residents were able to get their private well water tested, learn more about the conservation of water, and rainwater harvesting. There were five presenters that shared knowledge with the public about watersheds, the local groundwater conservation district, taking care of your personal water well, lawn and native landscaping, and rainwater harvesting.
Mary Michael Zahed, Program Specialist for Texas Water Resource Institute, spoke about Watersheds and how they impact local water resources.
Useful Link: Texas Watershed Viewer 2.0
Aarin Teague, General Manager at Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, shared insight with the public about what groundwater districts do and the importance of getting a registration or permit on your well..
Useful Link: Water Conservation
Joel Pigg, Extension Program Specialist at AgriLife Extension, shared with the public about water well knowledge and different information regarding information every well owner should know.
Useful Link: Water Well Basics Flyer
John Smith, Extension Program Specialist at AgriLife Extension, spoke with the attendees about rainwater harvesting and different ways to integrating it into your property.
Useful Link: Rainwater Harvesting
Dean Minchillo, Program Specialist at Texas Water Resources Institute spoke about the different types of lawns in the area and how to choose one that is right for your home. He also spoke about planting natives and how much water you need to have a good lawn.
Useful Link: Healthy Lawns Healthy Waters
After the presentations, attendees were able to see a physical demonstration about how different conditions of their yard affect how much water settles to recharge the aquifer, or becomes polluted runoff. Lastly, attendees were able to see how to set up rainwater harvesting barrels to use in their own backyards. The 55-gallon drums were generously donated by Pure & Gentle Soap Company in Seguin, TX.
The Evergreen is grateful to be able to put on events for community members to come together, share knowledge, and have long-lasting conversations about the importance of taking care of our most important resource: water. Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thank you to AgriLife Extension for helping host this event. The Evergreen looks forward to interacting with our landowners at future events.
