Public Input Sought By City of Wichita Falls

If you are a resident of Wichita Falls, plan to attend the public meeting on February 23, 5:30 pm - 7:00 PM in Room 203, Wichita Falls Public Library.

I couldn't find the press release on the city website so watch for more information in the Times Record News and local TV. This meeting is to get public input on funding priorities associated with parks, public works, streets, child care, neighborhood resources, housing, code enforcement, first time homebuyers and senior citizens. Be there if you want a voice.

Science Saturdays at River Bend

River Bend has started Science Saturdays for children at River Bend. This is one of their best ideas yet! Last Saturday was rocks and this Saturday is water.

If you have kids, this would be a fun and educational program for them.

Way to go, River Bend!

Congratulations to the Rolling Plains Texas Master Naturalists

The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists won the 2009 Texas Rain Catcher Award in the Nonprofit category from the Texas Water Development Board.

The Master Naturalists designed and constructed two rainwater harvesting systems at River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls.

Entries were scored by members of the TWDB staff and outside experts based upon conservation efforts, cost efficiency, originality of design and how well the rainwater harvesting system benefitted the environment. The chapter will be recognized at the upcoming meeting of the Texas Water Development Board in Austin.

The Times Record News did run a small article about the award on February 5.

Way to go!

Nature Photography Competition

River Bend Nature Center is sponsoring a nature photography competition. Details are in the flyer to the left (click on the photo to increase the size). Further details are available by calling River Bend at 940-767-0843.

Public Forum March 2

The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is hosting a public forum for community members interested in environmental issues. The purpose of the forum is to get to know some of the people who have an impact on the natural resources in our area, hear what's happening in our community and ask questions of concern.

The forum will be Tuesday, March 2 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at River Bend Nature Center, 2200 Third Street, Wichita Falls, TX. Light refreshments (cookies and punch) will be served.

The following community leaders will be attending:

• Mark Howell, Inland Fisheries Biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Jon Ferguson, Superintendent, Lake Arrowhead State Park, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept
• Fred Hall, Wichita County AgriLife Agent
• Jack Murphy, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Wichita Falls

Come on out, listen, and ask questions!

Wonderful Adult Education Program at River Bend

River Bend Nature Center had an excellent adult education program last night. Fred Hall, our new county extension agent, was the presenter on personal water conservation. I wanted to share with you just a couple of tidbits I picked up:

• 30 - 50% of urban water use in Texas is used for irrigation of lawns and gardens
• People spread 67M lbs of pesticides on Texas lawns and currently 5 - 10% of water wells have detectable levels of pesticides in them
• 1 hour lawn mowing releases as many volatile organic compounds as driving 100 miles in your car
• Trees lower home energy bills by 25%

He also mentioned that corn meal gluten will help rid your lawn of crab grass and grass burs, although he recommends crab grass for grazing cattle--they apparently love it.

Anyway, a fascinating presentation. Be sure to attend the next program in the series. Daniel Nix from the City of Wichita Falls will be talking about city water planning on Feb 15, 7 - 9 PM at RBNC.

Water Programs at River Bend

I gave a water program a couple of weeks ago at River Bend. They have announced the remaining programs in the series. All programs are from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at River Bend Nature Center. The public is welcome. $3 for the general public; members get in free. For more information, call River Bend at 767-0843.

- Feb 1, Fred Hall, County Extension Agent, "Personal Water Conservation"
- Feb 15, Daniel Nix, Wichita Public Works, "City Water Planning"
- Mar 1, Paul Dowlearn, Wichita Valley Landscaping, "Xeriscaping"

Hope to see some of you there.