Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Ward Ling, 979-845-6980, wling@tamu.edu
SEGUIN – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority will present the Smart Growth Workshop from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, 1865 U.S. Highway 90 E. in Seguin.
The workshop is free and will include in-class presentations and outdoor demonstrations. Lunch will be provided at no cost, but attendees must register to reserve a seat.
Topics will include discussion on the linkage between land-use types, water quality and community character, and how to reduce stormwater runoff volume and improve water quality through the use of low-impact development structures and techniques.
“The goal of the workshop is to better equip decision makers so they are able to consider the impacts of nonpoint source pollution in their daily activities,” said Ward Ling, AgriLife Extension programs specialist, College Station. “It is being hosted by AgriLife Extension and the GBRA as part of the implementation of the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan.”
Rain gardens are among the low-impact design features that can be used for smart growth. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
The use of permeable pavements, rain gardens, vegetated swales, curbless streets and other features to enhance flood control are among those referred to as low-impact, Ling explained.
He said Dr. Fouad Jaber, AgriLife Extension specialist in integrated water resources management in Dallas, will explain how different smart growth techniques can help mitigate the harmful effects of urbanization on stormwater volume and water quality.
The workshop will also include a site tour of a rainwater harvesting system, permeable pavement and a rain garden, as well as a walking tour of Geronimo Creek.
Seven hours of American Institute of Certified Planners credits will be available.
For more information and to register for the workshop, contact Ling at 979-845-6980 or wling@tamu.edu.
For more information on the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan, go to http://www.geronimocreek.org/ .