November 17, 2008
Hello Arroyo Partners:
I hope all is well. The Valley got some rain and has a slight chill in the air after two cold fronts blew through last week. It might be a good time to break out the fishing rods, run out to the Arroyo, brave the weather and see if the “Drum Run” has started. Be sure to change your line, no fish stories only fish.
I am happy to say that I have seen several of the new Arroyo Colorado Watershed signs in person. These signs took a coordinated effort and maybe a little more time than we originally thought but they are here and look great. A couple of the cities that did not have signs installed have contacted the ACWP about getting some made for them. I have a feeling that these signs will create a “stir” and lead to the installation of even more signs. We can only hope.
The storm drain markers have been ordered and should be getting delivered to all the participating cities by the end of this year! Again, this project has taken some time but has been worth the wait.
Last Saturday, I attended the Kids Pharr Out Nature Day in Pharr, TX. It was a great success with the Pharr Placita full of kids of all ages all day. The Arroyo Colorado model was on display next to the Estero Llano Grande exhibit. If I had to guess, I would say there were easily about 500 people that attended the event. I want to congratulate Santiago Salinas and the city of Pharr on providing children with such a fun and educational event.
Don’t forget: The Texas Watershed Steward Program is right around the corner, being held on Nov 20, 2008 at Rio Farms (25601 N. FM 88) in Monte Alto. The Watershed Steward Program start time has been moved back thirty minutes with the sign in and registration starting at 8:30 am and the workshop starting promptly at 9:00 am. The workshop will provide CEUs for certified planners, crop advisors, professional engineers, educator certification, pesticide applicators and certified floodplain managers. See the attached flyer (please note time change above is different from what is on the flyer) or visit http://tws.tamu.edu/workshops.html for more information. I hope to see you there!
Here are a few other upcoming events that you may be interested in:
- Environmental and Sustainability Conference-Nov. 15th and 22nd at the Cooper Center at the Pecan Campus, South Texas College. Register or obtain additional information at mmahmoud@southtexascollege.edu.
- Annual CREST-RESSACA Conference focusing on Lower Rio Grande Valley Storm Water Runoff Pollution Prevention Planning will be Nov 24-25 at the La Copa Inn Resort in South Padre Island, TX. Register or obtain additional information at http://crest.tamuk.edu/.
I would like for everybody to take note that the Steering Committee and workgroup meetings have changed from Thursdays to Mondays. Here is the new schedule for 2009:
Steering Committee Meetings (4th Monday of the quarter month):
Jan 26
April 27
July 27
Oct 26
Education and Outreach Workgroup Meetings (not changed - 2nd Tuesday of the quarter month):
Jan 13
April 14
July 14
Oct 13
Ag Issues Workgroup Meetings (same day as steering committee - 4th Monday, but only twice a year):
Jan 26
July 27
Habitat Workgroup Meetings (same day as steering committee - 4th Monday, but only twice a year):
Jan 26
July 27
And speaking of steering committee and workgroup meetings, all recent workgroup meeting notes are posted on the Arroyo Colorado Web site and the steering committee meeting minutes from October 23 will be up shortly. Also, your bi-annual Arroyo Colorado newsletter should be arriving in your mailbox very soon.
Well that is all for now. Let me know when and where those “reds” are running. I hope to see and meet many of you at the Watershed Steward Program and at the CREST-RESSACA Conference.
Looking ahead,
Jaime Flores