Water is important to every form of life, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of Texas. Animals have to depend on Mother Nature and wildlife habitat or livestock water supplies, but homeowners and landowners can use rainwater collection systems to make the most of the liquid from the sky. And if you would like to learn how, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and San Antonio Botanical Garden will sponsor a Rain Barrel Workshop from 9 am to 12 noon on November 6, 2010.
The rainwater collection workshop will be held at the botanical garden, 555 Funston in San Antonio. Bryan Davis, Texas AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Bexar County, stated:
“Rainwater harvesting is a tried-and-true way to capture free water from rainfall. You can save money by collecting and storing rainwater and using it to irrigate your trees, shrubs and flower beds, even provide water to pets or wildlife.”
Davis will be one of the program presenters, along with Bexar County Master Gardeners Lou Kellogg and Mary Fernandez. The workshop will address the basics of rainwater harvesting for the home and garden, and attendees will learn how to make their own rain-collection barrel to take home and begin using right away. Providing supplemental water to wildlife can be used as a qualifying wildlife management Plan practice for the Texas Wildlife Valuation (Exemption).
The rainwater harvesting program will be limited to 30 people, so attendees are requested to RSVP by November 3. The fee is $55 per person and checks should be made payable to Bexar County Master Gardeners. For more information on water rights and to register, contact Sasha Kodet at 210-207-3270 or sasha.kodet@sanantonio.gov .