Monday, October 31, 2016

Saturday Nov 5 - Demonstration Field Day

Using Water Wisely

Saturday, November 5, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721


Learn about the entire spectrum of water saving solutions from high tech to no tech at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Demonstration Field Day in Austin. You determine the best answer for your situation and pocket book.

Travis County Master Gardeners and Horticulturist Daphne Richards will be available to demonstrate and answer your questions on a one-on-one basis.

Discover various rain water catchment methods. See examples of various watering methods from a wicking bed to drip irrigation. Understand the importance of compost for water conservation and plant health. Gain knowledge about the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place. Look at ways to control heat (summer and winter) to increase vegetable garden production.

Come stroll the diverse garden and ask questions. Enjoy watching the butterflies, bees, blooming flowers, and growing vegetables. Take home lettuce seeds and how-to knowledge to accomplish your next project.

Demonstration Field Day is free and open to the public – No RSVP is required.

For more information, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Seminars for November!

Preserving the Harvest
Thursday - November 10
10 am - 12 noon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721


Learn about key food preservation processes; freezing, dehydration and canning. Factors related to food spoilage and science involved in prevention will be covered along with a basic review of tools and techniques involved.

Master Gardener Jeff Peters will provide a step‐by step illustration of the hot water bath canning process.

Cost: $10 thru 10/31, $15 starting 11/1 and onsite
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
Space is limited, register early to reserve your seat!

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu
 
 

Hello Invasive Species, Goodbye Texas Natives 
Saturday - November 12
10 am - 12 noon

2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746
 
Photo: Giant reed (Arundo donax) along the Rio Grande, National Park Service ‐http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/chdn/monitor/exotics.cfm
 
Invasive species have the potential to drastically change our Texas landscape. This presentation will cover the threats posed by invasive species, as well as responses to the threat. The Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program will be introduced, as one of several ways you can get involved in managing invasive species.

As the Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Dr. Hans Landel manages the Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program, the Texasinvasives.org website, and collaborates with other agencies and organizations in managing invasive species. He has performed conservation research both in the U.S. and internationally. 

Seminar is free and open to the public - No RSVP is required.

Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12), seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Landscape Irrigation System Evaluation Workshop








 

November 16, 8 am - 2 pm
LCRA Dalchau Service Center
3505 Montopolis Dr., Austin, 78744


The Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Texas A&M School of Irrigation are hosting a Landscape Irrigation System Evaluation workshop for licensed landscape irrigation professionals, water professionals, water conservation coordinators and homeowners. Irrigators who complete this workshop will be allowed to conduct irrigation evaluations for customers on behalf of LCRA.

LCRA along with retail water providers offer free landscape irrigation system evaluations to customers as part of LCRA’s WaterSmart program. The evaluations can help make irrigation systems more efficient, saving water and money. An evaluated irrigation system also is eligible for up to $350 in rebates for water-saving equipment such as pressure-reducing sprinkler heads, nozzles, soil moisture sensors and rain sensors.

4 TCEQ Irrigation License CEUs.

Class outline:    AGENDA
Controller settings / trouble shooting with the customer to train them to use it
Flagging issues and record keeping
Identifying efficiency measures to improve performance
Conservation suggestions/changes made to the existing system to increase water savings
Seasonal water budgets
Technology usage i.e. sensors, ET programs “Water My Yard”
Irrigation and Maintenance of Drought-stressed Trees

Presenters Include:
Charles Swanson, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M School of Irrigation, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, College Station
Brad Hamel, Regional Urban Forester, Texas A&M Forest Service, Austin

Cost: $60 through Nov 7, $75 Nov 8 and onsite.    Registration fee includes lunch.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2137              
Contact: Daphne Richards, drichards@ag,tamu.edu, 512-854-9600

Friday, October 14, 2016

Using Water Wisely – Demonstration Field Day


Saturday, November 5, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

 
Learn about the entire spectrum of water saving solutions from high tech to no tech at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Demonstration Field Day in Austin. You determine the best answer for your situation and pocket book.

Travis County Master Gardeners and Horticulturist Daphne Richards will be available to demonstrate and answer your questions on a one-on-one basis.

Discover various rain water catchment methods. See examples of various watering methods from a wicking bed to drip irrigation. Understand the importance of compost for water conservation and plant health. Gain knowledge about the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place. Look at ways to control heat (summer and winter) to increase vegetable garden production.

Come stroll the diverse garden and ask questions. Enjoy watching the butterflies, bees, blooming flowers, and growing vegetables. Take home lettuce seeds and how-to knowledge to accomplish your next project.

Demonstration Field Day is free and open to the public – No RSVP is required.

For more information, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.





Monday, October 10, 2016

5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference to be Held in Central Texas for the First Time





Now in it's fifth year, the Texas Fruit Conference has gotten bigger and better, encompassing a wide variety of  cultural information and best management practices regarding fruit and nut crops. Featuring some of our most renowned AgriLife Extension experts and industry professionals, this year, for the first time ever, the conference will be held right here in Central Texas, at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. 




Whether you currently own an orchard, are considering the potential of establishing one, or are simply a fruit enthusiast, there's something for you at this conference. This opportunity to learn from the very best experts on all-things fruit should not be missed!





Date: October 31 (1:00 to 5:00 PM) and November 1 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), 2016


Location: New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels


Cost: $80 through 10/21 ($95 late and onsite)


Register online: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Registration 


Just a few of the featured speakers include:
Monte Nesbitt, Jim Kamas, Larry Stein, George Ray McEachern, and Kevin Ong, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tom Beckman, USDA-ARS Fruit & Tree Nut Laboratory
Wes Mickel, Argus Cidery
Tim McCaskill, Austin Orchards


Check out the full agenda here: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Agenda

5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference to be Held in Central Texas for the First Time





Now in it's fifth year, the Texas Fruit Conference has gotten bigger and better, encompassing a wide variety of  cultural information and best management practices regarding fruit and nut crops. Featuring some of our most renowned AgriLife Extension experts and industry professionals, this year, for the first time ever, the conference will be held right here in Central Texas, at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. 




Whether you currently own an orchard, are considering the potential of establishing one, or are simply a fruit enthusiast, there's something for you at this conference. This opportunity to learn from the very best experts on all-things fruit should not be missed!





Date: October 31 (1:00 to 5:00 PM) and November 1 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), 2016


Location: New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels


Cost: $80 through 10/21 ($95 late and onsite)


Register online: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Registration 


Just a few of the featured speakers include:
Monte Nesbitt, Jim Kamas, Larry Stein, George Ray McEachern, and Kevin Ong, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tom Beckman, USDA-ARS Fruit & Tree Nut Laboratory
Wes Mickel, Argus Cidery
Tim McCaskill, Austin Orchards


Check out the full agenda here: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Agenda