The Master Watershed Conservationist (MWC) program continues with the next forum: Soils and Geologic Processes. The forum will be at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom on January 11, 2022. REGISTER HERE. (PW: MWCP).
All those interested in attending the event can go to https://daswcd.org/master-watershed-conservation-program/ for a copy of the ZOOM link and to register.
Richard Straight, State Soil Scientist with NRCS will be the presenter. This forum will begin with a discussion about the geomorphic changes from ancient Lake Jornada to the present Rio Grande basin. As a result of these changes, the watershed’s soils occur in a predictable pattern which influences hydraulic dynamics. The forum will investigate how soils influence water storage and runoff and how soil properties can be used to better manage water resources. Soil/water management options will be presented from the watershed scale down to the ‘backyard’ level. The goal of the presentation is to inform managers about how to harness soil knowledge to improve watershed management.
The Master Watershed Conservationist series scheduled over the next six months will engage volunteers in making decisions and implementing conservation projects in New Mexico’s southern Rio Grande watershed.
Eleven community organizations have come together under the leadership of the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District (DASWCD) to organize the Master Watershed Conservationist volunteer program, including the Caballo Soil and Water Conservation District, City of Las Cruces, Doña Ana County Flood Commission, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, New Mexico State University Extension, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, Paso del Norte Watershed Council, and Spring Rains Consulting. The goal of the program is to promote the stewardship of southern New Mexico's Rio Grande watershed through equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in the planning and management of the watershed, and engaging and empowering volunteers to play leadership roles, organize educational efforts, and implement conservation projects that address one or more critical conservation issues.
The MWC program is open to all persons in high school and older. The MWC program is particularly intent on recruiting persons interested in committing to volunteer to do conservation work in the Rio Grande valley. At this time, in support of local health guidelines the forums will be held via ZOOM. Registrants will be updated regularly when conditions allow future forums to be in person. For more information: https://daswcd.org/master-watershed-conservation-program/.