In 2018, El Paso Water (EPWater) collaborated with Texas Parks and Wildlife to offer the Texas Water Specialist lecture series at the TecH₂O Center. Over the course of seven months, 201 people attended seven lectures. For those who attended each one, certifications were granted with the hope and expectation that these individuals will give back to the community through a variety of educational programs.
Experts in various fields presented their insights along with information from the book, Texas Waters, Exploring Water and Watershed. Attendees participated in hands-on activities corresponding to particular lessons. Topics included:
- Texas Aquatic Habitats and the Species they Support
- Characteristics, Components & Value of a Healthy Watershed Ecosystem
- Ecosystem Services
- Ecological Significance of Natural Flow Regimes
- The Roles and Function of Wetlands and Estuarine Systems
- Natural Instruments of Watershed Change & Human Caused Instruments of Watershed Change
- Texas Water Law & Planning
“We have an amazing community of citizens who are genuinely interested in our local environment and water resources, “says Norma Guzman-Kennedy, EPWater conservation specialist. “They are taking what they learned in the classroom and putting it to practical use in our own community”.
EPWater extends a special thanks to the partners who helped facilitate this successful series at the TecH₂O Center.