TMN presenting talk on drought impact in Hill Country

The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter will host a public presentation June 22 exploring the effects of drought and flooding on the Texas Hill Country and the challenges those conditions pose for local ecosystems.

The program, titled “Too Little, Too Much: The Hill Country Water Challenge,” will be presented by Clint Carter, watershed ecologist for the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 601 W. Creek St. in Fredericksburg. The event will also be available online through Zoom.

According to organizers, the presentation will examine how hydrometeorological extremes, including extended drought and severe flooding, are reshaping the Hill Country and placing increasing stress on river and riparian ecosystems.

Carter will discuss the ecological impacts of longterm water scarcity and explain how geospatial technologies are being used to measure vegetation loss, assess habitat vulnerability and evaluate ecosystem resilience following major flood events, including the historic July 4 flood.

As watershed ecologist for the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, Carter oversees programs related to water quality monitoring, riparian health, invasive species management and watershed restoration.

He also serves on the boards of the Texas Riparian Association and the Kerr County River Foundation.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments available. The chapter's monthly business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Carter's presentation at 7 p.m.

There is no charge to attend. Those wishing to participate online may preregister through Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/HzvCLDRD R6CjGsNmhcigAQ#/ registration.

The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter is a volunteer organization sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

One of 48 chapters statewide, the Hill Country Chapter serves Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real and San Saba counties.

Additional information about the chapter and membership opportunities is available at txmn.org/ hillcountry/.