Holistic Resource Management of TX invites the public to a one-day intensive workship on managing small tracts (5 to 50 acres) with or without grazing animals. November 12, 2005 from 8:30a to 4p in Wimberley, TX. $25 cost includes lunch. Register online at www.hrm-texas.org or by calling Peggy Cole 512-847-3822.

Pat Akin

Will someone be in contact after we register to tell us where in Wimberley?

David,

I'm sure Peggy Cole can give you directions.

Pat Akin

Did anyone go to this? I'm really sorry I missed it. This is the first one of these meetings I've heard of that was south of Waco.

Tony (moderator) and wife and perhaps one other were going to attend. Sure hope they brought back info for share with those of us who couldn't make the meeting.

Pat Akin

The feedback I got and my own thoughts were mixed. Here's what one attendee said:

"I enjoyed the afternoon session but was disappointed in the morning session. Many of the "advertised" topics were not covered at all. There were topic areas that I was very interested in......but they were wholly or almost wholly excluded. Examples of topics that received 10 words or less:
o Restoring springs -water for wildlife, for plants and for pleasure
o Vegetation - the good, the bad and the ugly. What plants do/don't I want and how do I ID them easily??
o What are the best ways to restore my land's health?
o How can I graze my animals without harming the land?
o How can I attract certain birds (song birds, quail etc.), butterflies?
o Is the only good bug a dead bug?
o Do I need to reseed or how do I reseed the place and with what?"

The afternoon session was a visit to an HRM member's 15 acres where we were shown how portable electric fencing works. After that we split up about 100 people into 10 groups and answered specific questions about the health and prospects for the property. Each session was led by a subject matter expert (grass identification, extension agent, etc) and we spent about an hour walking around making observations. We all reformed into one group and reported our observations.

The objective here was to give feedback to the property owner while learning how to evaluate your own property.

I enjoy being around people with a common goal, spending time in the hill country and being outdoors. It was not the best learning event for me but it was well worth the time.
Tony M