Public Education in Full Swing Across the District

The staff at Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD) jumped into 2012 with more enthusiasm for public education and outreach than ever before!  With last year’s extreme drought still fresh on everyone’s mind, we’re working hard to drive home the dire importance of water conservation. Not only did our elementary education program kick into full-swing, but a lot of other opportunities have come along as well.

Each year, PGCD does countless programs for civic organizations throughout the year and this year has been no exception.  We visited the Retired Teachers Association of Panhandle to discuss xeriscape gardening and rainwater harvesting.  There was a great turnout and a lot of enthusiasm over the attractive new rain barrels that are available.  The Groom Girls Scouts learned all about xeriscaping and drought tolerant plants and presentations were also delivered at meetings for the Texas Farm Bureau, Ogallala Common’s Playa Education Day, High Plains Driller’s, City of Amarillo Utilities, and Shamrock Downtown Booster Club. 

On February 8, PGCD hosted the Inaugural Panhandle Water Conservation Symposium: the Dollars and $ense of Conservation.  It was an immense success and we are thrilled with the turnout.  (For the full story, see page: one.)  The City of Amarillo and PGCD partnered on booths at the Amarillo Home and Garden Show, Amarillo Utility School, and Regeneration 2012’s tree planting at Thompson Park.  The aquifer exhibit was on display at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens throughout the month of March with tours led by Alice in Waterland.  Staff also attended the Donley County Health Fair, Carson County Ag Fair and West Texas A&M University Earth Day.

Pauline Robertson with Alice (Joy Shadid) from Alice and Waterland at the Botanical Gardens. Picture taken by Robyn Turner.

We are looking forward to many exciting upcoming events and are eager to continue educating the public about the importance of water conservation.  If you would like a presentation for your civic group, please contact Joy Shadid at 806-883-2501.