Brownwood News – TEMPLE – The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) announced the opening of pre-registration for the 79th Annual Meeting of Texas Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Directors. The annual meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio on October 28-30, 2019.

This meeting provides SWCD Directors, employees, and conservation partners the opportunity to address issues relevant to the state of Texas’ natural resources.

During the three-day event, a variety of committee meetings will be held, along with an abundance of learning opportunities. Bob Phillips, Texas Country Reporter, will deliver a keynote address on Tuesday morning during the general session. The Chief of the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Matthew Lohr will also address the group during the general session. Workshops will follow the session covering topics ranging from Texas land trends, estate planning, policy initiatives, conservation efforts and industrial hemp.

The TSSWCB and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts have partnered with the San Antonio River Authority to offer a tour of San Antonio flood control structures. The tour will highlight the improvements made to both ends of the river to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners and increase the water quality, quantity and diversity of plant and animal species. The first stop on the tour will be at the beginning of the San Antonio River, where flood water is piped 150 feet below the city for three miles to prevent flooding in the downtown area. This is also where the city controls the water levels in the world-famous River Walk. Tour participants will then travel outside of town to the Mission Reach area of the river to see the eight-mile ecosystem restoration and recreation project along the river.

The spouse’s auxiliary will hold a business meeting and offer a tour of Guenther House. In 1848, an apprentice millwright, Carl Hilmar Guenther ventured to America from Europe. In 1860, after the Pioneer Flour Mill was erected, Guenther began to build a home for his family. The participants will tour the Guenther Family home which now houses mill memorabilia including antique baking accessories, cookie cutters and anniversary Dresden china plates.

The pre-registration deadline is October 1, 2019. To learn more about the 79th Annual Meeting of Texas SWCD Directors visit:
https://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/annual-meeting-swcd-directors.