Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon, 979-845-4826, l-redmon@tamu.edu
FREDERICKSBURG – Women landowner numbers are growing. Simultaneously, interest in wildlife operations is increasing. An upcoming two-day conference will bring the two together in the Edwards Plateau region.
“Women in Wildlife Conservation – Resources to Set a Stewardship Path,” hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will take place Oct. 3-4 at the Inn on Barons Creek in Fredericksburg.
The conference, funded by the Ruth and Eskel Bennett Trust, is an effort to reach women landowners interested in enhancing the wildlife component of their operations, said Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension program leader and associate head, Texas A&M soil and crop science department in College Station.
“We wanted to provide a program for these landowners, whether they are new to a ranch or longtime caretakers, with some information on improving their property for wildlife, either for recreational purposes or possible business ventures,” Redmon said.
“This is our second year, and we wanted to offer some different topics and experts for those women who might want to come back, as well as other landowners looking for a little help or education,” he said. “For a look at what was offered the first year, I invite you to go view this video: http://bit.ly/2aYZE8t.”
This year’s program will provide experts on topics such as “What Women Need to Know About Finances and Their Hunting Enterprise” and “Key Points for Developing Hunting Lease Agreements.”
Additionally, experts will be brought in to discuss rainwater harvesting for wildlife, the Master Naturalist program, and deer, habitat and land management, in addition to personal stories from women ranchers involved in successful operations.
Cost of the two-day conference is $75 and includes the opening breakfast as well as all other meals, break refreshments and tour transportation. Hotel rooms are available at the Inn on Barons Creek for $99 per night under the Bennett-TAMU group code.
The second day will include tours of several operations, including a winery.
For more information, go to the website, http://bennetttrust.tamu.edu/, or contact Redmon at l-redmon@tamu.edu or an AgriLife Extension agent in the region.
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