Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contacts: Jesse Lea Schneider, 432-729-4746, jlschneider@ag.tamu.edu
Logan Boswell, 432-837-6207, l-boswell@tamu.edu
Dawson Owens, 432-345-2291, dcowens@ag.tamu.edu .
MARFA – To ready homeowners for the arrival of spring in Far West Texas, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a Horticulture Today program from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hotel Paisano in Marfa.
The program is a multi-county effort involving the AgriLife Extension offices in Presidio, Brewster/Jeff Davis and Terrell counties.
The program will offer the latest information on horticulture from professionals with research-based topics, according to Jesse Lea Schneider, AgriLife Extension agent in Presidio County.
“We are fortunate to have Jim Houser, Texas Forest Service regional forest health coordinator from Austin, and Oscar Mestas, regional urban forester from El Paso, scheduled to speak during the day,” Schneider said. “Dr. David Drake, AgriLife Extension agronomist from San Angelo, will also be one of our guest presenters.
“These expert speakers will be covering new subjects that have not been presented here yet, along with covering the always needed pruning information needed this time of year. We also have a question-and-answer part in the program that will allow attendees to ask these professionals questions that pertain to their specific situation.”
Houser is scheduled to speak on topics to include insects and identifying insect damage, planting the right plant for the right place and plants’ response to natural disasters. Mestas will discuss patio trees and rooting volume tree pruning, and both men will share duties to discuss the Ips beetle that attacks pine trees.
Drake will focus on soils and join the other two speakers for the round table question-and-answer session at the end of the program.
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available.
Individual registration is $10 payable upon arrival, and attendees are responsible for their own lunch.
For more information call Schneider at 432-729-4746, Logan Boswell, AgriLife Extension agent in Brewster/Jeff Davis counties at 432-837-6207, l-boswell@tamu.edu or Dawson Owens, AgriLife Extension agent in Terrell County at 432-345-2291, dcowens@ag.tamu.edu .
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