Feb. 21, 2003

WESLACO -- The lingering South Texas drought continues to take a merciless toll on lawns, gardens and other landscaped areas.

Nobody knows that better than Barbara Storz, a Texas Cooperative Extension horticulture agent in Hidalgo County, who is often called out by anxious property owners wanting to know why their trees and other landscape plants are dying.

"This drought brings on many stress-related diseases that can be devastating to landscapes, and it's always sad to explain this to homeowners and others who have no idea why they are suddenly losing all their trees," Storz said.

One way to avoid the problem, she said, is by careful planning, one of many topics to be discussed at "Landscaping Under Drought," a one-day conference Storz is helping coordinate. It will be held Feb. 27, beginning at 7:30 a.m., at the Palmview Community Center in McAllen in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The conference is offered by Extension and the City of McAllen. Experts from throughout the state will join local planners to discuss the rapid urbanization of the Rio Grande Valley and ways of protecting landscape water resources for generations to come.

"It's all about planning," said Storz. "Every time it rains we tend to get complacent and put off installing drip irrigation, a rainwater collection system or replacing trees and shrubs with native varieties that withstand our drought."

Landscapes not only contribute to the beauty of a property and provide food and shelter for wildlife, she said, but the landscape is often a large part of its market value, especially as landscapes mature.

"We're offering this conference so that people from all walks of life can take positive steps now in planning for the future," Storz said. "Whether you are a homeowner, a city planner, utility manager, builder, landscaping contractor or grounds maintenance supervisor, this conference provides insight into the projected growth of the Valley and an array of practical ways to build beautiful landscapes that contribute to the value of your property."

John Sutton, state manager of the Texas Water Development Board, will open the conference with an overview of water use in Texas. Richard Hinojosa of the Rio Grande Valley Development Board will give what promises to be an eye-opening presentation on the projected growth of the Valley.

Dr. Bruce Lesikar, an engineer with Texas Cooperative Extension, will discuss a survey of city water regulations currently in place from El Paso to Brownsville, some of which are based on projected growth.

Dr. John Jacob, a state environmental quality specialist, will focus on storm runoff regulations, followed by Billy Kniffen, an Extension agent in Menard County, who will provide photos and information on rainwater collection systems that are cost effective for schools, commercial and residential use.

"Rainwater harvesting has been extremely effective in providing quality water for landscapes," Storz said, "and it is a great way to reduce the salt buildup that occurs in irrigated landscaping."

Dr. Calvin Finch, conservation manager at the San Antonio Water System, will discuss ways to save money by using carefully planned landscapes.

Jesus Franco, an urban biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, will provide examples of native trees that work well in landscapes.

After lunch, the golf superintendent at the Los Ebanos Golf Course in Zapata, Edmundo Martinez, will demonstrate how to properly calculate the proper application rates of lawn chemicals to avoid runoff and chemical buildup in soils. Dr. Juan Anciso, Texas Cooperative Extension, will conclude the presentations with a discussion on integrated pest management practices for turf and landscapes.

Registration, including lunch, is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The Palmview Community Center is located at 3401 Jordan Road in McAllen. To register, or for more information, contact McAllen Parks and Recreation at 956-682-1517.