Stewarding our Water Future Water Conference in Amarillo

With the realization of depleting irrigation and domestic well levels, a continued emphasis on “economic development” at virtually any cost regardless of impact, and pervasive talk of a diminishing Ogallala aquifer, it’s easy to get discouraged and wonder aloud if there is any future for groundwater in the Texas High Plains.

Shifting the public conversation about groundwater depletion toward a more hopeful narrative built on a wide range of innovative solutions is the focus of a vital “Stewarding Our Water Future” Conference upcoming Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22 at the Amarillo Area Foundation’s Harrington Center for Philanthropy, located at 919 S. Polk Street in Amarillo.

Darryl Birkenfeld of Nazareth, Ogallala Commons Deputy Director, says one aim of the conference is “to expand the stakeholder coalition focused on improving the water realities we live with and leave for future generations.

“As our region experiences more frequent droughts and torrential rains,” notes Birkenfeld, “much more can be done to increase water infiltration in the soils of our agricultural lands and toimprove water retention in our cityscapes.”

“This conference will equip attendees withinformation and pathways to renew our degraded water cycle.”

In addition to more than a dozen sessions featuring 17 speakers with a wide range of views and expertise on the Ogallala aquifer and its stewardship, on Thursday afternoon, March

21, the conference will offer three Field Tours via 56-passenger buses in the Amarillo area.

These tours will give attendees outdoor learning opportunities in a variety of settings.

During the conference, exhibit booths will be displaying information during break sessions.

On Friday afternoon March 22, attendees will move into small group breakouts to network and plan strategies for follow-up actions.

Early registration is currently underway for the conference, priced at $50 for a single day and $90 for both days.

AS of February 14, the price of regular registration will increase to $60 for a single day and $100 both days.

Those interested can register online at: https://ogallalacommons.org/ conference/ or registrants can make a check payable to Ogallala Commons and mail to:

Ogallala Commons, 919 Main

Street, Springfield, CO 81073.