Feral Hogs

Feral Hog Biology, Control & Management Seminar Slated for April 9

Texas AgriLife Extension Service offices in Somervell, Bosque and Hood counties are sponsoring a Feral Hog Biology, Control & Management Seminar in Glen Rose, TX on Thursday April 9, 2009. The seminar will cover “The Good, Bad & Ugly” on feral hogs. The event will begin with registration at 8:30 am at the Somervell County Expo Center located at Hwy 67 and Bo Gibbs Blvd. in Glen Rose.

During the past several years Agriculture producers and homeowners alike in Hood County have started to see the damage that can be caused by feral hogs. The aim with this program is to bring landowners up-to-date on the latest development in the world of feral hog management. Topics will include everything from feral hog biology to trapping techniques.

The morning program includes Status and Distribution of Feral Hogs in Texas ; Feral Hog Biology; Game Laws and Regulations; Disease Control; Feral Hogs… an Economic Nuisance or an Opportunity ; and an update on the Feral Hog Abatement Project and Current Research. The program will finish with trapping and baiting techniques and lunch.

Individual pre registration is $10.00 until April 6 and $20.00 at the door. Registration includes lunch, refreshments and handout materials. For more information contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Hood County Office at 817-579-3280. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin

Rainwater Harvesting

• Granbury, Texas - June 1-3, 2009

The purpose of this course is to provide advanced training whereby Master Gardeners can obtain specialization in rainwater harvesting that support or expand designated educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. This training was created as an intensive multi-day, hands-on course to provide Master Gardeners with knowledge and skills required to communicate rainwater harvesting information to others. Completion of the course and other requirements results in recognition as a Master Gardener “Rainwater Harvesting Specialist”. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within his/her local county programs. Only 30 participant spots are available for this training, so please submit your registration forms in as soon as possible. Registration is on a first come/first serve basis. Payment and forms must be in our office by May 15, 2009. Contact Marty Vahlenkamp, 817-579-3280, to answer any questions or provide further information.

For more information go to the Texas Master Gardeners Website.

Favorite Perennials

I have found our master gardeners sometimes understate things. On Monday Claude said something like this verbena has done well at our house. The photo above is of the verbena at their house a year or two ago. ~ Joe

Getting Our Name Out

The following is currently posted on the Texas Master Gardeners Association website.

April 18, 2009 Cherokee County Master Gardeners Spring Has Sprung Plant Sale

8AM -2PM at 555 S. Jackson Street, Jacksonville 75766.
Color your landscape with a large selection of master gardeners’ favorites from their own gardens. Featuring perennials, herbs, bulbs, ground covers, and much more that will satisfy the gardening urge for all. For additional information email: billingsk704@yahoo.com

May 30, 2009, Cherokee County Master Gardeners Garden Tour

9AM – 2PM . This years theme of ‘Gardens of East Texas Beauty’ is highlighted in the selection of four gardens located in Jacksonville. Included in the ticket price of $5.00 is an Orchid Show and Sale sponsored by the Central East Texas Orchid Society. For additional information email: billingsk704@yahoo.com.

Master Gardeners Talk Perennials

Monday's meeting at the Texas Forest Service facility in Jacksonville included a time of sharing favorite perennial plants. The camaraderie was great.