TEMPLE - The Lower Clear Fork/Brazos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in coordination with Young, Jack, and Throckmorton SWCDs raised $6,000 to match an $8,000 grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to purchase a rainfall simulator with a transport trailer.
Monte McIntire, Chairman of the Lower Clear Fork/Brazos SWCD, said, "This is a very valuable educational tool that we can use at local stock shows, school fields days, FFA and 4-H contests, as well as at any area educational field day or workshop."
The knowledge the rainfall simulator can drive home to both producers and non-producers is enormous. The rainfall simulator shows the relationship between runoff and infiltration based on groundcover. The results may not be what you expect. The rainfall simulator is a completely self sustaining system that can be taken to landowners' properties or schools and educational events to educate all ages on soil health and water quality. With the recent rainfall, presenting timely conservation information to local citizens of all ages is important and can be done by demonstration of the rainfall simulator.
If you would like to know more about the rainfall simulator or would like to find out about upcoming demonstrations, please contact the Lower Clear Fork/ Brazos SWCD at lowerclearforkbrazosswcd [at] tx [dot] nacdnet [dot] org, or stop by the office located at 584 US Highway 180 East, in Albany.