BEAUMONT — Residents near Neches River and Hillebrandt Bayou are invited to learn more about watershed protection efforts and local management.

A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on water quality will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Jefferson County Extension Office, 1225 Pearl Street, Suite 200 in Beaumont.

“This workshop is designed to help watershed residents learn about their water resources and how they may become involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the Texas Watershed Steward program, College Station.

The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, in cooperation with the Texas Water Resources Institute, is presenting the workshop.

Participants are encouraged to preregister at the Texas Watershed Steward website at tws.tamu.edu.

The workshop will include discussion on watershed systems, along with types and sources of water pollution.

There also will be a group discussion on community-driven watershed protection and management.

“The workshop will provide an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas with an emphasis on area water quality,” said Nikki Fitzgerald, Extension agent for Jefferson County. “It will address local water resources but will be applicable to all waters in the region.”

Research Associate Michael Schramm said Hillebrandt Bayou, along with various segments and tributaries of the Neches River are on the state list of impaired waters.

Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and a certificate of completion.

“Participating in the Texas Watershed Steward program is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference in your watershed,” Fitzgerald said.

For information on watershed protection efforts for the Neches River and Hillebrandt Bayou watersheds, contact a979-458-9191 or michael.schramm@ag.tamu.edu.