Playa conservation and cotton production aren’t usually associated, but an Ogallala Commons Playa Field Day May 16 will include an overview of steps toward regenerative cotton production to increase water stewardship and playa conservation across the South Plains, as well as words on playa ecosystems and restoration programs.
Farmers, ranchers, master naturalists, agency personnel, educators, and the interested public are invited to attend the Playa Field Day on May 16, from 9:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Floyd CountyFriends Unity Center at 990 FM 786 just outside of Lockey.
Doors will open at 9a.m.with registration and refreshments.
The workshop is presented by Ogallala Commons and sponsored by High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, the Horizon Foundation, and Quarterway Cotton Growers.
At 9:40a.m. an overview of playa ecosystems and theTexas Playa Conservation Initiative will be given by Heather Johnson of Littlefield, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Migratory Game BirdSpecialist for Region I.
Chad Wall,founder of Natural Ecosystem Restoration, Ropesville, will present, Taking Steps toRegenerate Cotton Ecosystems.
After a break, the final presentation entitled, “A Grower’sPerspective: Cotton Incorporated, Sustainable AndRegenerative Agriculture, and Preserving Playas” will be delivered by Lacy Cotter Vardeman of Cotter Key Farms, Slaton.
At 11:30a.m., the group will enjoy a catered sandwich lunch made from scratch by Sweet Treatsby Ann-Marie, Amarillo, before departing for a field trip to visit a restored playa locatedabout 15 miles from the Floyd County Friends Unity Center. The program will end at 2p.m.
Registration for the event is $25 per person. Those wishing to attend may register online at https:// bit.ly/447VGVg, or email Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Deputy Director,at darryl@ogallalacommons. org or by phone at 806-945-2255.