The Blanco River is slowly healing itself. Riparian areas that were healthy before the Memorial Weekend flood are beginning to recover, through natural processes that are vital to a waterway's health and its ability to stand up to flood waters. You may have already noticed this recovery-grasses, shrubs, and trees that are sending up new growth along the riverbank.

If you are a landowner affected by the 2015 floods, or just want to know more about riparian restoration and design techniques, you are invited to attend the Blanco River Restoration Workshop on Saturday, March 5, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, to learn how we all can help the river heal. This event is free and open to the public.

Steve Nelle, a riparian specialist, will provide an overview of how riparian areas function. Then experts from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will talk about restoration planning, permitting, plant selection, soil preparation, optimum planting times, and much more. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be giving away 15,000 native grasses and sedges that thrive in riparian areas.

Come and listen to the experts. Lunch will be provided with an RSVP. For questions or to RSVP, email ryan.mcgillicuddy@tpwd.texas.gov.

- CARD Steering Committee