Kids' workshop

Outside playtime for kids is fast becoming a thing of the past. With the rise of popularity in video and computer games, many children are missing out on the wonders of the outdoors.

A recent study found that children spend approximately 45 hours per week looking at a television or computer screen, giving rise to concerns on the future of natural resource conservation efforts as well as the mental and physical health of children.

Texas Forest Service recognizes the need to reconnect children to the land, and with that, has created a workshop, "Nature Realized: Connecting Your Children to the Land," designed for parents and grandparents of children under 18 to provide education about benefits of getting their children out of the house and into the outdoors.

Workshops are scheduled July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 at Caddo Lake State Park.

For information, contact Angie Soldinger at asoldinger@tfs.tamu.edu or (979) 452-6649.

Special ranger

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has named Marvin C. Wills Jr. special ranger for District 15 which encompasses Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas and McLennan counties.

Wills began his career as a game warden in 1980. He is licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education as a master peace officer.

He also is a member of the Coryell Sheriff's Posse and served as wild game feed coordinator with the Texas Game Warden's Association for more than 15 years.

TSCRA's special rangers are commissioned by the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist in recovering stolen livestock and equipment and apprehending the thieves. They also provide educational programs on theft prevention and proper branding procedures.

Contact Wills at (254) 865- 2571 or mksrw@aol.com.

Training program

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board will present a free Texas Watershed Steward training program Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Fountains reception hall, 10450 Hwy. 183 South in Lockhart.

The program is for anyone interested in water-quality issues and who may want to become more directly involved in watershed protection and management in their area, said Jennifer Peterson, AgriLife Extension program specialist.

The Texas Watershed Steward program will help residents better understand the issues associated with their watershed and how to address them. Training will cover the fundamentals of watershed systems, water-quality regulation and monitoring, watershed improvement methods, enhancing watershed functions, and community-driven water quality protection and management.

Participants receive a free copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Curriculum Handbook and a certificate of completion. They also may be eligible for a number of continuing education units and/or credit hours.

Although there is no charge for the workshop, space is limited and attenders are requested to register early at the Texas Watershed Steward Web site at http://tws.tamu.edu or (979) 862-8072 or at jlpeterson- @ag.tamu.edu.