Commissioner Miller Helps Launch Community Garden, Raise Awareness About Importance of Water Conservation (5/23/2017)

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), City of Seguin and Texas Water Smart Foundation (TWS) are pleased to announce the official opening of the Park West pollinator and water conservation garden.

“Seguin embodies the best of rural Texas,” Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “The vision and focus of the city and local residents made this project possible, and their efforts will enhance the community by providing an outdoor space that is attractive and also serves as an education point to teach the public about the importance of agriculture, plants and pollinators, and water conservation.”

The project is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program and was implemented through a partnership among TDA, TWS, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Texas Lutheran University, the city of Seguin and community volunteers.

“Since Park West was first planned, we knew that natural elements would dominate the park,” Seguin Mayor Don Keil said. “The pollinator garden is another natural element that adds to one's experience in the park. The garden, which is linked to the Walnut Branch Linear Park, adds one more element to the treasure-trove of natural wonders along Walnut Branch."

The city of Seguin was awarded a Texas Water Smart grant funded through TDA and USDA to help design and implement the garden. The purpose of the grant is to promote Seguin as a TDA Certified Retirement Community and to support water conservation awareness.

“The Park West project is an investment in rural Texas,” Commissioner Miller said. “We know the future of our communities depend on attracting business and new residents, as well as maintaining a reliable water supply. The Park West garden fulfills both of these goals.”

“We are pleased to partner with TDA and the local communities to increase awareness about the nexus between healthy outdoor spaces, economic development and water conservation,” Amy Graham, chair of the Texas Water Smart Foundation, said. “Because of the high level of engagement from the city and local volunteers, we know the garden will serve the community and carry forward the message about the importance of gardening and landscaping for years to come.”

To be eligible for the TDA-Texas Water Smart grant, the communities must be enrolled in TDA’s Certified Retirement Community program and select a project site that will help make the community more appealing to visitors and new residents. Because of the importance of maintaining an adequate water supply for agricultural users, projects must demonstrate outdoor water conservation techniques.