Community Calendar

Timely information and innovative solutions for rehydrating our region’s semi-arid
landscapes is the focus of a “Conference on Community Water” to be held on
Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday, February 24 and 25 at the Hereford Civic
Center, located at 1001 W. 15th Street in Hereford, TX.

According to Dr. Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Director Emeritus, the
conference theme underscores a community focus since “we cannot meet these
daunting challenges simply by working individually but only through collective
efforts and shared strategies.”

“Our long-term survival depends on how well we keep water circulating in the
landscapes: finding ways to rehydrate our soils, our streambeds and grasslands,”
Birkenfeld notes. “This conference offers an in-depth look at an ambitious plan to
provide long-term water for human and natural communities, serving as a model
for restoring ecosystem functions so that the aquifer is recharged, landscapes are
rehydrated, and agricultural livelihoods remain viable.”

In addition to more than ten sessions featuring 17 speakers with a wide range of
views and expertise for building a community approach to water stewardship, on
Tuesday afternoon, February 24th, the conference kicks off with an afternoon
session featuring three Field Tours conducted in and around Hereford. These tours
will give attendees outdoor learning opportunities in a variety of settings. During
the conference, exhibit booths will be displaying information during break sessions.

The Prairie Museum's Garvey Room art exhibit for January through February, 2026, features digital art prints by Ronan Punk. This is a free exhibit; any visitors who stop by the museum are welcome to have a look around!

Timely information and innovative solutions for rehydrating our region’s semi-arid
landscapes is the focus of a “Conference on Community Water” to be held on
Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday, February 24 and 25 at the Hereford Civic
Center, located at 1001 W. 15th Street in Hereford, TX.

According to Dr. Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Director Emeritus, the
conference theme underscores a community focus since “we cannot meet these
daunting challenges simply by working individually but only through collective
efforts and shared strategies.”

“Our long-term survival depends on how well we keep water circulating in the
landscapes: finding ways to rehydrate our soils, our streambeds and grasslands,”
Birkenfeld notes. “This conference offers an in-depth look at an ambitious plan to
provide long-term water for human and natural communities, serving as a model
for restoring ecosystem functions so that the aquifer is recharged, landscapes are
rehydrated, and agricultural livelihoods remain viable.”

In addition to more than ten sessions featuring 17 speakers with a wide range of
views and expertise for building a community approach to water stewardship, on
Tuesday afternoon, February 24th, the conference kicks off with an afternoon
session featuring three Field Tours conducted in and around Hereford. These tours
will give attendees outdoor learning opportunities in a variety of settings. During
the conference, exhibit booths will be displaying information during break sessions.

The Prairie Museum's Garvey Room art exhibit for January through February, 2026, features digital art prints by Ronan Punk. This is a free exhibit; any visitors who stop by the museum are welcome to have a look around!

As a participant, we agree:

* to share our own poetry or the works of others, acknowleding the poet
* to listen and offer constructive and helpful comments
* to limit our reading time to accommodate all readers,
* to encourage new poets, and
* to respect the work, time, and commitment of all in attendance.

The Prairie Museum's Garvey Room art exhibit for January through February, 2026, features digital art prints by Ronan Punk. This is a free exhibit; any visitors who stop by the museum are welcome to have a look around!

This passionate program features Bernstein’s iconic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, John Williams’s Cello Concerto with the brilliant Oliver Herbert, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. Plus, enjoy romantic opera favorites sung by the incredible Sarah Beckham-Turner. A perfect date night or a beautiful evening out!

George Jackson, conductor
Oliver Herbert, cello
Sarah Beckham-Turner, soprano

REPERTOIRE
Bernstein – Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
John Williams – Cello Concerto
Max Steiner – Gone with the Wind
Aria selections with Sarah Beckham-Turner
Tchaikovsky – Romeo and Juliet

This passionate program features Bernstein’s iconic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, John Williams’s Cello Concerto with the brilliant Oliver Herbert, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. Plus, enjoy romantic opera favorites sung by the incredible Sarah Beckham-Turner. A perfect date night or a beautiful evening out!

George Jackson, conductor
Oliver Herbert, cello
Sarah Beckham-Turner, soprano

REPERTOIRE
Bernstein – Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
John Williams – Cello Concerto
Max Steiner – Gone with the Wind
Aria selections with Sarah Beckham-Turner
Tchaikovsky – Romeo and Juliet

Join us in an informal poetry circle to read, share, or just listen to some local poets.