July 17, 2026

Hello from Your New Watershed Coordinator

Hello! I’m Mandy Stamnitz, and I’m thrilled to be stepping in as the new Watershed Coordinator for Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan. Annalee has done an excellent job working with the watershed, and I am excited to continue building on the work that she has done! Over the coming months I will meet with community partners and stakeholders, plan the fall cleanup and programs, and continue the ongoing newsletter series Small but Mighty: Taking Steps to Protect Water Quality.

It wouldn’t be a proper introduction without telling you a little bit about myself, so here is a bit of background for you! I was born and raised in Georgetown, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University before beginning my career as a Landscape Architect. Through designing stormwater management and green infrastructure facilities, I have gained a deep appreciation and passion for the way we manage, interact with, and care for our water resources. I am excited to step into a role where protecting our waterways is the forefront, and I am eager to begin this journey with you.

Whether you are a new resident of the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks watershed, a longstanding stakeholder, or anywhere in-between – I would love to hear from you! Please reach out to me if you have any questions or would just like to connect.

Thank you all,

Mandy Stamnitz
Mandy.stamnitz@ag.tamu.edu
(979) 321-5944

Small but Mighty: Taking Steps to Protect Water Quality

In January, the Small but Mighty series began as a way to introduce small action steps anyone could take to improve and protect their watershed. The goal is to provide achievable tasks, produce meaningful results, and provide ways these efforts can be multiplied at an individual and watershed scale, all to produce real, positive impacts on local water quality.

Step 1 Recap: Reduce Bacterial Contamination (April 2026 Newsletter)

In April, we covered how E. coli bacteria and pathogenic organisms can be carried by stormwater into our waterways, posing a health risk for anyone who comes into contact with contaminated water. We also covered a few small steps anyone could take to reduce bacterial contamination in waterways, like:

  • Ordering doggie bags & making a plan to pick up after dogs & other pets,
  • Scheduling a meeting with your local NRCS or SWCD office to explore funding options for alternative shade & water structures to keep livestock away from waterways
  • Sharing knowledge and encouraging friends and family to take action!

Step 2: Reduce Nitrates entering Waterways

In addition to fecal bacteria, Geronimo and Alligator Creeks show elevated Nitrate-Nitrogen levels. Nitrates are essential for plant growth and a primary nutrient used in fertilizing crops, but excess amounts of it in runoff can lead to harmful algal blooms and fish kills in waterways. Common sources of nitrates include fertilizers, animal waste, septic systems, and compost piles.

What small steps can I take to help?

Measure any areas you’re fertilizing

For anyone applying fertilizer, knowing how much fertilizer to apply and when to apply it is a small step that can have an outsized impact on water quality as well as your budget. Using an online mapping tool, a property plat, or even a measuring tape and calculator for small lots, take accurate measurements of the area you are fertilizing and reference the fertilizer label to calculate your needs.

Pick up or print a soil testing form

Getting a soil test done for your property – whether it be for a lawn, garden, farm, or pasture – can help you save money and improve water quality by showing what nutrients are or aren’t needed in your soil. Check with your local Extension Office to see if they have any soil testing forms available and confirm whether there are any upcoming Soil Testing Campaigns where you may be able to get your soil tested at a discounted price! The forms are also available to print from the AgriLife Soil Testing Lab via their website – Submittal Forms and Payment Information.

Evaluate compost pile locations

If you have a compost pile, walk around where it is located on your property and evaluate whether it may drain towards a swale or watercourse. Even a gradual slope can carry a lot of stormwater and nutrients during heavy rain events. If the compost pile is in a location where it drains towards a watercourse, plan a time to tarp or relocate it to avoid nutrient runoff.

Calendar

Tuesday, August 18th: Healthy Lawns Healthy Waters workshop in Seguin, 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, October 3rd: Geronimo-Alligator Fall Cleanup – Event announcement will be posted soon, stay tuned for details!

Other Nearby Programs & Events

Monday, August 10th: Healthy Lawns Healthy Waters workshop in San Marcos, 1-5 p.m.