February 4, 1997

Linda Copley
Johnson Space Center
281/483-5111

Release: J97-002

JSC "Go Western" Day to Feature Texas Independence Trail Riders and Longhorn Cattle

More than one hundred Texas Independence Trail Riders are expected at JSC tomorrow as the center receives its first installment of two Texas Longhorn Cattle.

JSC Director George Abbey will join officials from the Clear Creek Independent School District, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and local Go Texan subcommittee members in a noon-time dedication of the JSC longhorn education project.

The Longhorn Project will offer students the opportunity to learn about cattle care and breeding, aquaculture, and fruit and vegetable cultivation. The site is a 60 acre tract at JSC that includes a 35 acre pasture, a 10 acre wildlife habitat pond, an 8 acre feedlot with a barn and a storage shed, and 7 acres for aquaculture ponds, gardens, orchards, a processing lab, and a greenhouse.

The project’s major goal is to teach students science, mathematics and technology skills through agricultural education.

Wednesday’s events will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the arrival at the center of the Texas Independence Trail Riders. At 11 a.m. the trail riders will gather at JSC’s Rocket Park for a rest and lunch stop. A variety of local food vendors will offer lunch for purchase in Rocket Park as the riders, other guests, JSC visitors and center employees are entertained by the music of the "Lone Star Cowboys."

Dedication Program Schedule of Events NASA Johnson Space Center, Rocket Park, Houston, Texas February 5, 1997

10:30 a.m. Trail Riders arrive

11 a.m. Trail Riders rest and lunch stop

11:45 a.m. Welcome from JSC Director George Abbey Recognition of event participants

12 noon Longhorn Project Dedication George Abbey, JSC Director John Wilson, Superintendent, CCISD John Cook III, Vice President, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Melba Eveler, Chairman, NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Subcommittee John Baker, Acting Executive Director, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America

12:20 p.m. Viewing of the Longhorns

1 p.m. Trail Riders depart

text-only version of this release