The 99th Annual Meeting of the Northern Nut Growers Association will be held in College Station, Texas, August 10 - 13, 2008. College Station is home to Texas A&M University, headquarters of the USDA ARS Pecan Breeding Program and a site of the National Collection of Genetic Resources for Pecans and Hickories. It has been 32 years since the 67th NNGA Annual Meeting was held at the USDA ARS Pecan Breeding Program in Brownwood, Texas, still an active worksite of the Pecan Breeding Program, with active research orchards and NCGR collections. However, the close association between the USDA program and the Horticulture Department at Texas A&M makes it possible to host the NNGA meetings at an institution with an international reputation for excellence.
The Northern Nut Growers will enjoy their visit to Texas A&M University. While on campus, they can visit the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadet Center to learn about the rich Aggie traditions still firmly rooted in the military. While there, be sure to visit the Metzger-Sanders Gun Collection, with over 600 rare and valuable firearms and accessories. Nearby is the TAMU Lettermen's Association Athletic Sports Museum, highlighting slightly more peaceful competitions. The MSC Forsyth Center Galleries and J. Wayne Stark University Center Galleries offer outstanding permanent exhibits of western art, as well as dynamic visiting exhibits for those wanting even greater tranquility. Each of these attractions can be enjoyed within 30 minutes with no admission fee. One of the most popular destinations for visitors to campus is the Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library. Here you can explore, touch and watch history come to life during a self-guided tour. Our meetings will incorporate a visit to the Texas A&M University Horticulture Gardens, where a walking path through the plantings provides educational information focused on gardening tips and techniques.
Adventurous visitors may take in the beauty of a central Texas vineyard at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, take a tour of the winery, and taste the award winning wines. Ice cream lovers might make a pilgrimage south to Brenham, where Blue Bell Creameries makes the best ice cream in the world. En route, you can stop at the Antique Rose Emporium, where the rich history of antique and old garden roses comes to colorful life. Or make a short detour to Washington-on-the-Brazos, where Texas signed its Declaration of Independence and started down the path to become an independent Republic. Or drop by Lake Somerville to catch some trophy bass and catfish.
We look forward to welcoming the Northern Nut Growers to Texas. We are excited by the opportunity to share this beautiful and diverse area, as we exchange important information about growing and caring for nut trees.
Be sure to check the December and March Nutshells for more details about next year's annual meeting. Send e-mail to icomserve@aol.com with the subject, "NNGA 2008 Meeting" to be notified when additional information, including a registration form, is posted on the NNGA Web site.
