New trail in San Marcos will connect natural areas on aquifer recharge zone

Hikers will be able to walk — by next March at the latest — from one pristine natural area to another on a new trail planned near San Marcos. The “Limestone Link” trail will run between River Recharge Natural Area and Ringtail Ridge Natural Area on the west side of...

Species identified around Natural Bridge Caverns suggest Hill Country protections needed

The first results of a biodiversity study at the Wuest Ranch — home to Natural Bridge Caverns — are in, and environmental experts say they highlight the need for Hill Country habitat protections. The yearlong effort by the Wuest family and Blackland Environmental...

128 acres of Hill Country habitat and history protected forever

In 2005, Dr. Errol and Susan Candy purchased a 128-acre property nestled in western Gillespie County. Initially viewed as a strategic investment opportunity, this venture blossomed into a profound commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Revered as...

Conservation deal will ban development on 1,200-acre Comal property

Under a new conservation easement, held by the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy, Moore and Dischinger have guaranteed that the land will remain as it is in perpetuity, preventing it from being turned into more suburban sprawl. The agreement also protects vital acres on the...

Comal County adopts parks and open space plan

What began more than a year ago as an initiative to secure grant funding for Comal County sports fields culminated Thursday in a lengthy — and at times heated — discussion among commissioners and residents about the role of government, property rights, and natural...