Hill Country Alliance

Kyle-Earth Day Celebration at the Kyle Public Library!
2022-04-23 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott St, Kyle, TX, 78640, United States
Get ready for Earth Day! The Kyle Public Library will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration! They will have children’s events in the morning followed by educations workshops and presentations by a host of local organizations. The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department will be there selling native plants.
Bounce House + Pizza + Shaved Ice
Crafts + Chalk Art

San Marcos - Spring Lake Earth Day Festival
2022-04-23 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Join The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment on Saturday, April 23 from 10am to 3pm for an afternoon of celebrating the Earth through entertainment, education, exploration and fun at Spring Lake!
This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to join together as a community to recognize and protect our beautiful planet.
Celebrate Earth and its many wonders through a variety of activities, including:
Educational and recreational opportunities for all ages
Virtual reality demonstrations
Live entertainment
Food and vendor booths
Discounted $5 glass-bottom boat tours with donation of a non-perishable food item (to benefit the Hays County Food Bank)

Wimberely-2022 Butterfly Festival
2022-04-23 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Emily Ann Butterfly Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The Emily Ann Butterfly Gardens are super excited to announce that we will be holding our full Butterfly Festival on April 23, 2022! This festival will be in-person and will include all of their wonderful butterfly releases, crafts, and activities! They will also have amazing live music, a beautiful flight house, yummy concessions and lots more!

Star Party at Jester King Brewery-Austin
2022-04-22 17:30 - 22:00 UTC | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX, 78736, United States
Jester King’s annual Star Party is back!
There are very few places that have dark, open night skies perfect for stargazing and we are happy to be one of them. Join us at The Hall at Jester King on Earth Day, Friday, April 22 from 5:30-10pm alongside the Hill Country Alliance for an evening of observation and exploration into our night sky. A panel of esteemed voices from the ATX astronomy community will discuss the impact of astronomy in the Hill Country, what observatories in the area have been working on, night sky preservation, and much more!
Ticket price includes food from the Jester King Kitchen – wood-fired pizzas, focaccia bread, green salad, and cookies. You’ll also be able to purchase beverages from our bar.10% of all ticket sales support Hill Country Alliance. For more information on their amazing organization, please check them out here.

Spring Migration with Travis Audubon-Online
2022-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Join us on April 22, 2022, from noon-1 pm for a talk with Travis Audubon’s Executive Director Nicole Netherton. Nicole will be talking about the magic and perils of Spring Migration, including the many ways humans can help migratory birds survive their amazing journeys. Late April is peak migration in Central Texas, so we’ll also highlight some of the species you might be seeing and what you can expect to see in the coming weeks. Come learn about this seasonal miracle whether you’re an advanced birder or a beginner-enthusiast.

Fredericksburg - What Good Shall I Do? - Regenerative Land Conference
2022-04-22 - 2022-04-23 | Roam Ranch, 1804 Pfieffer Rd., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
The first annual “What Good Shall I Do?” conference brings together ranchers, farmers, researchers/ teachers, government, conscious consumers, and other interested folks for 3 days of education, networking, planning, and action around regenerative agriculture. The “What Good Shall I Do?” conference is hosted by Force Of Nature and ROAM Ranch with the intention to accelerate the growth of a global regenerative revolution by empowering attendees to unite and ignite. Regenerate mind, body, soil, land, water, and spirit at this year’s convening, while reflecting on the underlying theme of “What good shall I do?”, attendees will leave with purpose and a collective calling to create a positive return bigger than our individual self.
Click here to learn more and register.

New Braunfels - Spring Water Revival - Finding the Flow: Managing Water Resources in a Growing Community
2022-04-20 11:30 - 13:00 UTC | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Join the Hill Country Alliance, Headwaters at the Comal, and Texas Water Foundation for an interactive lunch event featuring a presentation, panel discussion, and tour of the headwaters with some of New Braunfels’ water planning leaders. Hear how these agencies are working to better manage water responsibly in the face of unprecedented growth.
This event will feature:

New Braunfels Utilities – Judy Dykes-Hoffman & Sarah Richards
City of New Braunfels – Christopher Looney & Mark Enders
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority – Nathan Pence

Lunch will be provided to all attendees courtesy of our lunch sponsor, Arcadis!
Register at: bit.ly/FindingtheFlow2022
Click here to share the Facebook event.

Online - Virtual Community Meeting - A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities
2022-04-19 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Online
Do you live in the Austin-area? If so, the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department needs your help! Rain to River is a strategic plan that will guide the work of the Watershed Protection Department for the next 10 years and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan. Click here to register for the Virtual Kick-Off Event (Tuesday, April 19 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.).
Flooding, erosion, and water pollution affect lives, property, and the environment all over Austin. The Watershed Protection Department combats these issues every day to improve health, safety, and quality of life for our community. With your help, they are updating their strategic plan to factor in additional urgent challenges, like climate change and racial inequities. Your feedback will help guide the priorities and decision-making of their work.
Learn about their planning process and how to share your thoughts and experiences with them by joining us at this live event!
Submit questions in advance to RaintoRiverATX@austintexas.gov. Learn more at RaintoRiverATX.com.
Interpretation will be provided in Spanish and American Sign Language. For interpretation in another language, call 3-1-1 to request an interpreter at least five days before the meeting.

Online – Ground Water with Robert Mace TREAD Talk
2022-04-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Online
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) anticipates that municipal water need — the amount by which demand exceeds supply — will rise by 568 percent by 2070, leaving the state’s cities in need of 3.4 million additional acre-feet of water in the absence of increased supplies or more restricted use. That’s more than three times the entire storage capacity of the Hill Country’s Lake Travis. Join TREAD and Advisory Board Member Robert Mace of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment to discuss ways that the Texas Legislature currently handles water allocation, wastewater, and conservation.
Register here.

Austin-Spring Native Plant Sale
2022-04-16 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX, 78739, United States
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is hosting their Spring Native Plant Sale! This sale features a variety of Texas natives, including perennial and annual flowers, grasses, wetland plants, shrubs and trees. Native plants conserve water; lower mowing costs; provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife; protect and enrich soil; and reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Plus, they’re beautiful!

Online-Discussion with Sarah Schlessinger of the Texas Water Foundation TREAD Talk
2022-04-13 18:00 UTC | Online
Sarah Rountree Schlessinger is the CEO of Texas Water Foundation. She previously worked in groundwater policy and regulation, and has
experience with international nonprofits and disaster response. We will be discussing the need for understanding the cycle of water and how land stewardship is key in preserving this resource.

Click to register here.

Online - Get to Know the Healthy Creeks Initiative - Webinar
2022-04-13 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Join us online on Wednesday, April 13th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm for a free, lunchtime information session highlighting the Healthy Creeks Initiative.
Learn about the importance of riparian systems, concerns around infestations of non-native Arundo (aka Giant Reed, River Cane), and voluntary steps that hundreds of private landowners are taking to control Arundo in order to enhance the health and diversity of Hill Country creeks and rivers.
The Healthy Creeks Initiative is a cooperative project between Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Hill Country Alliance, and other key partners to implement large-scale management of Arundo on Hill Country rivers and streams at no cost to property owners. Landowner participation is essential to maximizing the success of this project.
Click here to register and join us on April 13th!

Wimberley - Spring Water Revival - Groundwater: Planning for the Future
2022-04-12 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Join the Hill Country Alliance and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District for an educational presentation, panel discussion, and partner showcase that will feature experts on the state’s groundwater management process and share insight on how you can get involved.
This free event will feature:

Natalie Ballew, Manager, Groundwater Technical Assistance, Texas Water Development Board
Ron Fieseler, GMA 9 Chair and General Manager, Blanco Pedernales GCD
Mike Gershon, Water Rights, Utility and Environmental Attorney and Partner, Lloyd & Gosselink Attorneys at Law
Quinn McColly, Conservation Finance Director, Texas Water Trade
Sarah Schlessinger, CEO, Texas Water Foundation
Partner Showcase: Tables featuring local groups working for water in Wimberley and beyond!

Registration not required – show up and we’ll see you there!
Thank you to our sponsor, Ozona Bank, for providing drinks and snacks during the event.
Click here to share the Facebook event

The Story of Government Canyon
2022-04-09 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
Everything You Want to Know About San Antonio’s Largest Natural Area
Join site interpreter John Koepke from 9am-10am at our brand new amphitheatre and learn about the history of San Antonio’s largest State Natural Area. Discover the origin of the name “Government Canyon,” why trails have the names that they do, the difference between a State Natural Area and a State Park, and much more! It’s everything you ever wanted to know about Government Canyon. Come prepared with lots of questions. Open to all ages, no reservations required, no pets please. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Program subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Learn more about this event and others put on by the Government Canyon State Natural Area by visiting their site here or contacting John Koepke at john.koepke@tpwd.texas.gov.

San Antonio-Birding Outing
2022-04-09 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
Members of the Government Canyon Activities Committee welcome anyone interested in our feathered friends for a birding outing at the Natural Area on Saturday April 9th from 8:00am to 11:00am. Learn about the fun and excitement of birding, including tips on using binoculars, cameras, field guides and sound recordings. Bring your own equipment or let us know if we can loan you a pair of binoculars when you make your reservation here.
Reservations are required; sorry, no group reservations;

Austin - Spring Water Revival - Our Communities, Our Water: Austin
2022-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Austin Patagonia Store, 316 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Save the Date and See us in Austin!
Join us for a fun evening with free drinks, snacks, and getting to know lots of great people working on-the-ground for Austin communities’ water access, equity, and protection!
The event will feature presentations and short videos from Hill Country Alliance, National Wildlife Federation – Texas Living Waters Project, Go Austin / Vamos Austin!, PODER – Colorado River Conservancy, and Austin Youth River Watch.
Snacks, water, seltzer, and beer donated by Austin Beer Works and Texas Cool, courtesy of Patagonia and Texas Water Foundation.
We will be gathering at the Patagonia Store in downtown Austin, so we recommend arriving early to find parking. Registration not required – show up and we’ll see you there!

San Antonio-Texas Water 2022
2022-04-04 08:00 - 2022-04-07 17:00 UTC | Henry B. Gonzalez Center, 900 E Market St., San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Texas Water is the joint annual conference of the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section American Water Works Association.
The conference is celebrating it’s 26th year as the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© and caters to professionals in the wastewater and water industry, including water quality engineers, treatment plant technicians, scientists, government officials, regulatory agency personnel, manufacturers and their agents, libraries, universities and groups and individuals concerned with protecting public health and the environment.
Texas Water’s location rotates around various cities in Texas each year and includes technical sessions, exhibits, competitions, networking opportunities and much, much more!
We hope you’ll join us in San Antonio for Texas WaterTM 2022!

San Antonio-The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
Do you want to know more about the Native Plants in NW Bexar County? If so, join Texas Parks on Saturday April 2nd from 10 AM until around Noon for a fairly easy hike (about 1.5 miles round trip) over gentle terrain. We will discuss how local geology has contributed to the extensive biodiversity across the region and how the resulting plant life encouraged Native Americans and European settlers to live here. We will explore up to 30 native Texas plants (season dependent) and discuss how they support favorable habitats. Open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
No reservations required; no pets please. All Natural Area entry fees apply. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower.

The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
Do you want to know more about the Native Plants in NW Bexar County? If so, please join the Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA) on Saturday April 2nd from 10 AM until around Noon for a fairly easy hike (about 1.5 miles round trip) over gentle terrain. We will discuss how local geology has contributed to the extensive biodiversity across the region and how the resulting plant life encouraged Native Americans and European settlers to live here. We will explore up to 30 native Texas plants (season dependent) and discuss how they support favorable habitats. Open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
No reservations required; no pets please. All Natural Area entry fees apply. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. The Natural Area front gates open at 7:00AM; plan to be at the Visitor Center and ready to go no later than 9:45AM; the hike starts promptly at 10:00AM. Dress for hiking outdoors; sunscreen and hat recommended. Wear sturdy footwear appropriate for rough trails; bring two liters of water PER PERSON and a snack. This hike is subject to cancellation. Check trail conditions by going to the GCSNA twitter feed, or the GCSNA Facebook Page. For more information visit GCSNA’s site here or contact John Koepke at john.koepke@tpwd.texas.gov.

Stonewall - LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour 2022
2022-04-02 07:00 - 12:00 UTC | LBJ Ranch, 1048 State Park Road 49, Stonewall, 78671
Join our partners at the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park at the LBJ Ranch on Saturday, April 2, 2022, and support the LBJ National Historical Park by being part of the iconic LBJ 100.
Non-cyclists can take the self-guided tour of the Ranch, sign up for a tour around the grounds of the Texas White House, go inside the JetStar that served as Air Force One, see displays, a video, and the bookstore in the Hangar, and visit the adjacent LBJ State Park. In addition, you’ll be in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with over 50 wineries and several distilleries within a 30-minute drive of the Ranch.
Click here to register.
Click here to volunteer.
Learn more and explore frequently asked questions on the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour website, linked here. Please consult the local chambers of commerce for more information on options.

Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Center
Blanco Chamber
Marble Falls Chamber

New Braunfels-Comal County Conservation Alliance Lunch and Learn
2022-03-28 11:00 - 15:30 UTC | New Braunfels McKenna Center, 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, Texas, 78130, United States
This is an opportunity for new volunteers to learn about the Comal County Conservation Alliance —its history, its messages, and its mission going forward. For more information on Lunch and Learn and to register, please contact diane.desimone49@gmail.com

Albert - Hillside Stewardship Hands-On Field Day
2022-03-26 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Hilliard Ranch, 4699 Schumann Road, Albert, TX, 78671, United States
Got erosion? Wish you had a few more tools in your toolbox for slowing and sinking water into the land? Join the Hill Country Alliance Land Program for a fun, free, hands-on opportunity for experiential learning where we’ll construct three different types of erosion-control structures together.
If you’d like to join us for this free, hands-on event, we have 15 spots open.
To register, email daniel@hillcountryalliance.org your contact information. Space is limited.

Stonewall - K-12 Place-Based Education Workshop
2022-03-26 | Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX, 78671, United States
Join LBJ National Historic Park, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, and Teton Science Schools for this workshop focused on place-based education and rural teaching. This two-day workshop will provide teachers with the chance to connect with community organizations, network with other teachers and support each other as well as consider and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in rural communities.

Click here to register

Fredericksburg - Going Green: Refusing Plastics featuring Karen Taylor
2022-03-22 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Gilbriar Gazebo, 208 Danos Dr, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, United States
On Tuesday March 22nd the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will be hosting an in-person presentation by Karen Taylor, at Gilbriar Gazebo at 208 Social gathering starts at 6:30, the presentation begins at 7:00. Guests and area newcomers are always welcome. Join us to learn more about the delights of living with nature in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
The speaker is Karen Taylor, who is presently teaching at the Environmental Studies School in Groesbeck, TX. Ms Taylor explains how plastics are affecting our Hill Country air and soil, they are an all-encompassing part of our lives and environment – from the micro-plastics in sea water and the food we prepare to the containers we have sitting on the counter.

San Antonio - Who's Taking Care of Texas?
2022-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Woodlawn Pointe Community Center Auditorium, 702 donaldson avenue, San Antonio, Texas
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is sponsoring a public hearing on Monday, March 21st to let the Sunset Commission staff know how well (or, not) TCEQ has been serving you. Your comments will be considered for inclusion in the Sunset Commission report that will be submitted to the State Legislature during their 2023 session.
The event will be moderated by Randy Beamer, Host of KLRN’s On the Record.
Texas Sunset Advisory Commission hopes to see you (and hear from you!) then.
Click here to learn more.

Online - Webinar: TWDB's Water Conservation is for Everyone
2022-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Description:
The Texas Water Development Board works to ensure a sustainable water future for all Texans.
As part of the TWDB’s Office of Water Science & Conservation, the Conservation Department engages with a variety of stakeholders and audiences to encourage the stewardship of our water resources through financial and technical assistance, education and outreach, and distribution of educational resources.
Meeting the growing water demand becomes more difficult as the population grows, so this webinar will discuss the importance of water conservation in state water planning, while also providing insights into programs offered, the overlap of urban and rural agriculture, and how the various stakeholders come together to help protect our most precious resource – water.
Click here to register.
Speakers:
Shae Luther, Water Education Specialist, Texas Water Development Board Kyla Peterson, Natural Resources Specialist/Team Lead – Ag Conservation, Texas Water Development Board Josh Sendejar, Water Conservation Specialist, Texas Water Development Board

Additional Texas Waters Specialist Programming Opportunities from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
Click here to learn more about Texas Waters Curriculum and advanced training.

Online - One Water in Comal County with Comal County Conservation Alliance
2022-03-08 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Online
Join our friends at the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for an educational evening program.
WHO: Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA)
WHEN: Tuesday March 8, 2022, 6:00 -7:30 pm
WHAT: Virtual Community Program on “ONE WATER in Comal County” with guest speaker Jennifer Walker, Deputy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program, National Wildlife Federation.
EVENT INFO: If you like, use or drink water, this presentation is for you! Comal County is a land of refreshing springs, clear rivers, and magnificent aquifers! One Water is a way to make the best possible use of this amazing resource and ensure fresh water will always be available — for people, wildlife and yes, most definitely for a prosperous Texas economy. Jennifer Walker will join us to discuss the One Water concept, and how it can help us meet our county’s future water needs by changing how we use and reuse the water we have.
NOTE: Free to the public
WHERE: Zoom

Login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89726649214?pwd=[REDACTED]
Go to: https://www.comalconservation.org/upcoming-events.html for zoom details and options

Click to Learn More

Star Party
2022-03-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | TX
Join the Kendall County Friends of the Night Sky group for a Star Party, hosted by Bending Branch Winery. Several telescopes will be on hand for an evening of stargazing with local astronomers sharing their expertise.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfortable viewing from the lawn. The event is free, but RSVPs are required for planning purposes. Wine and snacks will be available for purchase at the event or feel free to bring a picnic. No outside alcohol allowed.

If you’re bringing your own flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane. White light is a no-no. You may also bring your own telescope. This is a family-friendly event.

6:30 p.m. Gates open
6:30-7:30 p.m. Social hour
7:30-9:30 p.m. Stargazing

PLEASE NOTE: Star parties are very weather-dependent. If the event is canceled due to clouds, wind, or rain, an email will go out to registered attendees no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the event.

Austin - Texas Land Conservation Conference
2022-03-02 15:30 - 2022-03-04 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Drive, Austin, TX, 78719, United States
The 26th annual Texas Land Conservation Conference will be held March 2-4, 2022 at the Hilton Austin Airport.
We are very excited to welcome everyone back together in-person. The conference is the preeminent statewide meeting for anyone working in the field of land and water conservation, private landowners interested in conserving their land, government, business and NGO agency partners, and any person interested in learning more about these important issues in Texas. Come join us for three days of learning, inspiration, and fantastic networking events as we work together to #ConserveTexasLand!
The conference brings together experts from around the state and nation to discuss a variety of conservation-related issues, providing an exceptional opportunity for learning and engagement in order to advance land and water conservation in Texas. Whether you are interested in attending, speaking on a panel, or supporting our event as a sponsor or exhibitor, you can find more information by following this link.

We hope to see you in March for the 26th annual Texas Land Conservation Conference!

Online & Austin - Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium
2022-02-15 08:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | LCRA Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, 78703
The Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. Learn from state and national experts about the latest approaches, what is coming next and best practices for maximum efficiency gains.
Time and Place
Tuesday, February 15,2022 LCRA Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Who Should Attend?
Mayors, City Council, Board Members of MUD’s, Regional Water Authorities, City Managers, Water Utility Directors and Staff, Water Conservation Managers, Program Staff and other Relevant Staff, CFO’s Finance Directors, Sustainability Directors, Business and Community Leaders, Consultants and Advocates. In-person registration limited to the first 100 registrants.
