San Marcos - Water Quality Training
2019-09-17 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on water quality related to the Upper San Marcos River will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 17 at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St. in San Marcos.
Those interested are also invited to attend a stakeholder meeting at the same location that morning from 9-10 a.m.
The workshop is presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in cooperation with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University.
The training is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in the region. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants are encouraged to preregister at the Texas Watershed Steward website at https://tws.tamu.edu.

New Braunfels - CCCA Celebration for Conservation
2019-09-17 16:00 - 20:00 | The Gruene Grove, 1263 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX, United States

Johnson City - National Public Lands Day Town Creek Restoration
2019-09-18 08:00 - 15:00 | LBJ National Historical Park, 100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
This year for National Public Lands Day, the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park will be hosting another Settlement Restoration on Wednesday, September 18th from 8am-3pm.

This will include a pop-up educational tent (that will also have water and hopefully some snacks), and the option for individuals to volunteer and help remove invasive and exotic species from 8am-11am. From 11am-3pm, volunteers are invited to join us in the air conditioned Event Center to make eco-friendly crafts like seed balls. Volunteers will come and go throughout the day as their time permits, and will be given a “free one-time entrance pass to a National Park”.

Dripping Springs - Hays County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale
2019-09-18 15:00 - 18:00 | TX
Join the Hays County Master Gardeners during September for our annual plant sale! This year we will feature native and adapted perennials, herbs and of course Texas Superstar plants which are highly recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife.
Don’t worry if you are new to gardening; we will have an information table staffed with Master Gardeners that will provide planting guidance. Our mission is to provide public education on best gardening practices for successful growing.
The Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale will be held at the Farmers Markets in Dripping Springs on Wednesday, September 18th and San Marcos on Saturday, September 21st.
Dripping Springs Farmers Market
Wednesday, September 18 from 3 – 6 PM
160 E Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

We invite you to learn more about our programs and events on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HaysCountyGardeners
Instagram: @hayscountymastergardeners
https://txmg.org/hays/
Cash and credit card accepted

San Marcos - Hays County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale
2019-09-21 09:00 - 13:00 | San Marcos Farmers Market, 1901 Alpine Trail, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Join the Hays County Master Gardeners during September for our annual plant sale! This year we will feature native and adapted perennials, herbs and of course Texas Superstar plants which are highly recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife.
Don’t worry if you are new to gardening; we will have an information table staffed with Master Gardeners that will provide planting guidance. Our mission is to provide public education on best gardening practices for successful growing.
The Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale will be held at the Farmers Markets in Dripping Springs on Wednesday, September 18th and San Marcos on Saturday, September 21st.
San Marcos Farmers Market
Saturday, September 21 from 9 AM – 1 PM
1901 Alpine Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666

We invite you to learn more about our programs and events on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HaysCountyGardeners
Instagram: @hayscountymastergardeners
https://txmg.org/hays/
Cash and credit card accepted

Round Mountain - Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Star Party
2019-09-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Tour the night skies at Westcave Preserve, a dark sky location convenient to Austin. Star Party nights are an ideal opportunity to enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope.
With local astronomers on hand to answer questions, you’ll be delighted and amazed by what you see and learn!
$15 adult (18+) | $5 child (4 – 17)
2019 Star Party Dates:

September 21, 8:00-10:00 pm
October 19, 7:30-9:30pm
November 16, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
December 14, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
January 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
February 15, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Events are weather permitting. To make a reservation, please email starparty@westcave.org or call 830.825.3442
Please include a phone number and the size of your group in your email or phone message.
Click here to register.

Austin - Old Buildings in a Changing Austin: Historic Preservation, Density, and Affordability
2019-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Mexican American Cultural Center – Austin, 600 River St, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Historic preservation is used across the country to support small businesses, provide affordable housing, and preserve community heritage. But what is its role in Austin, where a booming economy is spurring calls for higher-density development and production of housing on a much larger scale?
Dr. Mike Powe from the National Trust for Historic Preservation will discuss how older, smaller, mixed-age buildings in Austin relate to housing affordability and economic vitality as our city grows.
This event is free and open to the public and city staff
Find out more here.

Dripping Springs - Annual Hill Country Leadership Summit
2019-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Camp Lucy, 3509 Creed Rd., Dripping Springs, TX, 78620, United States
Please mark your calendars for the Annual Hill Country Leadership Summit, Thursday, September 26, 2019.
We will gather at the Sacred Oaks within Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX. The Leadership Summit is the Hill Country Alliance’s premiere annual gathering, and provides an opportunity for learning, networking, and being inspired among our region’s top community leaders, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers.
Our program will focus on the challenges we face as a region, the huge successes we have accomplished in the past year, and the emergent opportunities ahead. Look for a detailed agenda in mid July.
For information on the program line-up and speakers, click here.
Register here.

Spicewood - Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats Benefit for the City of Double Horn
2019-09-26 18:00 - 20:30 | TX

Fredericksburg - Learn to Landscape with Native Hill Country Plants
2019-09-28 08:30 - 16:30 | TX
Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
Learn to Landscape with Native Hill Country Plants

What: Native Landscaping Certification Program- Level 3
Topic: The Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) has been developed by the Native Plant Society of Texas to teach the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes.
Level 3: Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes

Recognize the differences between native and non-native landscapes.
Become familiar with how to install the different types of native plants into a landscape, including: plant choice, purchase, placement, spacing; soil choice; bed and soil preparation; planting seeds and plants; mulching.
Understand maintenance requirements and techniques. Create maintenance schedules for different types of native plants.

The course includes a classroom session and a 1.5-2 hour outdoor plant walk.
The Native Plant Society (NPSOT) offers two levels of certificates:
Completion – attend the full day.
Competency – attend the full day and pass a test at the end of the class.
Cost: Members of the Native Plant Society of Texas: $50; Non-members: $65
Become a Member: https://npsot.org/wp/join-renew/
To Register: https://npsot3.123signup.com/event/registration/rgfns
More Info: https://npsot3.123signup.com/event/details/rgfns
Questions: Registration questions: Meg Inglis, NLCP Coordinator, meg.inglis@npsot.org or 512-589-1316
Location and class specific questions: Chris Anderson, NLCP Fredericksburg Chapter Program Manager, sligo.canine@gmail.com, 830-998-8559
Instructors: Chris Anderson, Lonnie Childs; both past Presidents of the Native Plant Society -Fredericksburg
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2019
Time: 8:30-4:30 p.m. (30-45 minutes for lunch. Bring your own sack lunch)
Where: Central Texas Electric Cooperative – 386 Friendship Lane, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Wimberley - Blue Hole Star Party
2019-09-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The City of Wimberley Parks Department and the Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee present the next Blue Hole Star Party on September 28 at 7:00 pm! The event is free and will be held at the soccer fields. Bring your flashlights and experience the park like you never have before! Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets. Please call (512)660-9111 for additional information.

Fredericksburg - Bennett Women's Land Stewardship Conference
2019-09-30 08:00 - 2019-10-01 17:00 | The Inn on Barons Creek, 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States

New Braunfels - Alamo Area MPO Meeting & Public Comment Session
2019-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States

San Antonio - Mountainfilm on Tour
2019-10-03 18:30 - 21:30 | TX
Mountainfilm on Tour- San Antonio is coming to Confluence Park on the evening of Thursday, October 3rd. Experience a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films. Presented by the San Antonio River Foundation, this film festival will galvanize stewardship and awaken your love of nature. Paired with light cuisine and cocktails, your night by the River will be one of discovery and change.

Proceeds benefit the San Antonio River Foundation’s vision to inspire stewardship.

Cocktail reception begins 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm
Tickets $50 each, includes admission, refreshments and alcoholic beverages (21+ years old event)

Parking information and the list of films can be found at: https://sariverfound.org/sarf-events/filmfest/

Click here to buy tickets.

Hunt - Soil for Water: Agricultural Resilience Clinic with Nicole Masters
2019-10-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Kerr Wildlife Management Area, 2625 FM 1340, Hunt, TX, 78024, United States
ONE- AND TWO-DAY TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Friday only $70 (includes lunch) ONLY 15 AVAILABLE
Friday Game Dinner at The Hunt Store $35
Friday and Saturday $130 (both days include lunch)* ONLY 18 AVAILABLE
Internationally-acclaimed agroecologist Nicole Masters of New Zealand will join NCAT specialists, HMI Certified Educators, and other regenerative agriculture experts for two activity-filled days exploring agricultural resilience. In the dynamic and sometimes unforgiving climates of Texas, any agricultural operation needs to be ready to cope with and recover from adversity. By holding more water in the soil and fostering the right soil microbiology we can buffer changes in temperature and mitigate the effects of extreme weather patterns.
This two-day clinic will provide insights into soil health, soil health indicators and monitoring techniques, and plant health. Questions Nicole will address include:

How do we build soil structure to improve water and mineral cycles?
What is the role of soil microbes in pasture quality and resiliency?
What are your weeds telling you?
How do we manage weeds, disease, and insects?
How do we shift from invasive grasses to native grasses?
How does adaptive multi-paddock grazing encourage resiliency?
What monitoring strategies can we use to be sure we are making improvement and moving towards our goals?
How can we reduce the need for chemical inputs without reducing yields?

* No single tickets for Saturday will be sold. Per Nicole’s request, people who join the hands-on portion of the clinic on Saturday must attend on Friday.
Please reserve your space for the clinic and the dinner using the form below.
Lodging options for this training are limited and we suggest you book as soon as possible to ensure your space.
Click here to visit NCAT’s website for more information and lodging options, or call or email NCAT specialist Kara Kroeger, 479-587-3479 or karak@ncat.org.
Click here to register.

Blanco - Caring for Your Land: Incentives for Stewardship and Conservation Workshop
2019-10-04 09:30 - 13:30 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North, Blanco, Texas
We hope you can join us for the October 4th, CARING FOR YOUR LAND – INCENTIVES FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION WORKSHOP at Gem of the Hills Community Center (2233 N US Highway 281) in Blanco, TX.
This free event, which will detail tools and financial incentives to support land stewardship and conservation, starts at 9:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM on Friday, October 4th. Lunch will be included and space is limited. To learn more and to register for this free workshop, please go to https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/caring-for-your-land

New Braunfels - Walk and Talk at the Headwaters at the Comal with CCCA
2019-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Join the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for a Walk and Talk Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal. Nancy Pappas, Managing Director of the Headwaters, will lead the tour of this ecologically and historically significant property. The Headwaters at the Comal showcases the significance of the Comal Springs and connects the community to nature and the importance of conservation. It is a 16-acre property in the middle of a transformation from a “brownfield” fleet/facility property into a premier education center. This tour includes an overview of the history of the site; a walk through a savanna prairie reclaimed from an asphalt parking lot; a look into an historic cistern encasing the headwaters springs of the Comal River; a discussion of the archaeological significance of the property, and much, much more. Don’t miss this opportunity for an insider’s view of this important property.
Click here to register.

New Braunfels - Walk and Talk Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal
2019-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Please join the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for a “Walk and Talk” Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal. Nancy Pappas, Managing Director of the Headwaters, will lead the tour which will include a walk through a restored native prairie that was reclaimed from an asphalt parking lot, a look into the historic cistern encasing the headwaters springs of the Comal River, a discussion of the Archaeological discoveries on the property and much, much more.
Click here to register.
Space is limited so sign up soon!

Dripping Springs - Open House: US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs
2019-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620, United States
TxDOT has launched the US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Planning and Feasibility Study. This study will identify future safety and mobility improvements to US 290 from RM 1826 in southwest Austin to RM 12 in Dripping Springs. The corridor spans both Travis and Hays counties.
The purpose of this planning and feasibility study is to identify long-term safety and mobility solutions for the US 290 corridor and to establish a recommended right-of-way footprint. The study is anticipated to take one year and will include many opportunities for public involvement. At the conclusion of the planning and feasibility study, TxDOT plans to enter into the environmental study and schematic design process to further develop any potential solutions identified. Of note, the proposed project would connect to the Oak Hill Parkway project.
The purpose of the open house is to request input from the community regarding safety and mobility needs on the US 290 corridor within the study limits.
An open house will be held at each end of the study area. Both open houses will have identical materials and attendees can come and go at their convenience. Study team members will be available to answer questions and receive input from the public.
If you are unable to attend, take TxDOT’s online survey. Comments must be received on or before Oct. 21, 2019 to be included in the official record.
Learn more on TxDOT’s website here.

Wimberley - Hays County Public Meeting on El Rancho Cima Conservation
2019-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Hays County to hold public meeting to discuss the acquisition of 533 acres of riverfront at El Rancho Cima for conservation
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (Oct. 1, 2019) – The Hays County Precinct 3 Office will host a public meeting Wednesday, October 9, to discuss recent efforts to conserve portions of El Rancho Cima. The meeting will be held at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, at 6 p.m.
El Rancho Cima, also known as the Boy Scout Ranch, is located 18 miles west of San Marcos on Ranch Road 32 along the Devil’s Backbone. The property includes Sentinel Peak, which at more than 1,200-feet-high is a landmark for anyone traveling the route.
The 2,300-acre ranch was recently sold by the Sam Houston Area Boy Council of Boy Scouts, which was steward of the property for more than 60 years, and the new owner has subdivided the property.
“There has been a great deal of interest in conserving El Rancho Cima,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said. “We have been working on ways in which to participate in these efforts and now have the ability to secure a 533-acre portion of the ranch that has frontage on both sides of the Blanco River. This gives Hays County a unique opportunity for conservation and partnership opportunities to preserve water quality and endangered species habitat as well as provide public access to a special part of the Texas Hill Country.”

Fredericksburg - Texas Stars at Night are Big and Bright! Let's Keep Them That Way: Dark Skies and Why They Matter
2019-10-10 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
Fredericksburg Native Plant Society and Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Present
“Texas Stars at Night are Big and Bright” Let’s keep them that way!
“Dark Skies and Why They Matter”
What: Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Class
Speaker: Bridget Langdale
Electric lights were introduced less than 150 years ago. In that short time, star-filled night skies have largely disappeared from all populated areas. Since living things co-evolved with dark skies, some plants and animals actually require the night sky for survival. We are just beginning to learn about the health benefits attributed to a dark night. All is not lost, however. With prudent use of non-glare lighting, it is possible to have both dark night skies and safe streets. In this class you will learn how to save money, save energy, increase personal safety and health, help wildlife and plants thrive, and help keep our night sky dark… simply by the wise use of man-made lighting.
Ms. Langdale, a resident of Mason, is active in the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter and is a member of the Mason Star Gazers and the Hill Country Astronomer clubs. She works with the International Dark Sky Organization and the Hill Country Alliance to increase public awareness about light pollution and to offer common sense solutions for individuals, businesses, communities, city councils and county commissions. Langdale’s transformative efforts have resulted in her home town of Mason being recognized as having some of the darkest skies in the Hill Country.
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 pm
Cost: $20.00
Register: Contact Rachel Malinak, rachelm@fisd.org, 830-997-9552

Austin - Bluegrass & Beer: Keep Sewage out of Barton Creek
2019-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX, 78736, United States
Find out more here.

Round Mountain - Informational Meeting on the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District
2019-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Learn more about the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District on their website, https://swtcgcd.com

San Marcos - Guadalupe River Stakeholder Meeting and Webinar
2019-10-16 13:00 - 16:00 | TX
For more details, click here.

Fredericksburg - Deer me! Native Plant Landscaping Despite the Deer!
2019-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Fredericksburg Middle School Library, 110 West Travis, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Fredericksburg Native Plant Society and Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Present
“Deer me! Native Plant Landscaping Despite the Deer!”
What: Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Class
Speaker: Chris Anderson
Learn how to create and protect a beautiful native plant landscape despite the constant depredations of our beautiful, but always hungry deer population. The course covers deer food preferences and a wide variety of techniques for selecting and defending Hill Country native plants, suitable to any area landscape.
Mr. Anderson is a past President of the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. He is an active Master Naturalist, serves on the Board of the Fredericksburg Nature Center and is an interpretive guide at Enchanted Rock. The native plant landscaping surrounding his house serves as a personal laboratory for determining which plants the deer avoid.
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 pm
Cost: $20.00
Register: Contact Rachel Malinak, rachelm@fisd.org, 830-997-9552

Spicewood - No Water, No Beer: What a Groundwater Conservation District Means for Western Travis County
2019-10-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Sorellina Pizzeria, 23526 HWY 71 W, Bldg. B, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
Join us for a Hill Country Alliance + Pizzeria Sorellina happy hour!
This fall, voters will have the opportunity to formally approve the Southwest Travis County GCD on November 5th. This would close a loophole and provide some management of groundwater withdrawals in SW Travis County. Domestic and livestock wells would not be impacted by the formal approval of this district. Come learn more, have a beer, and hear more from the President of the new Southwest Travis County Groundwater Conservation District, Rick Scadden.
Additional information on the Southwest Travis County Groundwater Conservation District:

Fact sheet
Groundwater Truths and Myths in Travis County
HCA webpage on the Southwest Travis County GCD
Official Southwest Travis County GCD website

Concan - Frio Family Camp Fall Retreat
2019-10-18 - 2019-10-20 | House Pasture Cattle Co, 2 River Road, Concan, TX, 78838, United States

Castell - Caring for Your Land: Incentives for Stewardship and Conservation Workshop
2019-10-18 13:15 - 17:15 | Castell General Store, 19522 Ranch Road 152, Castell, TX, 76831, United States
We hope you can join us for the October 18th, CARING FOR YOUR LAND – INCENTIVES FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION WORKSHOP at Castell General Store (19522 Ranch Road 152) in Castell, TX.
This free event, which will detail tools and financial incentives to support land stewardship and conservation, starts at 1:15 PM and ends at 5:15 PM on Friday, October 18th.
To learn more, please go to https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/caring-for-your-land
To register, click here: http://texaswildlifeassociation.salsalabs.org/clcaringforyourlandllano?page=register&eType=ActivityDefinitionInstance&eId=442fc96d-ca41-4ac8-b27b-a57c671463cf

San Marcos - Monarch Fest and Native Plant Sale
2019-10-19 09:00 - 16:00 | TX
Save the date for San Marcos’ second annual Monarch Fest! Conservation groups will be there to show visitors the importance of monarch butterflies and other pollinators that can be found in the region. Peruse our fall native plant sale and be inspired to build your own butterfly garden and lend a helping hand to pollinators while enjoying native flowers. Learn how to join citizen science projects and help track monarchs as they make their migration to and from their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Did you know Central Texas is in the heart of a flyway for many migrating species of birds and insects including the monarch butterfly? That means we are lucky enough to witness a diversity of migrating species when the time is right.
Come see what San Marcos is doing as a city to help pollinators and learn how to get involved to make a difference!
For more updates, check out the Facebook event here.

San Marcos - Sacred Springs Powwow
2019-10-19 10:00 - 2019-10-20 21:00 | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The Sacred Springs Powwow is organized by the San Marcos nonprofit Indigenous Cultures Institute. The festival boasts an annual attendance of 6,000 and features performances by over 100 dancers, traditional drums & singers with a spectacular Indian Market of arts & craft booths and authentic Native foods.
Highlights include:

Over 100 Native dancers competing in ten categories
Largest Native Market at an outdoor powwow with 50 Native arts, crafts, and food booths
Outstanding powwow drum groups
Frybread & other Native favorites

Find out more here.
