Hill Country Alliance

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.

Wimberely-2022 Butterfly Festival
2022-04-23 09:00 - 17:00 | 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!

San Marcos - Spring Lake Earth Day Festival
2022-04-23 10:00 - 15:00 | 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)

Kyle-Earth Day Celebration at the Kyle Public Library!
2022-04-23 10:00 - 16:00 | 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

Online-The Grey Water Project's Earth Day!
2022-04-24 08:30 - 11:00 | Online
Hear from distinguished speakers and participate in our STEM workshops. Interested in speaking up for the environment? Join us as a speaker at the Open Mic. Compete in our 3rd annual art competition and win fabulous prizes!

2022-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 | 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 24th 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.

San Antonio-The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
2022-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 | 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 us on Sunday, April 24th 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.

Kerrville - Spring Water Revival - Texas Water Symposium: Seizing the Moment for Rural Water Infrastructure
2022-04-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Schreiner University: Cailloux Campus Activity Center Ballroom, 15 Acorn Loop, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Join us for an interactive panel event spotlighting the once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize water infrastructure, featuring experts and rural leaders excited to put these funds into action. Learn where communities can look for funds and the benefits of taking a One Water approach.
Featuring:

Katherine Romans, Executive Director, Hill Country Alliance (Moderator)
Jennifer Walker, Deputy Director of Texas Coast and Water Program, National Wildlife Federation
Rebeca Gibson, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Bandera
Mark Pearson, West Texas Coordinator, Communities Unlimited
Troy Dorman, PhD, PE, CFM, Director of Water Resources, Halff Associates, Inc.

This panel will be recorded by Texas Public Radio and will be accessible after the event.
Click here to share the Facebook event.

Online - Innovative Approaches to Water with Sharlene Leurig - TREAD Talk
2022-04-27 18:00 | Online
Sharlene Leurig is Chief Executive Officer of Texas Water Trade, a nonprofit harnessing markets and technological innovation to build a future of clean, flowing water for all Texans and will discuss the vision of having durable, long-lasting water supplies in Texas that ensure future economic growth, ecological resilience and abundant water for present and future generations, no matter their income or zip code.
Click to register here.

Kyle - Land, Water and Wildlife Expeditions Mentor Training with Texas Wildlife Association
2022-04-30 - 2022-05-01 | Kyle, TX, Kyle, TX, 78640, United States
Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions is a new program from Texas Wildlife Association Conservation Legacy that aims to increase the number of youth ages 11-17 participating in educational, safe, and mentored outdoor experiences on private land in Texas. The program will work closely with landowners, mentors, volunteers and natural resource experts to grow the number of opportunities for youth and families to experience the outdoors and see the work of good land stewards across the state.

Click here to register

Wimberley - Blue Hole Star Party
2022-04-30 20:30 - 22:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Wimberley! Bring your family and friends to our bi-annual Blue Hole Star Party event to enjoy an evening of stargazing in the Hill Country on April 30th from 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM. The Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee and the Texas State Astronomy Club will be sharing their telescopes and knowledge with us for the night. Admission is free. You are encouraged to bring something to sit on, a picnic, and flashlights and then meet us on the soccer fields near the basketball courts.

Llano - Axis Deer Research at Llano River Field Station
2022-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Texas Tech – Llano River Field Station, 254 Red Raider Ln, Junction, TX, 76849, United States
Dr. Buchholz and Mr Leslie will be giving a presentation about Axis Deer Research and their research at the Texas Tech University Center at Junction in the cafeteria on 3 May 2022. It will start at 6PM. This is going to be open to anyone who wants to attend!
Join the Microsoft Teams here.

San Marcos - Viva Texas Rivers! Book Celebration
2022-05-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Alkek Library, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The Wittliff Collections hosts a gathering of outstanding writers who contributed to the sparkling new literary anthology, Viva Texas Rivers!
Carmen Tafolla performs “This River Here”
A video tribute to writers and their rivers
River experts Andrew Sansom and Joe Nick Patoski discuss “The State of Texas Rivers Today”
Booksigning with editors Steve Davis and Sam Pfiester, cover artist Clemente Guzman, map artist Molly O’Halloran, and featured writers: Carmen Tafolla, Joe Nick Patoski, Andrew Sansom, Stephen Harrigan, Bill Minutaglio, Norma Elia Cantú, S.C. Gwynne, Carol Flake Chapman, Wes Ferguson, Joe Holley, Michael Barnes, Beatriz Terrazas, William Jack Sibley, Mark Busby, Clayton Maxwell, Michael Berryhill, Margie Crisp, Chip Dameron, Robert Flynn, Andrew Geyer, Jeff Davis, Daniel Oppenheimer, and more..
RSVP here.

New Braunfels - Mountain Cedars: Wanted Dead and Alive!
2022-05-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Landa Haus, 360 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Who likes Mountain Cedar? Whether you love it or you hate it, this program is for you! Our May “in-person” Community Program will showcase the expert on Ashe Juniper, Elizabeth McGreevy, also known as “The Cedar Lady.” Elizabeth is a sixth-generation Texan, and has been featured on talk radio, television and in magazines. When you hear that someone can write the book on a topic, she has! Wanted! Mountain Cedars: Dead and Alive is her fascinating contribution to really understanding the benefits of keeping your mountain cedars. Come and find out why mountain cedars are key to restoring soils and protecting ground waters.
Join us at the beautiful Landa Haus for this informative and interactive event.
Elizabeth McGreevy “The Cedar Lady”

Austin - Walk and talk on the Violet Crown Trail
2022-05-13 07:50 - 09:30 | Violet Crown Trail – Slaughter Lane, 5011 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
Hill Country Conservancy invites you to join us for an informative stroll along the Violet Crown Trail! On this exclusive tour of the trail, we reveal behind-the-scenes stories and share insights that you won’t find elsewhere. This is your opportunity to learn and to ask questions about anything regarding the trail, Hill Country Conservancy, or the Hill Country in general.

Please RSVP using the “register” button. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission and an informational email the week of the hike.

Please wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle)
This is a family-friendly event.
Dogs are welcome on this section of the trail but must remain on a leash.
Anticipated time on the trail is 1-1.5 hours.

Kerville - Golden-cheeked Warbler Hike at Los Rincones
2022-05-15 08:30 - 10:00 | Los Rincones Preserve, 1600 Sheppard Rees Rd, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
TLC invites you to join us for a Golden-cheeked Warbler hike on our very own Los Rincones Preserve, a protected corner of Texas right on the edge of Kerrville. While Los Rincones is known for it’s Hill Country vistas and deeply cut ravines, the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler simply knows it as home.

We will provide binoculars for the first 10 people who register for them. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your own water bottle.
$10 per member (not a member or need to renew, sign up today!
$20 per non-member
Kids 12 and under are free
Reserve your spot now!

Austin - Art4 Water Launch Party
2022-05-15 14:00 - 17:00 | BeerBurg, 13476 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX, 78736, United States
Join us at Beerburg Brewery on May 15 to celebrate the launch of the Watershed Association’s Art4Water program aimed at highlighting the intersectionality between art, culture, expression and conservation. Our inaugural Art4Water offering is the Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition, featuring water-inspired work of 30+ artists in the form of large art kites, which will hang high in the Austin Central Library from May 6th-November.

Our official launch at Beerburg Brewery on May 15th will be an opportunity to celebrate, announce, and point attention to the Kite Exhibit as well as highlight artists and community members that are passionate about conservation.

Bandera - Small Acreage - Big Opportunity!
2022-05-21 08:00 - 16:00 | Recreation Hall at Mansfield Park, 355 W A Mansfield Rd, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
The Small Acreage – Big Opportunity (SABO) program is a joint effort of Texas Wildlife Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to address this need. Our intensive one-day workshops will teach landowners how to evaluate their property’s habitat and what options are available for wildlife management, including cost-share programs. Perhaps most importantly, we will connect landowners with local professionals who can walk alongside them as they steward and learn their lands.
Registration Fee: $80 (includes lunch)
For more information, contact Amanda Gobeli:
agobeli@texas-wildlife.org | (720) 333-6224

Fredericksburg and online - Restoring Functional Ecosystems with Regenerative Agriculture
2022-05-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Gilbriar Gazebo, 208 Danos Dr, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, United States
This introduction to the website of ROAM Ranch is descriptive of the confidence that Taylor and Katie Collins have in their vision of building and operating a multi-species regenerative ecosystem in which soil building practices are integrated into every aspect of land management.

In nature’s image, biodiversity is a key aspect of the ranch. Taylor raises bison, ducks, chickens, turkeys, geese, pigs, and intentionally creates habitat for both native and migratory species to co-create on this landscape.

Within 5 years of management the ranch has seen dramatic improvements in soil carbon, water infiltration, plant diversity, and soil health. As a living demonstration to the potential of regenerative land management, the ranch annually hosts thousands of guests from all over the country . Standing in the midst of a dramatic demonstration, Taylor spreads his hands to a positive method of building the land.

When not wrangling bison, Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, trail running, cycling, – and planting trees.
Zoom link here

Online - Wild at Work: A Stewardship Series
2022-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 | TX
Wild at Work: A Stewardship Series is a new webinar series from Texas Wildlife Association which covers all things wildlife and land stewardship. These quarterly seminars will feature a variety of guest speakers to address topics of interest for stewards of our open spaces and native species. These free webinars, held during the work week at noon, are a perfect way to learn during your lunch break.”
Click to register.

Online - Is Rainwater Harvesting for Me?By Eco Centro
2022-05-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Rainwater harvesting has so many benefits – from happy plants to money in your wallet. With so many things to consider, it can be hard to know where or how to start. This short workshop will touch on all of the basics, and questions to ask yourself. This class is good for those looking to “dip their toes” in rainwater harvesting. If you decide to learn more, our Rainwater Harvesting class is a GREAT follow up to this one!

Please visit our Virtual Workshop FAQ if you have any issues registering or logging into the virtual workshop. If you still need assistance, please contact us at sac-ecocentro@alamo.edu.
Copyright © William R. Sinkin Eco Centro. All rights reserved. No part of this event page or the workshop itself may be shared without written permission from Eco Centro.

Austin - AGWT's 29th Groundwater program in Texas!-Texas Groundwater Conference
2022-06-01 08:30 - 2022-06-02 16:00 | Austin Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor's Row, Austin, TX, 78744, United States
Annual Texas Groundwater Conference
“Everything Aquifers and Groundwater Management”
2 Day Conference – June 1 & 2, 2022
June 1st – Registration: 7:30am-8:30am, Conference: 8:30am-5:00pm, Reception 5:00pm-6:30pm
June 2nd – Registration: 7:30am-8:30am, Conference: 8:30am-4:00pm
Austin Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor’s Row, Austin, TX 78744
This annual program brings together engineers, scientist, planners, water-resource managers, agency professionals and attorneys to share up to date information regarding the challenges, feasibility, regulatory concerns and the economic and environmental benefits of water management strategies for Texas.

Bee Cave - The State of Groundwater in Southwestern Travis County
2022-06-01 18:00 - 19:15 | Bee Cave City Hall, Council Chambers, 400 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave, TX, 78738, United States
Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Join the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District and City of Bee Cave for a community open house to discuss groundwater resources in southwestern Travis County. This is an educational presentation by SWTCGCD to review the background of the hydrogeology in southwestern Travis County, present the results of recent scientific investigations, and discuss this information in the context of groundwater availability and the potential for drought this summer.
Schedule of Events:

6:00-6:15 Introductions & Welcome
6:15-6:45 Educational Presentation
6:45-7:15 Public Q&A

Brought to you by the City of Bee Cave and the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District.
SWTCGCD is a groundwater conservation district created by the Texas Legislature to preserve, conserve, and protect the aquifers and groundwater resources within its jurisdiction. It is governed by a Board of seven elected directors and staffed with hydrogeologists, groundwater regulatory compliance specialists, and geospatial systems specialists.

Austin - 4th Annual National Trails Day on the Violet Crown Trail Fun Run!
2022-06-04 08:00 - 12:00 | Dick Nichols Park, 8011 Beckett, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
Lace up your shoes for the 4th annual National Trails Day fun run on the Violet Crown Trail!

Join Hill Country Conservancy for the fourth annual fun run on National Trails Day! National Trails Day is a nationwide event held to encourage people to discover their local trails and celebrate spending time outdoors, and what better way to celebrate than enjoying the Violet Crown Trail.
You can choose between a 5k or 1mi route. Both routes begin at Dick Nichols Park in South Austin. The 5k route follows the Violet Crown Trail to the Dick Nichols Trailhead at Latta Drive and the Deer Park Trailhead at Davis Lane. The route highlights the interconnectivity of the trail between neighborhoods, peaceful wooded areas, convenient urban amenities, and neighborhood parks.
After the run, stick around and celebrate with them at the finish line party! they’ll have tacos and coffee and live music by Will Dupuy.
Register here

Blanco-Blanco Lavender Festival
2022-06-10 12:00 - 2022-06-12 16:00 | Old Blanco County Courthouse, 300 Main Street, Blanco, TX, United States
The Lavender Market, on the grounds of the historic Blanco County Courthouse, is always a must-see highlight of the festival. Select artists and craftspeople from across Texas and beyond will offer the finest lavender-related pleasures and treasures. The Blanco Lavender Festival is a project
of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce and the major fundraiser for the year for the Chamber.

Austin- Exploring Flora & Funga
2022-06-11 08:00 - 16:30 | Circle Acres Nature Preserve, 900 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX, 78741, United States

Round Rock - TWCA Summer Conference
2022-06-15 08:00 - 2022-06-17 17:00 | TX
The TWCA Summer Conference is scheduled for June 15-17, 2022 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. Early bird rates expire on May 21. Cancellations before May 21 are subject to a $25 administrative fee. No cancellations will be allowed after May 21.
Panel meetings will take place on Thursday morning and speaker sessions for Thursday and Friday will cover the latest water quality and federal affairs updates, sunset overview of staff reports, interim charges, recruitment and retention challenges, and more.
We will also hear from the following keynote speakers: Senate Ag, Water & Rural Affairs Chairman Charles Perry, IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner, and TCEQ Commissioner
Bobby Janecka.
Click here for more info.

Fredericksburg - STEAM Garden, Native Plants, and Recycling. Oh, My! - Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
2022-06-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Gilbriar Gazebo, 208 Danos Dr, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, United States
On Tuesday, June 28th the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will be hosting an in person presentation at Gilbriar Gazebo at 208 Danos Dr, Fredericksburg. 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.
Our presentation is “Become Creative with ‘STEAM'” by Dinah Zike who becomes our creative mentor with STEAM Garden, Native Plants, and Recycling: Oh, My!
“STEAM” grew from the acronym “STEM” when the creative field of Arts were added to the educational approach to teaching holistically. STEAM combines the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Arts and (a+b) Mathematics. STEAM encourages “thinking out of the box” being creative as well as analytical. How does that apply to gardening with native plants?
A nationally renowned creator of educational materials, author, educational consultant, and lecturer, Dinah focuses on her immediate loves in this presentation: completion of the showcase Dinah Zike Academy in Comfort, Texas, her native garden, and encouraging others to be creative with recycled materials in their own lives while building an exciting, supportive environment.
Learn more here.

New Braunfels - Water: The Next 20 Years - Comal County Conservation Alliance Community Meeting
2022-07-19 18:00 - 19:30 | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Join the Comal County Conservation Alliance for a community meeting featuring Roland Ruiz (Edwards Aquifer Authority).

This is the HOT TOPIC for all of us who live in Comal County and South Central Texas! Mr. Roland Ruiz serves as General Manager for the EAA, our regional groundwater agency that manages one of the world’s most prolific artesian aquifers. In his presentation on “Water: The next 20 Years”,
Mr. Ruiz will expound on all the amazing things our Edwards Aquifer Authority is accomplishing to ensure we have water well into the future!
As General Manager for the past 10 years, he has focused on creating a shared value around effective management of the aquifer, especially in the face of environmental, economic and regulatory demands that are certainly affected by drought, population growth and the competing interests around these issues. He seeks to transform the EAA culture into a dynamic and service-minded operation that values collaboration, transparency and responsiveness.

Learn more here.
