Hill Country Alliance

Online - Water Wonks Online Lecture Series: #3 Integrating Stormwater Ecosystem Services Into Local Governance
2024-03-27 15:30 - 16:30 UTC | Online
Join this lecture series, hosted by Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and learn from Danielle Craig (Graduate Part-Time Instructor, Department of Landscape Architecture -Texas Tech University).
Mark your calendars for 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Water Wonks will feature a host of experts sharing innovative ideas and details about their work in the world of water.
Lecture #3-What you will learn:
This research identifies key indicators for stormwater ecosystem services within the comprehensive plans and land development regulations in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor. The rapid urbanization in the Corridor has significant implications for both quality and quantity of stormwater. Identification of key indicators for stormwater ecosystem services within plans and land development regulations can help to restore natural hydrology, decrease stormwater volumes during precipitation events to help prevent flooding, and increase stormwater quality.

Integrating Stormwater Ecosystem Services into Local Governance is an assessment of the various ways that cities can, and are, incorporating stormwater ecosystem services into urban planning and development, including drainage and flood control, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater pollution and prevention. The presence of specific planning and design strategies, such as low impact development, reduction of impervious surfaces, land interests and burdens, and conservation development are also evaluated.

The results of the evaluation show that recognition of ecosystem services within comprehensive plans and land development regulations is highly variable, but that there is ample opportunity for integration. The findings can be used to guide advocacy for enhancing ecosystem services in local law and policy and the overall research framework can be adapted to different geographical locations.
Click here to learn more and register.

Castroville - Medina River Stakeholder Meeting
2024-03-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Braden Keller Community Center, 1410 Amelia St, Castroville, TX, 78009, United States
The next Medina River stakeholder meeting is fast approaching! The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is hosting the third in a series of stakeholder meetings for anyone interested in becoming involved in the Medina River Below Medina Diversion Lake Watershed Protection Plan. This meeting is free and open to the public.
Discussions will focus on reviews and comments on drafts of the first three chapters of the watershed plan, upcoming work group meetings, and the draft of Chapter 4 – Potential Sources of Pollution. Continued development of Chapter 4 requires significant stakeholder input and feedback to clearly understand what is going on in the watershed. Refining this chapter will be an initial focus of upcoming workgroup meetings.

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

San Marcos - Groundwater Symposium: A deep dive into local aquifers
2024-04-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Texas State University, LBJ Student Center, LBJ Ballroom, 109 Student Center Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Join us on Tuesday, April 2 for the Groundwater Symposium- an immersive educational event providing an in-depth look into the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. By attending you’ll gain a better understanding of local hydrogeology, how groundwater is managed in the region, and what you can do to help conserve this precious resource. There will be hands-on activities, exhibitors, a panel of local groundwater leaders, and more! This event is hosted by Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and Texas State University’s Office of Sustainability and Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
Click here for more details.

Burnet - Reveille Peak Ranch - Texas Eclipse
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-09 | REVEILLE PEAK RANCH, 105 Co Rd 114, Burnet, TX, 78611, United States
Texas Eclipse 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration under the Texas sky! Don’t miss your last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the United States for more than 20 years on April 5-9th, 2024. At over 4 minutes and 20 seconds, this will be one of the longest totality events you can attend.
This experience will feature music, art, space and technology over 4+ days, set in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just a short drive from Austin and San Antonio, TX. We’ll be joined by thousands of festival lovers and eclipse enthusiasts from all over the world.

Harper - Tres Molinos Presents: Total Solar Eclipse at The Ranch
2024-04-05 10:00 - 2024-04-09 15:00 | Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort, 4260 N Ranch Rd 783, Harper, TX, 78631, United States
This will be a three-day event. We still have some dry dock rv spots available. We offer many activities on the ranch such as Fishing in one of our two stock ponds for Catfish, Bass and Perch, Skeet Shooting at the shooting range, Hiking over 125 acres, Trail Rides, and ATV Rentals. Our Restaurant is sure to satisfy any hungry camper or eclipse gazer with Chef Tito at the helm during this event.

Johnson City - Totalityville Eclipse Event at Vinovium Winery
2024-04-06 - 2024-04-09 | Vinovium Winery, Johnson City, TX, 214 Edmonds Ave, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
Join us for three days of camping at a beautiful hill country winery – with live music, food trucks, community, games, daily yoga and more, all leading up to the grand finale on April 8th…a complete solar eclipse with over 4 minutes of totality!
Learn more and get tickets at https://www.totalityville.com

Junction - Texclipse Music Festival
2024-04-06 11:00 - 2024-04-08 22:00 | Hill Country Fair Association, FM-2169, Junction, TX, FM-2169, Junction, TX, 76849, United States
Showcasing Texas Music, Art and Culture during the Total Solar Eclipse!🌘🔥 Join us on 40+ acres with unobstructed views for a quality viewing experience!
Camping and upscale lodging also available!
www.texclipsemusicfestival.com

Spicewood - Spicewood Arts Presents Reckless Kelly Concert
2024-04-06 17:30 - 22:00 | Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, 101 CO RD 409, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
Spicewood Art’s, a nonprofit organization, mission is to provide the residents of Spicewood, TX, and surrounding cities an opportunity to experience, enjoy and support the visual, performing, and literary arts through conducting six performances a season. Our 5th performance this season is Reckless Kelly, celebrating the beginning of the eclipse weekend.
Reckless Kelly is an American country rock band. The heartland gave the band authenticity. Musical lives honed its skill. Adversity instilled its persistence. Moving to Austin gave it wings to fly. As kids, the Brauns – Cody, Willy, Micky, and Gary – shared a stage with the likes of Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Merle Haggard. Cody and Willy branched out adding great musicians and formed Reckless Kelly.
They are ready to get off the road where they have been performing over 200 shows per year. 2024 & 2025 will be pre-retirement and they will only be playing 35 shows per year. They are excited for one of those to be for us in Spicewood, TX.
To learn more about the infamous Reckless Kelly band, check out: https://www.recklesskelly.com/

D'Hanis - Eclipse Festival
2024-04-07 - 2024-04-08 | Joe Finger Memorial Park, D'Hanis, TX, 78850
You don’t want to miss the D’Hanis Eclipse Festival. This 2-day event is family friendly and will be jam packed with tons of fun. Live Music, a Chili Cookoff, Pickleball, Washer and Cornhole Tournaments will be in full swing.
Primitive Tent and RV sites will be available starting several days before the event. Tent Sites are $30/night and RV sites are $100/night. There will be plenty of food and drinks for purchase.
The Kid Zone will include face painting, a bounce house, a petting zoo and will provide a star party and a night sky educational event.
All of this and SO MUCH MORE! So, bring the family and friends to D’Hanis for the best Eclipse experience around. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Joe Finger Memorial Park ~ a community park in D’Hanis that will host all Little League activities.

Austin - Anticipating the Eclipse Event with Texas Girls Collaborative Project
2024-04-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Four Points Artisan Market, 8300 North FM 620, Austin, TX, 78726, United States
Join Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) at the Four Points Artisan Market on Sunday, April 7 for an “Anticipating the Eclipse” event in collaboration with the Four Points Area YMCA and Kale Me Crazy Austin. Learn what to expect at the next day’s total solar eclipse, grab a pair of free eclipse glasses (while supplies last), and explore the sun with a solar filter-fitted telescope and hands-on, solar eclipse-related activities for kids. The Citizen and Community Science Library Network led by SciStarter, Arizona State University, and the National Girls Collaborative Project will also be there to help you learn how you can contribute to scientific research on eclipse day!
Shout out to the Thinkery Joyful Learning Collaborative and all collaborators for supporting this event.

Bandera - Total Solar Eclipse at City Park
2024-04-08 08:00 - 20:00 | Bandera, Texas, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
Join the City of Bandera at the Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple Street in Bandera for the Total Eclipse, April 8th. Park gates open at 8AM, $50 per car. Event shirts, $25, kids XS-L & adults S-3X.
Learn more here.

Spicewood - LunaPalooza: Total Eclipse Experience
2024-04-08 09:00 - 18:00 | Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, 101 CO RD 409, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
Join us at Iron Wolf for a once in a lifetime event as the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse path of totality passes over us in the beautiful Texas Hill Country on Monday, April 8th. Attendance is free, parking $20 (when purchased online) per vehicle. We also have eclipse glasses that you can add to your cart when you check out! All ages and on-leash pets welcome.

9-11:30am – Bloody Mary Bar, brunch cocktails, and breakfast tacos
11:30am – 1pm – Live music by Brodie Lane
12pm (until close) – Lunch & dinner available from premier food truck partners
1:15-1:45pm – Eclipse will be visible (no music during observation)
2-3:30pm – Brodie Lane (second set)

PRICING: Attendance is free, but each car must purchase a parking pass. Those who are ridesharing do not need to purchase a parking pass. Passes are $20 online and will be available for $30 at the gate, subject to availability. You will also have the option to purchase eclipse glasses from us as an add-on with your parking pass.

Fredericksburg - 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival
2024-04-08 12:00 - 20:00 | Grapetown Vineyard, 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
FULL ECLIPSE. CAMPING. HOT AIR BALLOONS. FARM TO TABLE DINNER. POLO.
Eclipse viewing and polo capped with a VIP Farm to Table Dinner, Live Music and Wine Tasting. All followed by a Hot Air Balloon Glow and Rides (Weather Contingent).
On April 8, 2024, the eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality (complete darkness) across 13 states, with the longest duration in Texas and the shortest in Maine. Because the eclipse will enter the United States through Texas and into Arkansas, Texans will be first to experience it.
Your Fredericksburg Bucket List awaits!
All in one day and all in Fredericksburg Texas! The Full Eclipse, Polo, a Farm to Table Dinner, Award Winning Wines and a Nightime Balloon Glow plus Hot Air Balloon Rides (rides are always weather and safety contingent)! Held at Grapetown Vineyard and the Fredericksburg Polo Club (on same property) VIP’s will enjoy a Polo Match capped with a VIP Farm to Table Dinner, Live Music and Wine Tasting. Polo and this VIP Dinner are followed by a Hot Air Balloon Glow at Dusk, then Hot Air Balloon Rides. The VIP Passes are geared towards a more refined higher end experience. GA Passes are available, but LIMITED. Sales will end soon.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is a private event and we have capped sales. There will be no day of sales. Guests not registered will not be allowed on the property. Grapetown Vineyard and Farm is also home to many exotic animals. There are Safari Wine Tours available for purchase that will give you the opportunity for a behind the scenes tour to meet Camels, Alpacas, Goats, Rheas, Blackbuck, Reindeer, Zebras and more! Tours are available earlier in the day at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. Those who choose the 3PM tour will miss most of the polo match. These Safari Wine Tours are NOT included in any pass, VIP or GA, and must therefore be booked and purchased separately and in addition to any other passes.
DISCLAIMER: Hot Air Balloons are extremely weather contingent. We cannot guarantee that the weather will cooperate. We will guarantee you that we always do our best to inflate and activate balloons. We also guarantee you that we will always put safety first. When the weather does not cooperate, and if balloon rides are not completed we will offer you a complimentary Hot Air Balloon ride at a future event (for up to two years).
DETAILS: All tent campsites are 14×30 feet, RV campsites are 20×40 feet. Everything must fit inside this campsite space, including your vehicle and tent/RV/Camper. Does your RV require a longer space? We will have a limited number of larger spaces available. To reserve these, please call our booking office at (203) 829-1407
This is primitive camping. Campsites do not have electric, nor water hookups. RVs must be self-contained. Generators are allowed but are not allowed to be a nuisance to neighbors and other campers. Generators may be allowed in the tent area if they are truly quiet. Solar power is welcomed for all campsites. Pets are allowed but MUST BE LEASHED AT ALL TIMES.
Portable toilets will be located at each campground and throughout the festival area. Handwashing stations will also be available.
Firewood bundles will also be available for campfires.
Campsite guests may bring outside food and beverages to their campsite. Alcoholic beverages are allowed at your campsite, and will also be available for purchase in the festival area. Outside alcohol is not allowed in Festival-Winery or any permitted areas due to TABC regulation.
Book your campsite today as spots will go quickly.
Check all details at https://grapetownvineyard.com/
“All things related to this event are subject to change and will be posted accordingly if changes occur. ”

Fredericksburg - Kolaches and Conservation
2024-04-10 09:00 - 10:30 | Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
April 10 | 9 – 10:30 AM
Kolaches & Conservation
Grab a kolache at this informal roundtable discussion at the Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office. Local landowners can present and discuss conservation issues and questions with one another and a panel of local conservation professionals from:

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept
Gillespie County Soil & Water Conservation District
Texas Grazing Land Coalition
Hill Country Alliance

Bring your questions and we’ll bring the kolaches!
This is a free event and registration is not required. Please email rachel@hillcountryalliance.org with any questions or concerns!

Online - Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant General Info Session
2024-04-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join this free Texas Children in Nature Network Webinar with Jessica Lagalo with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department!
Life is better outside! The Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grant provides $5,000- $100,000 in competitive grant awards to organizations that engage underrepresented audiences in outdoor recreation, environmental education, and conservation, in direct partnership with TPWD sites, programs, and resources. CO-OP grant recipients are as diverse as the communities in Texas they serve and must be a non-profit organization. They include conservation groups, nature centers, summer camps, churches, school districts, health/social service organizations, and municipalities. The next CO-OP grant application cycle opens August 1, 2024, and closes November 1st , 2024 at 5pm CST for program funds awarded March 1, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a free grant writing workshop to best support a well-crafted project application, offered around the state each summer.
Eligibility and additional information can be found on our webpage in August: https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/recreation-grants/grant-programs
Click here to learn more and RSVP for free.

Kerrville - Texas Water Symposium: Water Quality in the Hill Country - Challenges and Solutions
2024-04-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Schreiner University: Cailloux Campus Activity Center Ballroom, 15 Acorn Loop, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
April 11, 2024 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Kerrville – Schreiner University – CCAC Ballroom 2
Click to view flyer
From supporting a vibrant recreation-based economy, to sustaining our drinking water supplies, clean and clear rivers are the heart of the Hill Country. They have drawn people to the region for centuries, and the recent decade of explosive growth is no exception. However, development brings challenges to our existing water quality.
Join us for a discussion and Q&A opportunity in this Texas Water Symposium on water quality challenges in the Hill Country– as well as ways to mitigate some of these threats and keep our rivers and aquifers clean and clear.
As part of the Texas Water Symposium, this event is free and open to the public. The session will be recorded and aired on Texas Public Radio.
Free event – all are welcome! RSVP at bit.ly/TWS24

Online - Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #4: Comparative Analysis of Assured Water Supply Policies and Regulations Across the Western United States and Texas at the Municipal, County, and State Level
2024-04-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for a free webinar as part of their Water Wonks series!
Brenda Chapa, a recent UT Austin graduate of International political-economy and Fellow of the Earthshare Texas Green Leaders program will be presenting on her recently completed semester-long policy research project for the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance which included a literature review of assured water supply policies, laws, and regulations at the municipal, county, and state level in the Western United States compared to those policies within Texas. She will provide an outline of the comparative analysis, policy recommendations, and suggested areas for future research including recommendations for current and projected high-growth areas of Texas.
Click here to learn more and RSVP for free!

Leakey - Celebrate Mother Earth at The Springs
2024-04-27 12:00 - 21:00 | The Springs – Leakey, 692 Evergreen St, Leakey, TX, 78873, United States
Celebrate Mother Earth at The Springs
Date: April 27th noon-9pm
The Springs Retreat is having our 2nd annual Mother Earth Day celebration with 4 bands, 3 nice food vendors, 12 or more market vendors, art vendors, Los Maples and Garner State Park, KIRB, Chamber of Commerce, Leakey ISD in efforts to create awareness to our community and tourists to help reduce our footprint on this beautiful planet we live on. In addition, celebrating the beauty of The Texas Hill Country and what we can do to promote sustainability.
Click here to learn more.
The Springs Retreat
Address 692 S. Evergreen St., Leakey, TX 78873
Phone 830-232-4174
Text 830-900-4300

Online - 2024 Home in the Hill Country Photo Contest
2024-05-01 - 2024-05-31 | Online
The Photo Contest runs May 1 through May 31, 2024. Photographers of all ages and skill levels, from amateurs to professionals, are invited to participate. Winners will receive cash prizes and their photos will appear in HCA’s 2025 Calendar. HCA’s annual Texas Hill Country Calendar features stunning photography from each year’s photo contest. Both the photo contest and the calendar aim to highlight the beauty of the region, provide an informative resource on Hill Country conservation, and inspire folks to learn more and become involved in the issues important to keeping the natural resources of this unique region intact.
The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) calls on anyone with a camera to share your view of this iconic region and its many inhabitants in the 2024 Home in the Hill Country Photo Contest. May 1 through May 31, 2024, entries can be submitted to HCA’s website. Photographers of all ages and skill levels, from amateur to professional, are invited to participate in HCA’s 18th annual photography contest. Winners will receive cash prizes and their photos will appear in HCA’s 2025 Calendar.
Photography should be original and capture the vibrant beauty of our native landscapes, wildlife, and water resources of the Texas Hill Country – from rocky creekbeds to wide-open vistas to our starry skies. Beyond wildlife and plants that call the Hill Country home, contest judges are particularly excited to see photography that captures the people and communities that make up this special part of Texas.
Learn more, vote, and enter the photography contest on HCA’s website at https://hillcountryalliance.org/photocontest/

Oakwood - Soil for Water | Building a Regenerative Legacy
2024-05-02 13:00 - 2024-05-03 16:00 | The Regen Ranch, 8698 CR 239, Oakwood, Texas, 75855, United States
This event is FREE but registration is required.
Register by using the RSVP green box on the top right corner.
Join NCAT Soil for Water and regenerative producers across Texas to spend two days getting to know each other, learning about navigating generational transfers, and how Safe-to-Fail trials increase producer confidence with holistic grazing management.
Thursday, May 2nd | Continuing Cultural Legacies: An Overview of Generational Transfers & Land Loss Prevention

1:00 – 2:15 pm | Generational Transfer | Deydra Steans
2:00 – 2:30 pm | Break
2:30 – 4:00 pm | Land Loss Prevention | Deydra Steans
4:00 – 5:00 pm | Mixer
5:00 – 7:00 pm | BBQ Dinner [Free]

Learn more about Deydra here: https://www.farmaid.org/blog/farmer-heroes/deydra-steans-we-are-still-here/
Friday, May 3rd | Regenerative Grazing: Safe-to-Fail Trails & Holistic Grazing Management

8:30 – 11:00 am | Ecosystem Principles & Wisdom | Lauri Celella
11:00 – 12:00pm | Safe -to-Fail Trials
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch [Free]
1:00 – 4:00 pm | Planning Your Recovery | Lauri & Christine

Learn more about Christine here: https://www.theregenranch.com/about-us
Learn more about Lauri here: https://www.drycreeklivestock.com/About_Us.html
This event is FREE but registration is required. Click here to RSVP!
If you will be joining us from far away the closest hotels are in:

Buffalo, TX about a 25 minute drive
Palestine, TX about a 30 minute drive

Kerrville - Kerrville Runs on Water Mural Unveiling and Block Party
2024-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | 1712 Water Street, Kerrville, TX 78028, 1712 Water Street, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Join us in celebrating Kerrville’s newest mural and learn about the water resources that make Kerrville so special!
Texas’ history is shaped by our rivers. In Kerrville, the Guadalupe River is the heart of the community. Fed by the ancient springs of the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers, Kerrville’s earliest inhabitants depended on the river as they settled the land. Today, the river continues to shape our history. Everything we love about Kerrville – the natural environment, festivals and events, our vibrant communities – all Run on Water. This mural, created by The Artist Couple, Gary Lovelace and Melissa Muse, is a celebration of Kerrville’s history and its deep connection to water.
As part of the BLOCK party, we’ll be BLOCKING the parking lot next to the mural and filling the space up with shaded tables and family-friendly activity stations for folks to come learn more from our local partners at Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Riverside Nature Center Association, Texas Runs On Water and more.
💧I spy scavenger hunt on the mural
💧Free drinks and light snacks will be provided
💧Live music from Travis Powers
💧Remarks from partners at 2PM
💧BYO chair & don’t forget the sunscreen!
We recommend planning to park nearby and walk on over to join the fun from 1-3PM!
Contributors: This mural was made possible through the generous support of the Texas Water Foundation, Hill County Alliance, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Kerrville Community Arts Program, and contributions from the community.
About Texas Runs on Water: Texas Runs on Water is a Texas Water Foundation campaign working to address the state’s growing water supply needs. By collaborating with local partners across the state, we are inspiring all Texans to value water.

Austin - 2024 Ashe Juniper Symposium
2024-05-08 - 2024-05-09 | Commons Conference Center, 10100 Burnet Rd Building 137, Austin, TX, 78758, United States
The goal of the symposium is to advance our collective understanding of the science of Ashe juniper and facilitate applications of this understanding into management and conservation of sustainable, resilient and ecologically-appropriate ecosystems.
The symposium will bring together scientists, land stewards, conservation practitioners, private landowners and others, and will provide an opportunity to hear about and discuss historical perspectives, recent research, and current initiatives pertaining to Ashe juniper ecology and ecosystem management, the social science of land stewardship, as well as land management programs and projects in central Texas.
The symposium is hosted by Biodiversity Works and will be at the Commons Conference Center in Austin.
For more information, contact Patty Ramirez at pramirez@biodiversityworks.org.

San Antonio - RESCHEDULED Hillside Stewardship Landowner Workshop
2024-05-11 09:00 - 12:00 | TX
RESCHEDULED: Hillside Stewardship Landowner Workshop
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park | San Antonio, TX (Exact location and directions will be shared with registrants prior to the event)
This will be a fun, interactive, hands-on opportunity for Hill Country landowners. We’ll explore several structures (and build one or two) designed to mitigate erosion, enhance soil moisture and land productivity, as well as enable resilience to drought and flooding.
Registration is $15, which includes snacks, drinks, printed educational materials, and learning from one of the top experts on the topic. Dr. Mollie Walton, a restoration ecologist with deep ranching-roots in Hamilton County, has supported land stewards across the West for decades to restore productivity to their rangelands. In addition to learning from Walton, participating land stewards will also have the opportunity to share their own stewardship experiences and lessons learned with one another.
NOTE: This event was rescheduled from its original April date due to inclement weather.
Agenda:
9:00 AM Overview of the day – Rachel Seets, Hill Country Alliance
Welcome to Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park – Thomas Marsalia, Edwards Aquifer Authority
Introduction to Hillside Stewardship concepts – Dr. Mollie Walton
9:30 AM Hands-on Stations: Split into groups and rotate through four 30-minute sessions, including tours of pre-existing structures on-site, and two demonstration stations in which you will learn about various hillside structures, their purpose, and practice building them
11:45 AM Reconvene and reflect on erosion-control structures, Q&A and Discussion, Wrap Up
Register soon as spots fill up quickly for these events!
Click here to view and share a flyer PDF.

New Braunfels - Nature for the Long Run - Comal County Conservation Alliance
2024-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Join us on Tuesday, May 14th from 6-7:30pm at The McKenna Events Center for an enlightening evening with Ben Eldredge, Executive Director of the Cibolo Conservancy. The Comal County Conservation Alliance presents its May Community Program, “Nature for the Long Run,” exploring the vital role of natural systems in our lives. Discover how these systems clean the air and water, mitigate flooding, sequester carbon, and moderate temperatures. Learn about the profound impact nature has on our mental, physical, and emotional health, as well as its benefits for children’s development, curiosity about the environment, social skills, emotional stability, and ability to learn. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the importance of conservation in our community.
Click here to learn more.

Lakeway - Learn To Be Water Wise: LMUD Open House
2024-05-20 - 2024-05-24 | Lakeay MUD District Office, 1907 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, TX, 78734, United States
For full event details and daily presentation schedule, click here
Stop in any day this week! We’d love to meet with you in person. Our Open House is happening at our district office (1097 Lohmans Crossing) May 20 – 24, 2024 from 8am – 5pm, closed noon-1pm for lunch.
Presentations from experts in their field on various water-related topics will be held at 10am and 2pm daily (see below for schedule). No reservations are required, however we encourage you to arrive early since we have limited capacity. We’re covering a wide variety of topics on everything from tree care, native plants, rainwater capture, available rebates, and more. We are also hosting a special STEM activity for homeschoolers.
Enjoy refreshments while you peruse the available literature and goodies to take home, including water-saving information and fun/helpful household tools. We look forward to seeing you!
Click here to learn more

Online - Water Wonks Lecture Series #5: The Regional Flood Planning Process and Why Conserving Floodplains are Important
2024-05-22 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for a free webinar as part of their Water Wonks series!
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance is hosting our 2024 Water Wonks Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Water Wonks is a free community education opportunity featuring a host of experts sharing innovative ideas and details about their work in the world of water.
On May 22nd Lecture #5 will explain the Texas Water Development Board’s regional flood planning process, which will allocate state funds for flood mitigation strategies and provide opportunities to employ green infrastructure and land conservation strategies.
A video presentation by David Skuodas (Director of Design, Construction, and Maintenance at the Mile High Flood District) provides an analysis of why governments are often playing catch-up to pay for maintenance of stormwater channels, basins, and other structures. In many cases, it would take hundreds or thousands of years for a city to collect enough taxes to pay to adequately maintain drainage infrastructure from new development. Mr. Skuodas advocates for working with the existing natural stream channels, maintaining flood resiliency and water quality, protecting public safety, and saving taxpayers money.

Johnson City - Land Stewardship Ranch Tour
2024-05-24 08:30 - 11:00 | CL Browning Ranch
Join Hill Country Alliance, Hill Country Conservancy (HCC), and Maas Verde for a special tour of the CL Browning Ranch! We will visit different sites at this remarkable property and discuss some of the incredible restoration work completed at the ranch with local experts including:

Scott Gardner, ranch manager at CL Browning Ranch and environmental scientist
Ted Maas, president and founder of Maas Verde Landscape Restoration
Rachael Lindsey, HCC’s Director of Science and Stewardship

Visit bit.ly/ranchtour2024 to register!

Kerrville - Rural Roundup - Leading in the Rural Hill Country
2024-06-08 09:30 - 16:00 | 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Building Community Through Art
Interested in creative place-making and the role of arts in your community? Come spend the day exploring Kerrville’s arts + culture spaces, getting inspired by local presenters, and uncovering connections across the region. From creating murals to curating free live performances, come get inspired as we learn what works, what doesn’t, and what tools can be deployed in your community.
Event Overview:
Leading in the Rural Hill Country – Rural Roundup Series – Kerrville
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 9:45 AM – 04:00 PM CT
Location: Arcadia Theater, 717 Water Street, Kerrville, TX 78028
Free event – Space Limited- RSVP Required by June 5
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW AND SAVE YOUR SPOT!
Preview the Day:
Click to view a PDF of the flyer
We’ll spend the day exploring downtown Kerrville and how Kerrville has utilized art to build community– making trails accessible and engaging, sharing history, connecting community members in new ways, and finding new canvases and mediums for public art. Guest speakers will include:
Angela Kennedy; Heart of the Hills Heritage Center
Barbara Oates; Kerr County Historical Commission
Clifton Fifer and Joe Herring; community storytellers
Hill Shapes Productions, choreography by Libby Horton and music by Ka Neunhoofer
Stacie Leporati; Executive Director of Arcadia Live
Jeffrey Brown; Executive Director of Cailloux Theatre
Brenda Thompson, Director of the Dietert Center
Jeremy Walther, Kerrville Urban Trail System
Katharine Boyette, Community Arts Program Director
…and more!
Learn More
The Rural Roundup series is presented by Leading in the Rural Hill Country, a partnership program of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and the Hill Country Alliance. Learn more about our work and explore future events at https://hillcountryalliance.org/our-work/communities/leading-in-the-rural-hill-country/

Hondo - Conserving Water and Building Soil with Regenerative Agriculture
2024-06-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Seco Valley Ranch, 6847, 3361 Co Rd 211, Hondo, TX, 78861, United States
Are you interested in learning about regenerative practices for your land? Join SPI on June 22nd for an immersive on-farm field day at DWD Longhorn! From the basics of soil health to the restorative power of livestock grazing, you’ll see firsthand how healthy, resilient soils can bolster water infiltration and conservation, safeguarding your land from droughts!
This full day workshop and field day, includes:
• A morning farm tour and demonstration
• Soil health lecture and discussion
• Presentations on available Water Conservation Grants
• Lessons in regenerative land management strategies to improve water infiltration & conservation, including grazing practices for smaller acreages.
Fee: $15 | Lunch will be provided | Register by June 20th
Click here to view flyer PDF

Online - Water Wonks Lecture Series #6: Transportation, Growth, and Planning in the Greater San Antonio Region
2024-06-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for a free webinar as part of their Water Wonks series!
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance is hosting our 2024 Water Wonks Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Water Wonks is a free community education opportunity featuring a host of experts sharing innovative ideas and details about their work in the world of water.
On June 26th speaker Isaac Gonzalez, Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Short-range Transportation Planner II will discuss how development in San Antonio, Austin, and the Hill Country is growing at such a rate that it seems like the only thing left to do is decide on what we’re going to call the all-encompassing metroplex (Greater San Antonio? ASA? Sanstin?) Don’t worry about the name too much – with the population in this area expected to grow to over 8 million people by 2050, there are a variety of transportation, housing, and resource issues that still need addressing. In this session, we’ll review local, state, and federal transportation planning policies and processes and discuss how the region can responsibly prepare for future development.
