Hill Country Alliance

Austin - Movement Hike at Shield Ranch
2025-02-21 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Campsite at Shield Ranch, 10417 Crumley Ranch Road , Austin, TX, 78620, United States
The Shield Ranch Foundation is excited to announce our 2025 Nature Walk Series at the Campsite at Shield Ranch. Whether you love hiking, wildflowers, or photography, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy.
Movement Hike
Friday, Feb. 21 | 1-4 PM
Hit the trails for a high-energy 4-mile hike; may include moderate elevation changes and uneven terrain. For adults and youth ages 15+.
Click here to get tickets and RSVP

Austin - Texas Land Conservation Conference
2025-02-26 - 2025-02-28 | Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Drive, Austin, TX, 78719, United States
The Texas Land Conservation Conference will be held February 26-28, 2025 at the Hilton Austin Airport.
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!
Both Legal and Real Estate Continuing Education Credits Available!
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.
Click here to learn more and register.

Online - Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series: Net Zero Water and the One Water Framework
2025-02-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for a Water Wonks Lecture

It’s time to gear up for our next Water Wonks lecture! Join us on Wednesday, Feb 26, at 3:30 PM for an engaging session with Chandler Crouch!

Chandler, a professional civil engineer with nearly a decade in the Texas water industry, will share insights on tackling Texas’ growing water challenges. With the state’s population expected to increase by 73% in the next 50 years, municipal water demand is projected to rise by 63%, even as water supply decreases by 18%. He’ll dive into the innovative Net Zero Water approach, which prioritizes capturing, storing, and treating onsite water sources to make developments more resilient and self-sufficient. This sustainable design mindset offers solutions for addressing Texas’ water needs while fostering growth. Learn how this method is already being applied across Texas and discover its potential for Central Texas!

Click here to learn more from Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance.

Boerne - Kendall County Conservation Easement Workshop
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:30 | TX
Check out this upcoming Conservation Easement workshop on Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at the Cibolo Nature Center Campus in Boerne.
Through Prop A, Kendall County has funding to support volunteering landowners interested in a conservation easement. Come learn about conservation easements and this rare, local funding opportunity.
Click here to RSVP.

Austin - Texas Water Day at the Capitol
2025-03-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join Texas Water Foundation and partners at the Capitol!
A free, biennial event, Texas Water Day at the Capitol unites lawmakers, legislative staff, and key stakeholders with critical educational resources as new water-related legislation is addressed in the 89th Legislative session.
Click here to view schedule at a glance.
Click here to register.

Austin - Texas Nature Lotería at Easy Tiger South Lamar
2025-03-05 17:00 - 21:00 | Easy Tiger South Lamar, 3508 South Lamar Blvd #300, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Join Texas Land Conservancy for Texas Nature Lotería at Easy Tiger South Lamar as we kick off Amplify Austin! Focusing on all things nature, this is a traditional game of chance, similar to bingo, but using images instead of numbers. You can purchase as many boards as you’d like ($5.00 per board) and compete for top-notch prizes from local businesses.
Enjoy a drink and come hungry, because Easy Tiger has a full menu, including sandwiches, sausages, and schnitzel.
You can also support TLC through Amplify Austin now through 6pm on March 6th! We’re working to raise $10,000 to protect land, save water, and connect people to nature across the state of Texas. Let’s make sure nature is here to stay. Donate here.
5pm – 6pm
Social Hour and Check In
Make sure to get your boards and grab yourself a delicious drink before the games begin.

6pm Lotería Begins!
Round 1 of Lotería begins at 6pm, but purchase a board at any time to join the fun! We’ll have multiple rounds, so you can join anytime – and we’ll keep going until the prizes run out!
Please click here to RSVP so we’ll know how many people to expect and can update you with any changes.
Sign up on the deck upstairs will also be available starting at 5pm.

Buda - Hays County Master Gardeners Spring Plant and Tree Sale
2025-03-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Buda Downtown Gazebo and Greenbelt, 319 Main Street, Buda, TX, 78610, United States
Spring is just around the corner, and the Hays County Master Gardeners Association (HCMGA) is excited to announce its annual Spring Plant & Tree Sale. This popular event will feature a wide variety of spring and summer vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and trees—many propagated from the Master Gardeners’ own plantings and seeds.
Click here to learn more

Austin - Wildflower Walk at Shield Ranch
2025-03-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Campsite at Shield Ranch, 10417 Crumley Ranch Road , Austin, TX, 78620, United States
The Shield Ranch Foundation is excited to announce our 2025 Nature Walk Series at the Campsite at Shield Ranch. Whether you love hiking, wildflowers, or photography, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy.
Wildflower Walks
Friday, March 28 | 1-4 PM and Saturday, April 19 | 1-4 PM
Discover the beauty of spring blooms led by an experienced naturalist. This educational hike is perfect for all ages and levels.
Click here to get tickets and RSVP

Online: Webinar - Unpacking HCA's new HOA Guide
2025-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
To accompany the launch of our latest resource, “Model Language for HOAs in the Texas Hill Country,” HCA is hosting a webinar that covers what’s in the guide, how it was developed, how to implement it, and allow time for audience Q&A. This new guide includes model language to help new developments and existing HOAs put in place landscaping policies that preserve the water resources, night skies, and native landscapes of the Hill Country.
Whether you are a developer establishing CC&Rs for a new subdivision, or an established HOA board or committee wishing to revise existing Landscape Guidelines, this guide can be a valuable tool for achieving significant and beneficial changes. This webinar will be recorded and shared on the Hill Country Alliance YouTube channel.
Preview the guide at: hillcountryalliance.org/hoaguide
Click here to RSVP for the free webinar.

Spicewood - Planning for Habitat in Regenerative Agriculture
2025-04-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Luck Ranch, Spicewood, TX, United States
Join Small Producers Initiative, the Audubon Society, and Wildlife Habitat Federation for an on-farm workshop demonstrating how agriculture and conservation can go hand in hand! We’ll highlight the work of TerraPurezza, who use multi-species livestock to produce high-quality meat while restoring the land. Their efforts at Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch demonstrate how regenerative agriculture not only boosts soil health, but also creates and preserves vital habitats, strengthening ecosystems and wildlife populations.
Click here to RSVP and learn more.

Kerrville - Texas Water Symposium: Nature-Based Solutions for Hill Country Water Challenges
2025-04-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Schreiner University: Cailloux Campus Activity Center Ballroom, 15 Acorn Loop, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Water infrastructure conversations often involve pipes and facilities, but natural infrastructure – from aquifers and riparian areas to healthy soils and open spaces – plays an important role in protecting our water supplies, supporting water quality, and mitigating the impacts of floods.
In this Texas Water Symposium, join us for a discussion and Q&A opportunity about nature-based solutions for water challenges in the Hill Country.
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.
Panelists:

April Sansom, Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve
Ryan McGillicuddy, Texas Parks and Wildlife
David Bezanson, The Nature Conservancy

Moderated by Marisa Bruno, Hill Country Alliance.
Click here to RSVP for free to save your spot!

Online - Water Wonks Lecture Series: Overview of research and policy proposal - GEAA Earthshare Texas Fellowship
2025-04-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Under the 2025 Legislative Session Policy and Programs Fellowship awarded by Earthshare Texas, Javier has assisted Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) in our work to accomplish our legislative priorities during the 89th Legislative Session, running January through May. Javier has been working alongside GEAA Policy Director Rachel Hanes conducting research projects and working on policy and advocacy writing and communications. Tune in to learn more about his efforts!
Click here to register for free.

Kerrville - Community Town Hall: Let’s Talk About Water with Kerr County Water Alliance
2025-04-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Guadalupe Basin Natural Resource Center, 125 Lehmann Dr., Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
We all know water’s getting scarce and things are feeling a little uncertain. That’s why the Kerr County Water Alliance is hosting a Community Town Hall: Worried about Water? — a chance for folks from across Kerr County to come together, share stories, and talk about what we’re seeing and what we can do next.
📅 Tuesday, April 29
🕠 5:30–7:00 pm
📍 Guadalupe Basin Natural Resources Center
125 Lehman Drive, Kerrville
All residents of our cities and county are welcome!
We’ll hear from locals, have an open discussion, and offer a short survey to make sure your voice is part of the conversation. You can also scan the QR code on the flyer to share your water concerns ahead of time, or click this link to open the survey. Feel free to forward this email on to your own friends, family, and neighbors also worried about water.
Click here to learn more from Kerr County Water Alliance.

Boerne - Healthy Creeks Initiative Landowner Workshop - Riparian Stewardship
2025-05-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
Click to view a PDF of the flyer
Learn how to manage invasive plants and support the long-term health of your creek or river at this free landowner workshop hosted by the Hill Country Alliance and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Meet fellow landowners working to control invasive Arundo donax (Giant Reed).
Discover how to become involved in the Healthy Creeks Initiative and restore your land’s natural function and health.
Join us for an optional creek walk afterwards to practice identifying plants and observe healthy riparian functions in action.

Attendance is FREE, but RSVP’s are REQUIRED! Click here to RSVP and learn more: https://bit.ly/HCI2025

Leakey - Celebrate Mother Earth at The Springs!
2025-05-17 08:00 - 15:00 | The Springs – Leakey, 692 Evergreen St, Leakey, TX, 78873, United States
Join us for a free, joy-filled day honoring Mother Earth, our community, and the opening of Bushong Mountain Park — right here in Real County!
🎟️ Free Admission — Reserve your tickets in advance by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below.
Reserve Your Free Tickets
This event is open to all and perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to connect with community, creativity, and the great outdoors. 💛
Morning: Community Hike & Bike for the Opening Day of Bushong Mountain Park
📍 Bushong Mountain Park — 125 Mountain Street, Leakey, TX
🚲 8:30–10:30am — Explore the brand new trails on foot or by bike in our first-ever Community Hike & Bike!
Midday: Community Festival at The Springs Retreat
📍 The Springs Retreat — 692 S Evergreen Street, Leakey, TX
🕚 11:00am – 3:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of live music, local arts & crafts, delicious food and drinks by Gypsy Sally’s and Leakey Drug, picnicking, swimming, and more! Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to soak in the springtime joy.
Expect nature, fun, and community vibes. ✨
🌱 Proudly hosted in partnership with The Springs Retreat, Bushong Mountain Park, Keep it Real Beautiful, and Real County.
Let’s come together in love, joy, and gratitude for this land we call home. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

New Braunfels - Building Right in the Hill Country with Comal Conservation
2025-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 | McKenna Event Center, 801 San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
This panel discussion will feature two prominent developers in the Texas Hill Country. Banks Chisum with JB Chisum Inc and Garrett Melcher with ASA Properties. Both speakers will discuss their projects Onera Wimberley and Veramendi respectively, with a focus on the Low Impact Development Techniques which they have implemented and the mindset required for Conservation Development.
Click here to learn more from Comal Conservation.

Online - Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #5: The Future of Water in the Hill Country
2025-05-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join us and Robert Mace, the Executive Director and Chief Water Policy Officer at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and a Professor of Practice in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University as we discuss the future of water in the hill country. Texas is growing like wildfire with a 73-percent increase in population expected by 2070. Although much of this growth will be in urban areas, the urban halos—the counties that surround urban areas—will see transformational growth. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Hill Country, an environmentally sensitive area with numerous headwater streams, a regionally stressed aquifer, and the catchment for the Edwards Aquifer.
Click here to learn more and RSVP for free.

Online - Citizen Advisory Councils: Strategies for Navigating APO growth with Community Input
2025-05-29 17:30 - 18:45 | Online
The Texans for Responsible Aggregate Mining (TRAM) invite you to attend our upcoming webinar on Citizen Advisory Councils: Strategies for Navigating APO Growth with Community Input on Thursday May 29th, 5:30 – 6:45pm.
This is part of our Best Practices Webinar Series which showcases various tools and best practices available to communities and highlights good examples within the aggregates and concrete industry.
Fill out the form below to join us for a webinar featuring the following experts and learn about shaping stronger practices and relationships through public input on APOs!

Jill Shackleford, Experienced Asphalt and Mining Owner/Operator, Consultant to Communities and Industry.
Mayor Lisa Swint, City of Garden Ridge
Tara Bushnoe, General Manager, Upper Guadalupe River Authority
Cliff Kaplan (moderator), Secretary, TRAM & Hill Country Alliance

Canyon Lake - Hillside Stewardship Landowner Workshop
2025-05-31 09:00 - 14:00 | Pure Pastures, Canyon Lake, TX, United States
Are you seeing signs of erosion or gully formation? Would you like to have more water catchment, soil moisture, and plant productivity?
Join us for a hands-on erosion control workshop designed for Hill Country land stewards and owners! We’ll build and explore several structures that slow water, reduce erosion, and build back your soil. These structures are cost-effective and can often be built using materials commonly found on properties like brush slash, cuttings, and loose rocks. This hands-on workshop will be led by Dr. Mollie Walton, a restoration ecologist with over 30 years of experience helping landowners restore land productivity through enhancing water catchment.
We’ll be hosted by Pure Pastures, a family-owned, multi-species grazing ranch rooted in regenerative and sustainable agriculture. They’ll walk us through some of their current land management practices and guide us to our work sites that are experiencing erosion. Whether you’re new to land stewardship or looking to deepen your knowledge, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and get your hands dirty. Don’t forget your cooler—their Ranch Store will be open with grass-fed meats and ranch goods available for purchase!
Your $30 registration will cover lunch, drinks, and snacks. Limited spots are available, so register early!
Click here to RSVP.

Leakey - Rural Roundup: Leakey - Rural Resilience: Balancing Heritage and Growth
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | The Springs – Leakey, 692 Evergreen St, Leakey, TX, 78873, United States
Rural Resilience: Balancing Heritage and Growth
How can a town adapt to external forces without losing its character? What does it look like to build resilient communities?
Join us to hear how groups in Real County are balancing heritage and growth: whether by protecting natural resources while preparing for a future with less reliable water, or promoting history while building new resources for health and recreation, come get inspired as we learn what works, what doesn’t, and what you can bring back to your own community.
Event Overview:
Leading in the Rural Hill Country – Rural Roundup Series – Leakey
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CT
Location: The Springs Retreat, 692 S Evergreen St, Leakey, TX 78873
Free event – Space Limited- RSVP Required
Preview the Day:
We’ll spend the day learning what Leakey has to teach us about preparing for the future while protecting rural legacy. We’ll hear from community groups, elected officials, landowners, and business leaders, as well as going for a downtown walking tour. Join us for an inspiring day of programming and delicious lunch. Click here to preview speakers and learn more.
Attendance is free but will likely fill up fast! RSVP for free at https://bit.ly/LeakeyRoundup25

Online - Drought Updates: Current and future conditions in the Edwards Aquifer Region
2025-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
We are rolling into the hottest time of the year and our current drought shows no sign of diminishing! Join the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network for this special webinar, where we discuss this possibly historic drought and what can be done to conserve our water supplies.
We’ll hear from Paul Bertetti, Edwards Aquifer Authority’s Senior Director of Aquifer Science Research & Modeling, and allow time for Q&A.
Topics:

Rainfall Deficits
Groundwater Levels
Changes in Springflows
Comparison to Past Droughts
Trends & Projections

RSVP for free to attend this lunchtime webinar at https://bit.ly/HCDrought25

Online - Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #6 - The 2025 Legislative Session – What we’ve learned, what can we do next?
2025-06-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
With the 2025 Legislative Session coming to a close Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) Policy Director Rachel Hanes will guide attendees on a look back at what priority water bills made it through every step of the legislative process and will be enacted into law, what bills failed to advance this year, and the impact these successful or failed bills will have on the state of Central Texas water. We’ll then look forward to the next year and a half and explain what happens between now and the next legislative session in 2027, as well as how we’ll prepare to continue advocating for responsible water legislation.
Click here to learn more and join GEAA.

New Braunfels - Indoor Picnic and Texas Nature Docu-Series Screening - Comal Conservation
2025-07-15 17:30 - 20:00 | McKenna Event Center, 801 San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
This is a family friendly indoor picnic and Texas nature docuseries (5 short films) viewing. From the folks that brought you ‘Deep In The Heart,’ come join us and learn about our Texas State Parks, efforts to conserve bats, redfish, bears, and ocelots.

DISCLAIMER: Nature docu-series does contain trials and tribulations experienced by these animals along with efforts to conserve these native species.

Click here to learn more from Comal Conservation.

Uvalde - Workshop: Preparing for Screwworms in South Texas
2025-07-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Uvalde County Event Center, 215 Veterans Lane, Uvalde, TX, 78801, United States
There will be a free, educational workshop focused on New World Screwworm surveillance, response and reporting on July 23 in Uvalde.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uvalde County Event Center, 215 Veterans Lane, and feature expert speakers from various state and federal agencies as well as private operations. Workshop topics include status updates, economic impacts, wildlife and livestock surveillance, reporting and response, preventative treatments, and new advancements in research and development.
The workshop will offer three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units for pesticide applicators who attend all workshop sessions. Lunch is provided and registration is required.
Register at https://tx.ag/UvaldeWorkshop
Learn more at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2025/07/11/uvalde-county-screwworm-workshop/

Online - Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #7: 2D Modeling for Flood Risk Planning of San Antonio’s Westside Creeks
2025-07-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
This presentation focuses on enhancing flood risk management for San Antonio’s Westside Creeks, including Apache, San Pedro, Martinez, and Alazan Creeks. It explores the critical role of floodplains in managing flood risks and discusses FEMA’s role in regulating floodplain boundaries and development.
The presentation addresses various types of flooding, such as overland flooding (rainwater runoff) and creek flooding, and how these factors combine to affect flood risk in urban areas. It introduces the concept of a watershed approach to better understand the behavior of floodwaters across an entire region.
A key focus is on modern modeling techniques used to assess flood risks, highlighting the benefits of advanced models that offer a more complete picture of flood hazards beyond traditional floodplain boundaries. The presentation also covers flood mitigation strategies, including green stormwater infrastructure, which can reduce flooding and increase resilience in sensitive areas outside the floodplain.
By leveraging historical data, future weather predictions, and cutting-edge technology, this project provides valuable insights for informed decision-making, better planning, and improved long-term flood resilience for the Westside Creeks area.
Click here to learn more and join GEAA.

Hill Country Water Worries: Land Stewardship, Water Policy, and the Future of Water in Texas
2025-07-23 16:30 - 17:00 | TX
Water is on everyone’s mind after the recent floods in Kerr County. Join the Kerr County Water Alliance for a timely conversation on the future of water in the Hill Country. This free in-person event, Hill Country Water Worries, features renowned water policy leader Dr. Andrew Sansom and land stewardship expert Dr. April Sansom. It’s happening Wednesday, July 23 at 4:30 PM at the UGRA classroom in Kerrville. Come be part of the conversation about conservation, resilience, and action. Learn more at KerrCountyWaterAlliance.org.

2025 Grazing School
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-03 | San Marcos, TX, 601 University Drive Ag Building 206, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
A unique 3-day workshop to learn from the top 3 industry leaders, Holistic Management International, Understanding Ag and Noble Research Institute, in Regenerative Grazing!

Join us to learn: Forage assessment, grazing planning, & stocking calculations Improving profitability through appropriate grass management Fundamentals of herd selection, genetics & epigenetics Assessing animal performance Business practices to improve economic viability & profit Planning for long-term success & more!

Mornings begin with Open Gates at 3 different local ranches offering real-life demos & insights straight from the source! Afternoon presentations held at Texas State University, for deeper dives into practical, research-backed strategies for your operation.

San Marcos - Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference
2025-08-04 - 2025-08-05 | Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference unites Texas farmers, homesteaders, local food advocates, conservationists, and landowners for two days of high-quality education, networking, and an engaging exhibit hall.
Featuring six specialized learning tracks—Crops, Livestock, Business & Finance, Start-Up & Homesteader, The Big Picture, and Niche & Innovation—the conference explores innovative farming and conservation methods, business and marketing strategies for small producers, and vital discussions on food policy and resilient local food systems.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for continued education and meaningful connections within the Texas agricultural community!
Click here to learn more.

2025 Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #8: Smarter Writing, Faster Research: Using AI for Water Work
2025-08-27 15:30 - 16:30 | zoom
Curious about how artificial intelligence can help you write better, faster, and with less stress? Whether you’re drafting a newsletter, summarizing scientific reports, or digging into complex water issues, AI tools like ChatGPT can be your secret weapon. This session will introduce you to practical, beginner-friendly ways AI can support your communication and research efforts. No tech background required—just bring your curiosity! You’ll walk away with tools, tips, and real-world examples to help you work smarter and make a bigger impact in water-related fields.

Educational Event on Tawny Crazy Ants
2025-08-28 17:30 - 18:30 | 325 Resource Drive, New Braunfels, Texas
The Curious Life of the Tawny Crazy Ant… and How to End It.
Learn about the biology, behavior, and management of tawny crazy ants. 1 General CEU is offered.
August 28th – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, doors open at 5 pm
Registration is required by contacting the Comal County Extension Office.
830-620-3440 | comal-tx@tamu.edu</a
