Hill Country Alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click to register here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Star Party at Jester King Brewery-Austin
2022-04-22 17:30 - 22:00 | 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
