Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - General Q&A
2023-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
This session is an open forum opportunity to ask questions, recommendations on future round table meeting topics, and subject matter discussions for future Lunch and Learns.

Boerne - PreK-12 Place-Based Education Workshop
2023-08-11 - 2023-08-12 | Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
Click to view flyer PDF
Join LBJ National Historic Park, the Cibolo Center for Conservation, and Teton Science Schools for a workshop focused on place-based education. This two-day workshop will provide teachers with the chance to: develop TEKS-aligned, place- based lessons they can use with their students; network with other teachers and support each other; and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of place- and nature-based teaching in their communities.

Day one of this event will take place at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Day two of this event will spotlight LBJ National Historical Park – transportation between Boerne and Stonewall will be provided. Note: Registration is $25, which will be refunded to participants upon completing both workshop days. See flyer for more details.
Click here to register now: http://bit.ly/texasplace

Buda - Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
2023-08-15 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Cabela’s – Buda, 15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd., Buda, TX, 78610, United States
Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for this free educational workshop, dedicated to empowering watershed residents in their journey to improve and protect water resources.
When: Tuesday, August 15th
1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Where: Cabela’s Buda (15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd. Buda, TX)
Palo Duro – White Tail Conference Room
Learn more and register here

Bandera - Texas Watershed Planning Short Course
2023-08-21 - 2023-08-24 | Bandera, Texas, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
The Texas Watershed Planning Short Course provides needed training and promotes sustainable proactive approaches to managing water quality throughout the state. This multi-day course provides participants with guidance on stakeholder coordination, education, and outreach; meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) nine key elements of a watershed protection plan; data collection and analysis; and the tools available for plan development. This information is presented through lectures, hands-on activities and case studies.
Individuals interested in or responsible for watershed protection and restoration, including employees and volunteers with federal, state, county, and local agencies; soil and water conservation districts; universities; consulting firms; non-governmental organizations; and watershed groups, will benefit from this course. This course will be especially beneficial to those pursuing or receiving Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant funds.
If you are interested in this event and have questions, please email Lucas Gregory at Lucas.Gregory@ag.tamu.edu. The course is supported through a federal Clean Water Act §319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Learn more: https://texaswpp.twri.tamu.edu/short-course/
Contact Information:
Lucas Gregory, Texas Water Resources Institute, Lucas.Gregory@ag.tamu.edu

Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - Presenting and Speaking
2023-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Dawn Davies, with Hill Country Alliance, will address how to present on the topic of solar eclipses and how to speak to a variety of audiences on the subject.

Copperas Cove - 2024 Solar Eclipse Town Hall
2023-08-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Copperas Cove Civic Center, 1206 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522, United States
An overview for the community to learn about the upcoming solar eclipse, lessons learned from communities in 2017, and what to expect in April 2024 as the eclipse path crosses through Texas. Learn more here.

San Marcos - Join the Nightlife 2023
2023-08-31 - 2023-09-02 | Holiday Inn San Marcos Convention Center, 105 Bintu Dr, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Click to view flyer
Back by popular demand, Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC) and Bat Survey Solutions (BSS) are excited to present the second annual Join the Nightlife event in Central Texas! And this time, we’ve added an exclusive, 1-day acoustic training opportunity to manually identify bat recordings. There is something for everyone – bat enthusiasts, citizen scientists, biologists, consultants, organic gardeners/farmers, and students!
August 31-September 2
We’ll kick off the event with a captivating evening at Bracken, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The following two days will be full of immersive learning experiences. Our focus will be bats and their contributions to our shared ecosystems, agriculture, and integrative pest management. Get ready to dive deep through a series of lectures, hands-on demonstrations, field trips, and the unique opportunity to participate in mist-netting. Witness bats up close and view live echolocation recordings!
Learn more and register here.

Sabinal - Rural Roundup: Sprouting Homegrown Opportunities
2023-09-09 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Sabinal Public Library, 312 N Center St, Sabinal, TX, 78881, United States
Sprouting Homegrown Opportunities
Join HCA and the H. E. Butt Foundation in Sabinal on September 9th for the Rural Roundup, a traveling community showcase!
Click to view or download flyer PDF
Want to learn how rural communities can revive local economies and develop new business opportunities? Spend the day in Sabinal exploring ways to engage vacant real estate, draw in community-centered investors, and prepare a well-qualified workforce. In addition to interactive panels, this event will feature a keynote presentation and discussion led by Monte Anderson of Neighborhood Evolution.
Get inspired as we learn what works, what doesn’t, and what you can bring back to your own community! Click here to register for this FREE event – seating is limited, so reserve your spot today.
Agenda Overview:
After convening at the Sabinal Public Library, we will kick off the day with a look at some of Sabinal’s biggest opportunities for growth during a walkabout of downtown Sabinal, led by local leaders. We will then load up and relocate to Nora’s Tacos (426 Fisher Ave E, Sabinal, TX 78881) for lunch and an inspiring presentation from Monte Anderson with Neighborhood Evolution on incremental development and community and place building. After lunch, we will explore workforce development as well as housing and business development during two panels featuring leaders from Sabinal and beyond. Click here to view and download the full agenda.
Theme: Sprouting Homegrown Opportunities
Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Sabinal Public Library, 305 N Center Street, Sabinal, TX 78881
Preview the Day:
10:00 AM – Refreshments & Welcome
10:20 AM – Downtown Walkabout
10:45 AM – Drive to Nora’s Tacos
11:00 AM – Keynote: Neighborhood Evolution
12:15 PM – Lunch at Nora’s Tacos
12:30 PM – Panel: Workforce Development
1:10 PM – Panel: Housing & Business
1:50 PM – Closing
2:00 PM – Event ends
Free event – RSVP Required by 9/7

Learn More about the Partnership:
This event will be the third in the Rural Roundup series and will showcase Sabinal and a unique program, challenge, or lesson learned within. Topics in the series so far have ranged from local education opportunities to maintaining community character, from Junction to Bandera. The series will conclude in November with a one-day symposium in Leakey, TX.
The Leading in the Rural Hill Country Collaboration envisions a healthy and thriving Texas Rural Hill Country through a collaborating network of diverse leaders – both emerging and established. To help make this vision a reality, we work to connect leaders in the Texas Rural Hill Country so that we can identify common challenges, share solutions, and pursue opportunities for our region’s future.
NOTE: Date updated from August 26 to September 9 as of 7/21/23

Online – Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series – Media and Public Relations
2023-09-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Eric Henrikson, Senior Science Reporter with KXAN, will be the featured subject matter expert for this Lunch and Learn session on Media and Public Relations.

New Braunfels - The Long Game: Creating lasting conservation in a high growth region - CCCA Community Program
2023-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
The Long Game: Creating lasting conservation in a high growth region.
Event Details:
Tuesday, September 12th 6-7:30pm
McKenna Center
Speaker:
Katherine Romans
Executive Director, Hill Country Alliance
Program Description:
Description: It is no secret that Comal County and the Hill Country face enormous challenges. Deep drought, booming population growth, catastrophic flood, and limited planning tools all characterize this particularly unique part of the state. And at the same time, there is an increased awareness of the urgency of changing the way we grow. Business as usual growth threatens to push us past the carrying capacity of the lands and waters of the Hill Country. The time to act is now.
Katherine will describe the tools and approaches that the Hill Country Alliance and the broader Texas Hill Country Conservation Network are employing to shift the future of this region we call home. She’ll talk about the role each of us can play, and why what we need more than ever is strong leadership, consistent grassroots advocacy, and a shared vision for the Hill Country we want to hand on to future generations of Central Texans.
Click here to learn more.

San Antonio - Grassroots Gathering for Water Advocates - Government Canyon
2023-09-19 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
On Thursday, October 12th, the Hill Country Alliance will convene grassroots water advocates from across the region for a day of strategizing, learning, and networking. This event will take place in Government Canyon State Natural Area, a 12,000+ acre nature preserve on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone that protects the City of San Antonio’s water supply.
The day will start at 10AM with a tour of Government Canyon, and followed by a presentation from the Edwards Aquifer Authority on the topic of drought and climate change. The afternoon will be focused on shared learnings and strategizing. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included with a $10 registration fee.
If you would like to attend this event, please message marisa@hillcountryalliance.org.

New Braunfels - Small Acreage Big Opportunity - Comal County
2023-09-21 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM1102, New Braunfels, TX, 78132, United States
The Small Acreage – Big Opportunity (SABO) program is a joint effort of Texas Wildlife Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Landowners who steward small properties face unique management challenges. Most information currently available to landowners focuses on management of large properties. Statewide, small properties are increasing, but the owners of these properties may have difficulty scaling down big recommendations to fit a smaller acreage.
Our intensive half-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. Join us as we paint a more complete picture of land stewardship in Texas by equipping small landowners to make a big impact!
Click here to register

San Antonio - 2023 American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) Annual Conference and Expo
2023-09-26 09:00 - 2023-09-27 17:00 UTC | Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, 123 Losoya St., San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Sept. 26-27 in San Antonio water professionals and practitioners are invited to attend the 2023 American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) Annual Conference and Expo, co-hosted by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI).
The theme of the conference is “Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities in Water Management,” and it will be held in conjunction with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Annual Education and Business Conference.
A workshop on “Basics of Climate Change Science and the Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Water Infrastructure” will be presented in partnership with TWRI.
The conference is designed for professionals in water quality, rainwater catchment, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, engineering and water utility fields. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, and registration and details are available online.
For more information, contact Heather Kinkade at heather.kinkade@arcsa.org or conference@iapmo.org.

Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - Travel and Tourism
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Spencer Zamora, Tourism Research Specialist for Travel Texas in the Economic Development and Tourism Department of the Office of the Governor, will be the featured subject matter expert for this Lunch and Learn session on Travel and Tourism.

Dripping Springs - Hill Country Leadership Summit: From Vision to Action
2023-09-28 08:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Hall at Jester King, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd., Austin, TX, 78736, United States
The Hill Country Leadership Summit is the Hill Country Alliance’s premiere annual gathering, and provides an opportunity for learning, networking, and being inspired among our region’s top community leaders, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers.
The 2023 Leadership Summit will be held online and in-person in an open-air setting on September 28 from 8 AM – 4 PM at The Hall at Jester King Brewery, followed by a networking happy hour from 4-6 PM.
Early bird tickets available July 20 – August 20. Sponsorship opportunities available now and online auction donations are needed! Click here to view an agenda of the days events and learn more at https://hillcountryalliance.org/leadershipsummit

Austin - Small Acreage Big Opportunity - Travis County
2023-10-05 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | Campsite at Shield Ranch, 10417 Crumley Ranch Road , Austin, TX, 78620, United States
A half-day workshop that will teach landowners how to evaluate their property’s habitat and what options are available for wildlife management. This workshop also proviedes a chance to connect and learn from local professionals who specialize in helping landowners like YOU!
Registration Cost: $25 for one or $40 for two.
TWA members: Members get 20% off ticket prices. Contact Jared via email or phone to access your discount.
Snacks and refreshments are included!
Click here to register – spots are limited and will fill up quickly so be sure to register early.

Jonestown - Star Party
2023-10-07 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Jones Brother’s Park, 10301 Lakeside Drive, Jonestown, Texas, 78645
Presented by Jonestown Night Sky Advocacy, The City of Jonestown and Tom Campbell Astronomer
We will have have a large telescope provided by our Astronomer and are encouraging the public to bring their own telescopes, blankets and chairs.
Learn more at http://jtownnightsky.com

Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - Observing Eclipses
2023-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Microsoft Teams from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager for the Hill Country Alliance and amateur astronomer, will be the featured subject matter expert for this Lunch and Learn session on Observing Eclipses.

New Braunfels - CCCA Town Hall Meeting
2023-10-10 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | McKenna Event Center, 801 San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
This November, Texans will be asked to vote on the fate of 14 amendments to the Texas State Constitution. In this Town Hall the Comal County Conservation Alliance and League of Women Voters – Comal Area, are highlighting two amendments that, if passed, would invest $1 Billion in the development of new water sources for communities across Texas and $1 Billion in the creation of new State Parks, using state surplus funds. Guest speakers Colin McDonald, Senior Policy Analyst with the Texas Water Foundation, and Kevin Good, President of Texans for State Parks will share more about how these two propositions can benefit Texans and answer questions. Come hear how these 2 amendments, if passed, could benefit Comal County.
Learn more at www.comalconservation.org

Sabinal - Solar Eclipse 2023 RV and Camper Trailer Sites at the Chapman Ranch
2023-10-13 - 2023-10-15 | Chapman Ranch – Sabinal, 12120 TX HWY 127, Sabinal, TX, 78881, United States
It is estimated that between 1.8 and 7.4 million people will travel to the path of totality for the October 14, 2023 annular solar eclipse, and South Texas is the only region in the United States that will experience the full annular eclipse.
Chapman Ranch offers unobstructed views of the solar eclipse. Our location will undergo nearly 5 full minutes of darkness, the longest available in North America! Attendees in our area will also experience the “ring of fire” that is characteristic for this kind of solar eclipse.
The camp sites are easily accessible by RVs and camper trailers from HWY 127, 8 miles southeast of Concan, TX.
Please note that due to local regulations, admission is limited to self-contained RV/camper trailers.
Tickets are currently available at https://hill-country-solar-eclipse-2023.eventbrite.com

Comfort - Eclipse in the Park
2023-10-14 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Comfort, TX
The Friends of the Comfort Volunteer Fire Dept., Comfort Chamber of Commerce and the Comfort Public Library invite the public to “Eclipse in the Park,” a fundraiser for the Comfort VFD.
October 14, 2023
10:00-3:00
Live Music
Food Trucks
Eclipse viewing with FREE eclipse glasses
NASA approved educational program & children’s activities sponsored by the Comfort Public Library
Click here to learn more

Bandera - Brews and Views
2023-10-14 10:00 - 22:00 UTC | Bandera Brewery, 3540 State Hwy 16 South, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
Eclipse viewing and music festival. Kid and pet friendly. We have cold beer, wine, sangrias and non-alcohol options available. Food available by Jimmy’s Burgers.
Learn more at https://www.banderabrewery.com/events

Bulverde - Comal County Water Talk: Managing our Groundwater
2023-10-18 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX, 78163, United States
From providing drinking water to sustaining our springs and rivers, groundwater is the lifeblood of Comal County. In the last year, we’ve seen drought threaten the health of our aquifers. At the same time, growth in the county means more people will rely on groundwater than ever before.
Please join us for a presentation from Natalie Ballew, Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water Development Board, to learn more about Comal County’s groundwater, how it’s managed, and how you can get involved.
RSVP for this FREE event at http://bit.ly/comalgroundwater

Boerne - Riparian Workshop Series: Part 1
2023-10-21 08:30 - 14:30 UTC | Boerne, TX
2023 – 2024 Riparian Stewardship Workshop Series in Boerne, TX
Join Hill Country Alliance and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for our three-part riparian series! This workshop series is tailored specifically to river- and creek-side landowners in the Hill Country and features Steve Nelle, who literally and figuratively wrote the book on stewarding Texas riparian areas! It’s a great opportunity for local landowners to learn from topic experts on practices and hands-on skills that can help enhance and protect their properties and the river. This year’s series will take place at a beautiful family ranch on the Guadalupe River in Boerne, TX. Please find details for parts 1-3 below.
Part 1 is coming up this fall on October 21st! In the morning, we will discuss riparian function, hydrology, stewardship, and best practices; in the afternoon, we’ll head outside for a site visit along the Guadalupe River to demonstrate riparian concepts and identify vegetation. Follow this link to view a full agenda for the day.
Price for full workshop series: $25
Included with registration:

– Classroom and in-the-field guidance from top experts in riparian stewardship in the state
– Lunch, drinks, and snacks at workshops
– A copy of Your Remarkable Riparian: A Field Guide to Riparian Plants Found within Texas
– A copy of Your Remarkable Riparian: Owner’s Manual
– Printed educational resources about riparian planting techniques, Grow Zones, riparian health, and more.
– A field observation notebook

Workshop Series Dates & Descriptions:

Part 1 – October 21, 2023

Time: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Boerne, TX (Address and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to workshop)
At this full-day workshop, participants will spend the morning learning about riparian function, hydrology, stewardship and best practices; in the afternoon, we’ll head outside for a site visit along the Guadalupe River to demonstrate riparian concepts and identify vegetation. Click here to view the full workshop agenda for Part 1.

Part 2 – February 3, 2024

Time: 2:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Same address as part 1 (Address and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to workshop)
Part 2 of our riparian series is a hands-on field day in which participants learn about and practice plant identification and riparian planting techniques.

Part 3 – October 2024 (Date TBA)

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Same address as part 1 (Address and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to workshop)
This is the third and final part of our riparian workshop series. We will be heading out to the Pedernales riverside to assess different planting methods and species, discuss riparian monitoring techniques, and reflect on practices participants have implemented (or want to implement) in their own riparian areas.

Register for the series here!

Online – Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - Education and Outreach
2023-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Katie Raney, Regional Interpretive Specialist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will be the featured subject matter expert for this Lunch and Learn session on Education and Outreach.

Canyon Lake - Film Showing of Deep in the Heart - CCCA Community Event
2023-10-24 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 S. Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX, 78133, United States
Event Details:
Tuesday, October 24, 6:00-8:00pm
Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 S Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Free public event
Program Description:
Deep in the Heart is a visually stunning celebration of what makes Texas so unique – its dramatic and diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife found nowhere else.
Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, the film features stunning cinematography and an inspiring message that showcases our ability to destroy, conserve, and recover wildlife and the habitat we mutually depend on. Deep in the Heart aims to conserve our remaining wild places, to show the connectivity of water and wildlife, and to recognize Texas’ conservation importance on a continental scale.
Learn more at https://www.comalconservation.org

RESCHEDULED TO DECEMBER - Comfort - Grazing Workshop with Holistic Management International
2023-10-26 08:30 - 15:30 UTC | YMCA Roberts Ranch – Comfort, TX
NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled to December 7. Click here to learn more!
Join Hill Country Alliance and Holistic Management International for a hands-on workshop at Roberts Ranch exploring how Holistic Planned Grazing can benefit the health and wealth of your operation.
Date: October 26, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Price: $25 (scholarships available, please email rachel@hillcountryalliance.org)
Topics covered:

Reading the land for signs of ecosystem health and stressors and deciding on corrective action
Practical pointers on the fundamentals of grazing planning
Tips and tools to guide your investment decisions

Follow this link to view the full workshop agenda and register!

New Braunfels - Family Expeditions - Native Plant Workshop
2023-10-28 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | New Braunfels, Texas, New Braunfels, TX, United States
What: A introductory native plant workshop for youth ages 9-17 and a parent/guardian.
When: October 28, 2023 – 9 AM – 4 PM
Where: New Braunfels, Texas
Why: Participants will learn alongside volunteers and mentors about prairie restoration, the role of fire in our ecosystems, citizen science, and experience a variety of activities surrounding native plants. This will be a full day event.
How: Apply at: https://www.texas-wildlife.org/family-land-water-wildlife-expeditions/
Cost: $50, includes food and beverages.

Boerne - Kendall County Water Talk: Managing Our Groundwater
2023-11-01 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
From providing drinking water to sustaining our springs and rivers, groundwater is the lifeblood of Kendall County. In the last year, we’ve seen drought threaten the health of our aquifers. At the same time, growth in the county means more people will rely on groundwater than ever before.
Please join us for a presentation from Natalie Ballew, Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water Development Board, to learn more about Kendall County’s groundwater, how it’s managed, and how you can get involved.
RSVP for this FREE event at http://bit.ly/kendallwater

Kerrville - Kerr County Water Talk: Managing our Groundwater
2023-11-06 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | UGRA Auditorium, 125 Lehmann Drive, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
From providing drinking water to sustaining our springs and rivers, groundwater is the lifeblood of Kerr County. In the last year, we’ve seen drought threaten the health of our aquifers. At the same time, growth in the county means more people will rely on groundwater than ever before.
Please join us for a presentation from Natalie Ballew, Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water Development Board, to learn more about Kerr County’s groundwater, how it’s managed, and how you can get involved.
RSVP for this FREE event at http://bit.ly/kerrwater
