Wimberley - One Water: Cutting Costs and Protecting Our Aquifers
2020-02-14 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
SUMMARY
The least expensive water is the water we already have. In the time between the next crisis and actual policy change, communities can build water resilience through creative and thoughtful use of groundwater, surface water, rainwater, storm water, and wastewater. Gather tips from the latest success stories, hear from Texas water experts, and identify new collaborators. There’s not a minute to lose. Please join us.
AUDIENCE
Those who want to learn current language and new strategies for wise water use and conservation: advocates, community administrators, elected officials, planners, volunteers.
REGISTRATION
Your registration is underwritten by the Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation. Registration is limited, so sign up now to join us.
Click here to learn more and see the full agenda.

Round Mountain - Star Party at Westcave
2020-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Tour the night skies at Westcave Preserve, a dark sky location convenient to Austin. Star Party nights are an ideal opportunity to enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope.
With local astronomers on hand to answer questions, you’ll be delighted and amazed by what you see and learn!
$15 adult (18+) | $5 child (4 – 17)
2020 Star Party Dates:

February 15, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
March: Private Event
April 18, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
May 16, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
June 13, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
July 18, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
August 15, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

*Spring and summer Star Party dates will be posted in February.
Events are weather permitting. Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Register online by clicking the “Book Online Now” below or “Get Tickets Now” in the right corner.
For questions, please email starparty@westcave.org or call 830.825.3442. Please include a phone number and the size of your group in your email or phone message.

Book Online Now

San Antonio - 21st Annual Changing Face of Water Law Course
2020-02-20 - 2020-02-21 | Hyatt Regency Hill Country, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, Texas, 78251
21st Annual Changing Face of Water Law Course – Cosponsored by the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section and the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
Leading water policy makers and water law practitioners from Texas and the surrounding region present on critical water issues before the courts and relevant state agencies, as well as the ramifications of such issues on real property interests.
The Changing Face of Water Rights in Texas is held at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in February of each year and is unique among water conferences. This program emphasizes practice-oriented topics and materials.
Speakers typically include high ranking government officials, leading water policy makers, and water law practitioners from around the state. The conference touches on the critical water issues before the courts and relevant state agencies, as well as the ramifications of such issues on real property interests.
San Antonio – Live Presentation
February 20-21, 2020
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort (210-647-1234)
More Info or Register
If you have any questions or would like to register by phone, please call 1-800-204-2222, ext. 1574.
Join our outstanding faculty of leading legal practitioners that has been selected to bring you up to date on recent water law changes and best practices at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort.
Topic Highlights:

TWBD’s Implementation of Harvey Financing and Flood Planning Legislation
The Value of Water
Endangered Species and Water Supply
Groundwater District Regulatory Methodologies and Potential Conflicts
The River and the Wall: Border Issues and Cutting Off the Rivers
Practicing Law In 2020: Focused, Fearless, and Prioritized

Your registration includes:

Coffee and pastries each morning
Lunch provided both days
Thursday evening welcoming reception
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the meeting room
Course materials provided as a printed notebook and PDF download, or select the PDF download only for a discount!

Learn more from The State Bar of Texas ENRLS here.

Spring Branch - Creating a Land Legacy: Comal County Landowner Workshop
2020-02-21 09:30 - 15:30 | Anhalt Dance Hall, 2390 Anhalt Rd, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Click here to register for this event.

Austin - Austin Cave Festival
2020-02-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX, 78739, United States
Join us for a FREE, family-friendly day of hands-on exploration & learning how to help protect Austin’s water resources. Meet cave scientists, explore a cave (ages 5+), learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home, enjoy live music, and more! www.austincavefestival.org
The event will not have pre-registration for cave tours. Registration will be handled onsite, on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the number of spots available for cave tours is limited, there will be many other activities.

This free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, cave tours, live music, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a cave and see how water makes its way to the aquifer and Barton Springs, learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home, try on caving gear, and learn how to protect and conserve Austin’s water resources.
Austin Cave Festival is hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and the City of Austin (Austin Parks and Recreation Department; Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division and Watershed Protection Department).
In addition to caving, there will be lots of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, so the event will be held rain or shine!
Austin Cave Festival Cave Adventure Tours (for ages 5+)
Join experts from City of Austin Watershed Protection and Wildlands for tours of La Crosse Cave and Wildflower Cave to explore the underground world and learn what critters live there, how water enters the cave and travels through the Edwards Aquifer, and how actions in the recharge zone affect water quality at Barton Springs. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you can get muddy and bring clean clothes/shoes to change into afterwards. Helmets, headlamps and additional cave gear will be provided. If safety gear does not fit or is not worn, participant will not be permitted into cave. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
LaCrosse Cave and Wildflower Cave both require some stooping and crawling to explore. In some places you’ll be able to stand or sit comfortably.
Click here for more details.
Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event.

Austin - TRANS PECOS: The Story of Stolen Land and the Loss of America’s Last Frontier
2020-02-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Stateside at the Paramount Theatre, 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join us for the premier of TRANS PECOS: The Story of Stolen Land and the Loss of America’s Last Frontier.
This documentary sets out to uncover the truth of the controversial Trans Pecos Pipeline while creating a poetic portrait of Far West Texas and the American people whose lives and land the pipeline has affected. The story is woven of a diverse fabric of an insider, landowners, concerned citizens of different colors, classes and creeds – some of which come from the oil and gas industry itself.
TRANS PECOS is a story about the unexpected bipartisan alliances that occur when companies place private gain before public good.
The grassroots support behind TRANS PECOS attempts to find common ground in a way that strengthens citizen engagement and civic bridges. It is a story of how one natural gas pipeline in Far West Texas can act as a conduit of change between informed citizens and those in power as the future of natural resources and energy is decided.
Panel discussion to include :

Renea Hicks, Attorney
Coyne Gibson, Big Bend Conservation Alliance
Jessica Karlsruher, TREAD Coalition
Nicol Ragland, ‘Trans Pecos’ Director
Moderated by Jim Bradbury, eminent domain attorney

Doors open at 4 PM, movie screening begins at 5 PM.
Click here to buy tickets.

Bandera - Hillside Stewardship: Reducing Erosion and Building Soil
2020-02-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Williams’ Ranchito, 519 Hay Hollar Road, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
Hillside Stewardship: Reducing Erosion and Building Soil
Join us as we learn from landowners, Vick and Dorothy Williams, and Restoration Ecologist, Mollie Walton, about a variety of methods for slowing and sinking water along hillsides to reduce erosion, build soil, mitigate floods, enhance groundwater replenishment, and improve habitat.
During this hands-on field day, participants will discuss effective structures that rely on rock, Ashe juniper (cedar) wood, and the contours of the land to build soil. Snacks, water, and printed materials will be provided. Cost is $10, RSVP’s requested, and space is limited
Questions? Contact Daniel Oppenheimer, Hill Country Alliance, at 210-287-0478 or by email.
Brought to you by the Hill Country Alliance and Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District.
Click here to register.

Fredericksburg - Jeopardy Nature for $1,000: What is an Understory?
2020-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 North Milam, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States

Austin - 2020 Texas Land Conservation Conference
2020-02-26 08:00 - 2020-02-28 17:00 | Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Drive, Austin, TX, 78719, United States
The 2020 Texas Land Conservation Conference will be held Wednesday, February 26 – 28, 2020 at the Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas. This 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. To view the schedule, click here.

The annual three-day conference brings in experts from around the state and nation to provide unparalleled networking and education opportunities and provides an exceptional opportunity for shared learning and engagement in order to advance the land conservation movement in Texas.
Click here to register.
Texas Land Trust Council Membership

The Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds and supports a strong, active coalition of more than 30 organizations working to conserve the lands and waters of Texas. As a member of TLTC, you are a partner in our statewide mission to advance land conservation across the State of Texas.
Become a member of TLTC and Register at the member rate!
Join Today: CLICK HERE.
Want to make sure you receive updates on the conference? Email tltc@iemshows.com to request to be added to our Texas Land Conservation Conference email distribution list.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

The Texas Land Conservation Conference offers a number of exclusive sponsorship opportunities in addition to featuring a number of exhibits throughout the event. If you are interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor please email tltc@iemshows.com. We would love to have your support! For more information on sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Want to learn more?
Click here to learn more on the Texas Land Trust Council website.

Mason - 2 Day Holistic Management Courses Hosted by Grassfed Sustainability Group
2020-02-28 08:00 - 2020-02-29 17:00 | North Mason Ranch (privately owned), 1025 McKinley Ave, Mason, TX, 76856, United States
Grassfed Sustainability Group, the Texas Savory Hub, advocates a Holistic Approach to Regenerative Agriculture.
Holistic Management is a whole farm/ranch planning system and decision making process that helps farmers, ranchers and land stewards better manage their agricultural resources to achieve maximum environmental, economic and social benefits. Holistic Management is a critical tool helping develop successful businesses while improving land health.
Each session is an in-depth two day course that covers one or two modules of Holistic Management. All courses are taught by Savory Field Professional Rhona Lemke, along with her husband Chad Lemke, who is a fifth generation full-time rancher. Together they have been practicing Holistic Management for two decades on their own family operation in the Texas Hill Country. Part of the time will be spent outside at their North Mason Ranch showing participants first hand how Holistic Management is implemented in a real ranching situation, and how the brittle ecosystem of the Hill Country, or any other ecosystem, can be drastically improved.
Class dates are:

February 28-29, 2020 Foundations of Holistic Management
April 24-25, 2020 Holistic Financial Planning
June 19-20, 2020 Holistic Planned Grazing
July 24-25, 2020 Ecological Monitoring & Land Planning

Class sizes will be limited. Register early before they are sold out. It is recommended participants attend all four classes in order to fully understand and learn how to implement and practice Holistic Management.
Each class will be 8am to 5pm Friday and Saturday in Mason, Texas. Lunch is provided both days. Cost per class is $350 per person. Attendees will receive a 10% discount if you purchase the entire series in advance. To purchase series, click on the Tickets tab for the February 28 class, then select Entire Series of Courses.
Any questions please email Rhona at rhona@gsgtexas.com or call (325) 347-7096

Llano - Back to Basics Fair
2020-02-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Llano County Library, 102 E Haynie St, Llano, Texas
Learn more here.

Johnson City – March Settlement Restoration Project
2020-03-03 09:00 - 13:00 | LBJ National Historical Park Education Center, 208 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
Learn what invasives are, how you can control them, and meet some awesome locals!
Meet behind the Education Center at 9 AM at 208 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City TX – just pass the Science Mill.
Showing up later? No problem! Just cross over the bridge into the Settlement and take a left on the trail – you’ll find us in the brush!
Learn more on the Facebook event.

Round Mountain - First Friday Bird Hike at Westcave
2020-03-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Join us for a fun and informative bird hike at Westcave Preserve.
These hikes are led by a local expert avian biologist. Westcave Preserve hosts over 170 species of birds throughout the year, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, among other beautiful resident and migrant bird species. All levels of birders are welcome. Binoculars are provided, if needed.
All hikes are weather permitting.
Registration Required. $20 per person Each tour has a maximum capacity. To reserve your spot book online.

DATES:

March 6
April 3
May 1

DURATION:
2 hours

Click here for updated information from Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.

Pipe Creek - Workshop: Rural Cooperatives, the Farm Bill and You
2020-03-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Faith Tabernacle Church Fellowship Hall, 7789 FM 1283, Pipe Creek, TX, 78063, United States
Workshop on “Rural Cooperatives, Farm Bill and You!” for all interested. Farmers, Ranchers, Community gardens, Neighborhood Cooperatives, Business Coops, Farmers Markets, Senior Citizens, small business owners and much more.

Open to the public – door prizes and refreshments available.
Light Lunch FREE to Seniors Assistance Program Members, All Others Fee = $10 at the door

At Faith Tabernacle Church in Pipe Creek Texas.
Click here to register.

San Antonio - Spring Break Plant Sale at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
2020-03-07 09:00 - 2020-03-09 17:00 | San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX, 78209, United States
Plants make people happy! Discover a wide variety of native plants, succulents, grasses, and butterfly-friendly plants during our Spring Break Plant Sale. Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers will be onsite to help you find the perfect plants for your garden.
Admission is not required to shop the plant sale which will take place in front of the Admission Kiosk. However, admission is required to visit the Botanical Garden.
Prices:
4” pots……………$4
1 gallon pots…..$8
Larger pots……..$15+
Click here to learn more.

Spring Branch - March Star Party with San Antonio Astronomical Association
2020-03-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Join us for stargazing at Guadalupe River State Park!
Join the San Antonio Astronomical Association for an evening of stargazing, both with the naked eye and through telescopes! Cloud coverage could cancel this program – check the park’s Facebook page by 4 pm that day, or call the park the day of the event for updates.
Held at the large Overflow Parking lot (just up the road from the Day Use area).
Note: Start time varies depending on the time of year. Time listed is for February Star Party. Check back each month to see that month’s Star Party time!
Note: Park programs are free with a Texas State Parks pass or park entrance fee – $7 per person ages 13 and up, kids 12 and under are always free!
**Save the date! Reserve your spot online ahead of time to guarantee your entrance to the park — even if it closes for capacity. You can do this up to 30 days in advance with your credit card, or for free with your Annual Texas State Parks pass: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
All Dates for This Event

6:00p to 8:00p Sat, March 07, 2020
6:00p to 8:00p Sat, April 04, 2020
6:00p to 8:00p Sat, May 02, 2020
6:00p to 8:00p Sat, May 30, 2020
6:00p to 8:00p Sat, June 27, 2020

Austin - Banff Mountain Film Fest at the Paramount Theatre - Day 1
2020-03-08 16:30 - 22:30 | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour for 2020 returns to Austin with two evenings of the best films shown at the 2019 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival in Alberta, Canada. The films feature travel and adventure in distant lands as well as adrenaline-fueled action sports films. Each evening will feature a different selection of films. No repeats! Join us on Sunday and Monday evenings, March 8th & 9th at the Historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin.
Doors open at 4:30 PM
Shows start at 6:00 PM
Learn more here.
Click here to buy tickets.
https://vimeo.com/376027680

Austin - Banff Mountain Film Fest at the Paramount Theatre - Day 2
2020-03-09 17:30 - 23:00 | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour for 2020 returns to Austin with two evenings of the best films shown at the 2019 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival in Alberta, Canada. The films feature travel and adventure in distant lands as well as adrenaline-fueled action sports films. Each evening will feature a different selection of films. No repeats! Join us on Sunday and Monday evenings, March 8th & 9th at the Historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin.
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Shows start at 7:00 PM
Learn more here.
Click here to buy tickets.
https://vimeo.com/376027680

Wimberley - Wanted Dead and Alive, Mountain Cedar
2020-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Hays County AgriLife Extension Building, 200 Stillwater Road, Wimberley, 78676, United States
Hill Country Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas
Wanted Dead and Alive, Mountain Cedar
By Elizabeth McGreevy – Restoration Ecologist and Permaculture Planner
Join us Monday, March 9 to hear Elizabeth McGreevy tell us why Mountain Cedars, “the tree we love to hate”, should instead be valued as a commodity for conservation. Elizabeth, a restoration ecologist and permaculture planner in Austin, has been working with and observing Ashe juniper for over 20 years and says emotion is at the heart of our cedar misconceptions. McGreevy is trying to dispel some of these myths with her book. Her goal is to provide people with “a better understanding of why and how this veteran of our Hill Country has become invasive and why it deserves some respect.” Elizabeth is member and frequent writer for the Native Plant Society of Texas.

Everyone welcome. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Blanco - Hill Country Night Sky CD Release Party
2020-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Old 300 BBQ & Back Forty Event Hall, 318 4th St, Blanco, TX, 78606, United States

Fredericksburg - Create Your Own Pollinator Garden with Fredericksburg NPSOT
2020-03-18 18:00 - 20:00
If you would like to create or maintain a pollinator garden on your property but the details are unknown or overwhelming, this class is for you. You will leave this class with information that will simplify the process of creating, installing, and maintaining a native pollinator garden. You can help the declining numbers of pollinators and have fun at the same time!
Cost of the class is $20. This is sponsored by the Native Plant Society of Fredericksburg in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Program.
Instructor Mary Frushour
To Register: Contact Rachel Malinak at (830) 997-7182 or rachelm@fisd.org.
Date: Wednesday, March 18 from 6 – 8 PM

CANCELED: Bulverde - TCEQ Public Meeting on Honey Creek MUD I
2020-03-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Rahe Bulverde Elementary School, 1715 East Ammann Road, Bulverde, TX, 78613
This event has been canceled – check out the Save Honey Creek Facebook for more updates.
TCEQ will provide the opportunity to comment and ask questions about the application for Texas Land Application permit for Honey Creek Ranch MUD I.
Stay tuned to more updates from the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance by following the Save Honey Creek Facebook page.
For more information about the ongoing push to protect Honey Creek from development concerns, you can read this letter (January, 2020) from Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance Executive Director, Annalisa Peace.

Boerne - Introduction to Native Landscapes – Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP)
2020-03-21 08:00 - 16:00 | Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
Overview
The Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is a four level certification program developed by the Native Plant Society of Texas that teaches the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes.
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes
Level 2: Landscape Design with Native Plants
Level 3: Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Level 4: Stewardship of Native Plant Communities (to be developed)
Participants must complete Level 1 before attending any other level. Subsequent levels may be taken in any order.
NLCP is a state-wide program, but classes focus on the characteristics and plants of the region in which they are taught. Please register for classes located in the region in which you wish to landscape.
Description
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes
– Learn the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes.
– Discover the differences between sustainable and conventional development.
– Understand your Texas vegetation region and soil.
– Become familiar with 45 native Texas plants recommended for your landscape and 5 plants to avoid.
The course includes a classroom session and up to a 2 hour outdoor plant knowledge walk.
The Native Plant Society (NPSOT) offers two levels of certificates:
Completion – attend the full day.
Competency – attend the full day and pass a test at the end of the class.
Students graduating with either certificate may progress to another class level.
Agenda
Tentative Schedule:
7:45 – 8:00 am – Registration
8:00 – 8:15 am – Class Introductions
8:15 – 9:30 am – Presentation – Plant Knowledge
9:30 – 9:45 am – Break
9:45 – 10:30 am – Presentation – Plant Knowledge (continued)
10:30 – 12:30 pm – Field Course – Plant Walk
12:30 – 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 pm – Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes
2:00 – 2:15 pm – Break
2:15 – 3:00 pm – Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes (cont.)
3:00 – 3:15 pm – Break
3:15 – 4:00 pm – Certification Test (Optional) / Grading
Click here to learn more and register.

Austin - Introduction to Native Landscapes - Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP)
2020-03-21 08:45 - 17:00 | Lakewood Clubhouse, 7317 Lakewood Drive, Austin, TX, United States
Overview
The Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is a four level certification program developed by the Native Plant Society of Texas that teaches the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes.
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes
Level 2: Landscape Design with Native Plants
Level 3: Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Level 4: Stewardship of Native Plant Communities (to be developed)
Participants must complete Level 1 before attending any other level. Subsequent levels may be taken in any order.
NLCP is a state-wide program, but classes focus on the characteristics and plants of the region in which they are taught. Please register for classes located in the region in which you wish to landscape.
Description
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes
– Learn the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes.
– Discover the differences between sustainable and conventional development.
– Understand your Texas vegetation region and soil.
– Become familiar with 45 native Texas plants recommended for your landscape and 5 plants to avoid.
The course includes a classroom session and up to a 2 hour outdoor plant knowledge walk.
The Native Plant Society (NPSOT) offers two levels of certificates:
Completion – attend the full day.
Competency – attend the full day and pass a test at the end of the class.
Students graduating with either certificate may progress to another class level.
Agenda
Tentative Schedule:
8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Class Introductions
9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Presentation – Plant Knowledge
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Presentation – Plant Knowledge, continued
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Plant Walk
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes
3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Break
3:15 – 4:00 p.m. Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes, continued
4:00 – 4:15 p.m. Break
4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Certification Test/Grading
Click here to learn more and register.

CANCELED: New Braunfels - Music & Milestones - Benefit Concert for the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area
2020-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Unitarian Universalists of New Braunfels, 135 Alves Lane, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
This event has been canceled – check out the League of Women Voters, Comal Area Facebook for more updates.

Music & Milestones, a magical evening with one of the area’s top performers will benefit the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWV-CA) on Saturday, March 21. Acclaimed Texas entertainer Yesenia McNett will share her tremendous musical talent in a tribute to female songwriters celebrating the 100th anniversary of the national League and the 19th Amendment.
McNett sings in Austin and San Antonio with her bands “The Time Warps,” “The Groove Doctors,” “The Brass Tax,” and “Rock N Soul,” and performs regular musical tributes to Linda Ronstadt and the country legend Patsy Cline. Her performance in Always…Patsy Cline earned her an ATAC Globe Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. Her vocal blend of musical theater, jazz, pop, classic country and Latin music make her a versatile performer. Local residents may have seen McNett on the Brauntex stage as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! , as the 2012 winner of Brauntex Has Talent, or in her “Local Live” tributes to Heart, Linda Ronstadt, Grand Funk Railroad, and Aretha Franklin. She also served on the board of Circle Arts Theatre where she has been on stage as Maria in The Sound of Music, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Sister Amnesia in Nunsense, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, to name a few.
“The program will be thrilling, and the goal of raising funds for the local League can’t be beat,’ says LWV Board member Janyth Fredrickson. “In addition, the setting is intimate with excellent acoustics, and the refreshments will be delicious.” The evening starts at 7p.m. at the Unitarian Universalists of New Braunfels, 135 Alves Lane, New Braunfels. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine and other beverages are included in the $30 ticket on sale here. All proceeds go to LWV-CA to help fund voter education and information like the nonpartisan Voters Guide.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWV never supports or opposes candidates for office, or political parties. For more information, visit www.lwvcomal.org. More information about McNett is at www.yeseniamcnett.com.
Learn more here.

CANCELED: Waring - Waring Community Meeting: The THREAT of River Quarries
2020-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 | The Church at Waring, 8 Manning Street, Waring, TX, 78074, United States
This event has been canceled – stay tuned for more updates.

Folks who attend this meeting can expect to learn about the impacts that that the growing aggregates industry is having on the Guadalupe River, as well as what landowners and community groups can do — and are doing — to address the problem. There will be opportunities for Q and A and to get involved with the regional effort.
It takes all of us working together to address major industrial threats to our Hill Country!

Austin - LCRA Water Quality Advisory Committee Meeting
2020-03-24 09:00 - 13:00 | LCRA Redbud Center, 3601 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The LCRA Water Quality Advisory Committee for the middle part of the Colorado River basin will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the Redbud Center (3601 Lake Austin Blvd, Room 108) in Austin.
If you plan on coming, please let us know by clicking here to RSVP. LCRA will be providing lunch (gluten-free and vegan options) to all meeting participants. Thanks to all of you who have already RSVPed!
The agenda for this meeting is attached. During the morning update presentation, we will highlight a variety of water quality related activities that have occurred in the basin throughout the past year (including all of the items that were mentioned in your RSVP survey responses). The Roundtable Discussion will be a time when stakeholders can voice questions/opinions/comments to the group about any of these topics or others that come to mind. We will likely continue the roundtable discussion through lunch.
Please stay tuned for information about a lower basin Water Quality Advisory Committee meeting that will be held in Columbus in May.
All who are interested in water quality in the Colorado River basin are welcome- these are public meetings. Please contact Lisa Benton with the LCRA Clean Rivers Program – lisa.benton@lcra.org – with any questions.
Click here for more information.

CANCELED: Fredericksburg - Orchids in the home and on the Edwards Plateau with the Fredericksburg Native Plant Society
2020-03-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 North Milam, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
This event has been canceled – check out the Native Plant Society of Texas, Fredericksburg Chapter’s website for more updates.
Native Plant Society of Texas, Fredericksburg Chapter Presents:
Orchids? Native to Texas?!
With Alan Smith, Environmental Consultant specializing in wetlands for 34 years, PhD in Plant Ecology
When you hear “Orchid”. What picture comes to mind? Hot, humid jungles with the chatter of macaws and parrots? Exotic displays of single plants at the florist’s shop?
Do you think exotic wild flowers on the Edwards Plateau?
Texas is home to 54 species of orchids. Each is terrestrial, growing in the soil rather than attached to trees or rocks. The majority (36 varieties) grow in wet Texas bogs and woodlands east of Austin. That leaves 18 delicate beauties to enhance the cool. damp canyons and riparian areas of the Edwards Plateau and the TransPecos mountains.
Alan Smith, a member of the Fredericksburg chapter, brings experience as a PhD in Plant Ecology and 34 years as an environmental consultant specializing in wetlands to help us discover the exotic beauty under our feet, and the beauties we may bring into our homes.
Come discover the exotic in your life.
6:30 p.m. Light refreshments and social; 7:00 meeting

CANCELED: Wimberley - Preserving Hill Country Open Spaces NOW!
2020-03-27 07:30 - 16:00 | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
This event has been canceled – check out the registration page for more updates.

SUMMARY
Smaller Hill Country communities are rapidly losing open spaces that help protect water resources, wildlife and Hill Country beauty. Public advocates, local officials, and developers will understand the future impacts of development and learn about the latest tools and resources for opens space and park creation. A special panel led by Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Hays County Precinct 3, will introduce new strategies for successful residential development that preserve natural resources and appeal to families seeking the best of the Hill Country experience.
AUDIENCE
Anyone wanting to learn new strategies for protecting open spaces, including county and local community leaders, advocacy groups and volunteers.
REGISTRATION
Your registration is underwritten by the Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation. Registration is limited, so sign up now to join us.
Click here to see the full agenda.

RESCHEDULED: Wimberley - Blue Hole Star Party
2020-03-28 19:30 - 22:30 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
This event has been rescheduled to October 17th – check out the Wimberley Parks and Recreation Facebook for more updates.
The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department, the Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee, and the Texas State Astronomy Club present the next Blue Hole Star Party on March 28 at 7:30 pm! The event is free and will be held at the soccer fields. Bring your flashlights and experience the park like you never have before!
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets. Please call (512)660-9111 for additional information.
Click here to check the Facebook event for updated information.
