Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Star Party
2021-12-04 17:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Join Park Rangers and the Hill Country Astronomers as we learn about the importance of dark skies while learning to navigate the stars above.
From finding constellations to specific stars. From myths and legends about these celestial beings to scientific facts and figures. We’ll spend our time looking and learning. As an International Dark Sky Park, Enchanted Rock boasts some of the darkest skies in this part of Texas, which means the stars at night ARE big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. We will be bare eye stargazing. Feel free to bring your own telescope or camera.

Online - Water for Climate Action: Reducing GHG Emissions
2021-12-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Scientists say we have less than a decade to act on climate and secure a livable future. This hits home in the water sector, where climate impacts show up first and most often. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that water is also part of the climate solution. Over 10 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from water-related activities, with more than 3 percent from water and wastewater utilities alone.
As more water and wastewater utilities develop and implement climate plans, they are also stepping up on climate mitigation efforts. Utilities are working to decrease the sector’s dependence on fossil fuels and help cities and regions achieve critical GHG reduction targets. What’s even more exciting is that many of these climate actions deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits back to utilities and the communities they serve.
This webinar will feature international and local perspectives on advancing climate mitigation through water. Speakers will provide insights from the recent Water Pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-26) in Glasgow, Scotland. Utilities in California and New Jersey will also share how they are implementing water conservation strategies, green energy projects, system efficiencies, and even ecosystem protection to reduce direct and indirect emissions, ultimately reaching for carbon neutrality.
Moderator:
• Katy Lackey, Senior Program Manager, US Water Alliance
Speakers:
• Richard S. Dovey, President, Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA)
• Cate Lamb, Global Director of Water Security, Carbon Disclosure Project
• Brian Mendenhall, Senior Water Resources Specialist, Valley Water

To learn more and register, click here.

Online - Merry Mixer with Rural Leaders
2021-12-16 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
The H. E. Butt Foundation and the Hill Country Alliance are pleased to invite you to the holiday mixer of Lunch with Leaders, a quarterly series to connect leaders in the rural Hill Country with one another to identify common challenges, share solutions, and pursue opportunities for our region.
Join us for an informal, virtual mixer, hosted via Zoom on December 16, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with leaders from across the rural Hill Country. We will be celebrating the past year and looking forward to exciting opportunities in the new year. Hot cocoa, holiday hats, and sweaters encouraged!
The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants the week of the event—so make sure to sign up early. Click here to register.

Round Mountain - Full Moon Hike
2021-12-18 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.

Fredericksburg - Holiday CEU Program
2021-12-29 08:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
The Gillespie County AgriLife Extension office will be hosting a 3-hour CEU Program. 1-IPM, 1-L&R, & 1-Gen. for Private Applicator License.
Registration: 8:00am
Program: 8:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10
No RSVP Needed – 3 CEU’s – 1 L&R, 1 IPM, & 1 Gen.
Please bring your Private Pesticide Applicator’s License. Topics will include feral hogs, brush busters, & picolinic acid.
Click here to register

Online - A Policy Scan of Children in Nature
2022-01-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A webinar with Rosa Yin, a student at the University of Texas in Public Policy
About this event
Policies, especially local and state, have great influence over our day to day lives. To understand the specific influences policies play in a particular topic area, policy scans are useful tools for developing thorough understandings. This presentation’s policy scan analyzed the City of Austin’s municipal policies and programs to assess whether nature is equitable and accessible for children throughout the city. This session will discuss methods and results of the Austin policy scan to provide participants with a helpful guide to conducting their own policy scans that can evaluate access to nature.
Workshop is offered twice on January 5th, 2:00 and 7:00 Central
A zoom link for the webinar will be emailed to registrants the day of the event. If you have not seen an email come through please check your spam folder.
To learn more and register for a time slot, click here.

Online - A Policy Scan of Children in Nature
2022-01-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A webinar with Rosa Yin, a student at the University of Texas in Public Policy
About this event
Policies, especially local and state, have great influence over our day to day lives. To understand the specific influences policies play in a particular topic area, policy scans are useful tools for developing thorough understandings. This presentation’s policy scan analyzed the City of Austin’s municipal policies and programs to assess whether nature is equitable and accessible for children throughout the city. This session will discuss methods and results of the Austin policy scan to provide participants with a helpful guide to conducting their own policy scans that can evaluate access to nature.
Workshop is offered twice on January 5th, 2:00 and 7:00 Central
A zoom link for the webinar will be emailed to registrants the day of the event. If you have not seen an email come through please check your spam folder.
To learn more about this even and sign up for a time slot, click here.

Fredericksburg - Brush Pile Burning Workshop
2022-01-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Join the Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, Quail Forever, and Gillespie Prescribed Burn Association for a free brush pile burning workshop in Fredericksburg on Tuesday, January 11. Please RSVP by January 6th for meal to donna.maxwell@ag.tamu.edu or 830-997-3452.

Online - Virtual Community Program on “Floods, Carbon, Climate — Oh My" - Comal County Conservation Alliance
2022-01-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Join the Comal County Conservation Alliance for a Virtual Community Program
Ever wonder what we can do about flooding, carbon in the air, and climate? Debbie Reid will talk about how conserving land in a watershed can reduce downstream flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere, thus helping avert the worst consequences of climate change. Healthy soils in parks, open spaces, and undisturbed natural areas can hold vast amounts of water and capture a remarkable amount of atmospheric carbon — just two of the many public benefits of keeping land in its healthy natural state. And we can do it right here!
WHO: Guest speaker, Deborah “Debbie” Reid, Technical Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
WHAT: Virtual Community Program on “Floods, Carbon, Climate — Oh My!”
WHEN: Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 6:00 -7:30 pm
WHERE: Click here Meeting ID: 825 6688 2187 Passcode: [REDACTED]

Blanco - Water Fluency Workshop with Texas Water Foundation
2022-01-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North, Blanco, Texas
Join the Texas Water Foundation for a Water Fluency workshop in Blanco. This workshop is designed for decision makers in Blanco County interested in learning about Texas water management, Blanco County’s water resources, and future water plans to support the community. Click here to RSVP.

Star Party at Stoneledge
2022-01-29 17:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Stoneledge Winery & Vineyard, 518 County Road 1403, Lometa, TX, 76853, United States
Join the Lampasas County Friends of the Night Sky and Stoneledge Winery & Vineyard for an evening under the stars.
A pizza dinner will be available, s’more kits for the fire, and of course wine! The Lampasas County Friends of the Night Sky will share their mission to preserve the darkness of the sky. Local astronomers will have telescopes on hand to share with you the wonders of the cosmos.
Your $15 ticket purchase includes one glass of wine. Come early to enjoy the sunset and claim your spot!
Feel free to bring chairs, blankets, and any of your own star-gazing equipment.

Online - Informational Webinar with Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program (RAMP) - 1
2022-02-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Are you ready to RAMP up your land management to the next level?
Holistic Management International (HMI) is looking for motivated people to learn and apply regenerative agricultural practices. If you’re determined to achieve positive results on your ranch or farm and are interested in learning new, innovative techniques in a guided process over 1 year, here’s your chance! We’re offering 2 free webinars to introduce our new and improved RAMP, the benefits of Holistic Management, and how learning with an HMI mentor and a small group of peers will help you achieve your ranch or farm goals.
This mentor program has been designed by HMI for individuals or businesses ready to implement and ramp up their practice of regenerative agriculture. Participants will expand their Holistic Management knowledge and be required to take action in a guided, step-by-step process over one year. We will work together to increase confidence, effectiveness, and performance. An HMI Certified Educator guides the progress and provides the tools and support to achieve RESULTS. We know that change can be intimidating, but we can help you REDUCE THE RISK and REAP THE REWARDS. In this newly revised format of the 2022 RAMP program, it is time to put theory and discussion into practice as you solidify skills and become more purposeful.
Click here to learn more and register.

Click to learn more.

Online - Informational Webinar with Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program (RAMP) - 2
2022-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online

Online & Austin - Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium
2022-02-15 08:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | LCRA Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, 78703
The Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. Learn from state and national experts about the latest approaches, what is coming next and best practices for maximum efficiency gains.
Time and Place
Tuesday, February 15,2022 LCRA Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Who Should Attend?
Mayors, City Council, Board Members of MUD’s, Regional Water Authorities, City Managers, Water Utility Directors and Staff, Water Conservation Managers, Program Staff and other Relevant Staff, CFO’s Finance Directors, Sustainability Directors, Business and Community Leaders, Consultants and Advocates. In-person registration limited to the first 100 registrants.

Austin - Texas Land Conservation Conference
2022-03-02 15:30 - 2022-03-04 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Drive, Austin, TX, 78719, United States
The 26th annual Texas Land Conservation Conference will be held March 2-4, 2022 at the Hilton Austin Airport.
We are very excited to welcome everyone back together in-person. The conference is the preeminent statewide meeting for anyone working in the field of land and water conservation, private landowners interested in conserving their land, government, business and NGO agency partners, and any person interested in learning more about these important issues in Texas. Come join us for three days of learning, inspiration, and fantastic networking events as we work together to #ConserveTexasLand!
The conference brings together experts from around the state and nation to discuss a variety of conservation-related issues, providing an exceptional opportunity for learning and engagement in order to advance land and water conservation in Texas. Whether you are interested in attending, speaking on a panel, or supporting our event as a sponsor or exhibitor, you can find more information by following this link.

We hope to see you in March for the 26th annual Texas Land Conservation Conference!

Star Party
2022-03-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago)
Join the Kendall County Friends of the Night Sky group for a Star Party, hosted by Bending Branch Winery. Several telescopes will be on hand for an evening of stargazing with local astronomers sharing their expertise.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfortable viewing from the lawn. The event is free, but RSVPs are required for planning purposes. Wine and snacks will be available for purchase at the event or feel free to bring a picnic. No outside alcohol allowed.

If you’re bringing your own flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane. White light is a no-no. You may also bring your own telescope. This is a family-friendly event.

6:30 p.m. Gates open
6:30-7:30 p.m. Social hour
7:30-9:30 p.m. Stargazing

PLEASE NOTE: Star parties are very weather-dependent. If the event is canceled due to clouds, wind, or rain, an email will go out to registered attendees no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the event.

Online - One Water in Comal County with Comal County Conservation Alliance
2022-03-08 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Online
Join our friends at the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for an educational evening program.
WHO: Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA)
WHEN: Tuesday March 8, 2022, 6:00 -7:30 pm
WHAT: Virtual Community Program on “ONE WATER in Comal County” with guest speaker Jennifer Walker, Deputy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program, National Wildlife Federation.
EVENT INFO: If you like, use or drink water, this presentation is for you! Comal County is a land of refreshing springs, clear rivers, and magnificent aquifers! One Water is a way to make the best possible use of this amazing resource and ensure fresh water will always be available — for people, wildlife and yes, most definitely for a prosperous Texas economy. Jennifer Walker will join us to discuss the One Water concept, and how it can help us meet our county’s future water needs by changing how we use and reuse the water we have.
NOTE: Free to the public
WHERE: Zoom

Login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89726649214?pwd=[REDACTED]
Go to: https://www.comalconservation.org/upcoming-events.html for zoom details and options

Click to Learn More

Online - Webinar: TWDB's Water Conservation is for Everyone
2022-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Description:
The Texas Water Development Board works to ensure a sustainable water future for all Texans.
As part of the TWDB’s Office of Water Science & Conservation, the Conservation Department engages with a variety of stakeholders and audiences to encourage the stewardship of our water resources through financial and technical assistance, education and outreach, and distribution of educational resources.
Meeting the growing water demand becomes more difficult as the population grows, so this webinar will discuss the importance of water conservation in state water planning, while also providing insights into programs offered, the overlap of urban and rural agriculture, and how the various stakeholders come together to help protect our most precious resource – water.
Click here to register.
Speakers:
Shae Luther, Water Education Specialist, Texas Water Development Board Kyla Peterson, Natural Resources Specialist/Team Lead – Ag Conservation, Texas Water Development Board Josh Sendejar, Water Conservation Specialist, Texas Water Development Board

Additional Texas Waters Specialist Programming Opportunities from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
Click here to learn more about Texas Waters Curriculum and advanced training.

San Antonio - Who's Taking Care of Texas?
2022-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Woodlawn Pointe Community Center Auditorium, 702 donaldson avenue, San Antonio, Texas
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is sponsoring a public hearing on Monday, March 21st to let the Sunset Commission staff know how well (or, not) TCEQ has been serving you. Your comments will be considered for inclusion in the Sunset Commission report that will be submitted to the State Legislature during their 2023 session.
The event will be moderated by Randy Beamer, Host of KLRN’s On the Record.
Texas Sunset Advisory Commission hopes to see you (and hear from you!) then.
Click here to learn more.

Fredericksburg - Going Green: Refusing Plastics featuring Karen Taylor
2022-03-22 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Gilbriar Gazebo, 208 Danos Dr, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, United States
On Tuesday March 22nd the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will be hosting an in-person presentation by Karen Taylor, at Gilbriar Gazebo at 208 Social gathering starts at 6:30, the presentation begins at 7:00. Guests and area newcomers are always welcome. Join us to learn more about the delights of living with nature in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
The speaker is Karen Taylor, who is presently teaching at the Environmental Studies School in Groesbeck, TX. Ms Taylor explains how plastics are affecting our Hill Country air and soil, they are an all-encompassing part of our lives and environment – from the micro-plastics in sea water and the food we prepare to the containers we have sitting on the counter.

Stonewall - K-12 Place-Based Education Workshop
2022-03-26 | Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX, 78671, United States
Join LBJ National Historic Park, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, and Teton Science Schools for this workshop focused on place-based education and rural teaching. This two-day workshop will provide teachers with the chance to connect with community organizations, network with other teachers and support each other as well as consider and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in rural communities.

Click here to register

Albert - Hillside Stewardship Hands-On Field Day
2022-03-26 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Hilliard Ranch, 4699 Schumann Road, Albert, TX, 78671, United States
Got erosion? Wish you had a few more tools in your toolbox for slowing and sinking water into the land? Join the Hill Country Alliance Land Program for a fun, free, hands-on opportunity for experiential learning where we’ll construct three different types of erosion-control structures together.
If you’d like to join us for this free, hands-on event, we have 15 spots open.
To register, email daniel@hillcountryalliance.org your contact information. Space is limited.

New Braunfels-Comal County Conservation Alliance Lunch and Learn
2022-03-28 11:00 - 15:30 UTC | New Braunfels McKenna Center, 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, Texas, 78130, United States
This is an opportunity for new volunteers to learn about the Comal County Conservation Alliance —its history, its messages, and its mission going forward. For more information on Lunch and Learn and to register, please contact diane.desimone49@gmail.com

Stonewall - LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour 2022
2022-04-02 07:00 - 12:00 UTC | LBJ Ranch, 1048 State Park Road 49, Stonewall, 78671
Join our partners at the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park at the LBJ Ranch on Saturday, April 2, 2022, and support the LBJ National Historical Park by being part of the iconic LBJ 100.
Non-cyclists can take the self-guided tour of the Ranch, sign up for a tour around the grounds of the Texas White House, go inside the JetStar that served as Air Force One, see displays, a video, and the bookstore in the Hangar, and visit the adjacent LBJ State Park. In addition, you’ll be in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with over 50 wineries and several distilleries within a 30-minute drive of the Ranch.
Click here to register.
Click here to volunteer.
Learn more and explore frequently asked questions on the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour website, linked here. Please consult the local chambers of commerce for more information on options.

Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Center
Blanco Chamber
Marble Falls Chamber

The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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 2nd 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
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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, join Texas Parks on Saturday April 2nd 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.

San Antonio-Texas Water 2022
2022-04-04 08:00 - 2022-04-07 17:00 UTC | Henry B. Gonzalez Center, 900 E Market St., San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Texas Water is the joint annual conference of the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section American Water Works Association.
The conference is celebrating it’s 26th year as the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© and caters to professionals in the wastewater and water industry, including water quality engineers, treatment plant technicians, scientists, government officials, regulatory agency personnel, manufacturers and their agents, libraries, universities and groups and individuals concerned with protecting public health and the environment.
Texas Water’s location rotates around various cities in Texas each year and includes technical sessions, exhibits, competitions, networking opportunities and much, much more!
We hope you’ll join us in San Antonio for Texas WaterTM 2022!

Austin - Spring Water Revival - Our Communities, Our Water: Austin
2022-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Austin Patagonia Store, 316 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Save the Date and See us in Austin!
Join us for a fun evening with free drinks, snacks, and getting to know lots of great people working on-the-ground for Austin communities’ water access, equity, and protection!
The event will feature presentations and short videos from Hill Country Alliance, National Wildlife Federation – Texas Living Waters Project, Go Austin / Vamos Austin!, PODER – Colorado River Conservancy, and Austin Youth River Watch.
Snacks, water, seltzer, and beer donated by Austin Beer Works and Texas Cool, courtesy of Patagonia and Texas Water Foundation.
We will be gathering at the Patagonia Store in downtown Austin, so we recommend arriving early to find parking. Registration not required – show up and we’ll see you there!

San Antonio-Birding Outing
2022-04-09 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78254, United States
Members of the Government Canyon Activities Committee welcome anyone interested in our feathered friends for a birding outing at the Natural Area on Saturday April 9th from 8:00am to 11:00am. Learn about the fun and excitement of birding, including tips on using binoculars, cameras, field guides and sound recordings. Bring your own equipment or let us know if we can loan you a pair of binoculars when you make your reservation here.
Reservations are required; sorry, no group reservations;

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.
