Hill Country Alliance

Hays County Friends of the Night Sky - Founders Circle Membership Drive
2021-10-01 - 2021-10-08 | Online
It’s not too late to join the FOUNDERS CIRCLE for Hays County Friends of the Night Sky. We’re extending the deadline until October 8th to be part of the second annual Hill Country Night Sky Month. The Founders Circle, a special limited-time membership level, offers a ground floor opportunity to join a young organization with big ideas to protect our night sky.

We launched the Founders Circle during International Dark Sky Week in April and extended it until October 8 to be able to participate in Hill Country Night Sky Month. The Founders Circle is a unique program to encourage Hays County citizens to take back the night by taking action.

Kerrville - Kerrville Folk Festival
2021-10-01 - 2021-10-11 | Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
The Kerrville Folk Festival

The Kerrville Folk Festival, the Foundation’s flagship event, was founded by Rod Kennedy in 1972. It is the longest continuously running music festival in North America and is a Mecca in the songwriting community. For 18 straight days and nights, the Festival offers concerts and activities for all ages that are focused on nurturing and developing artistic expression, especially the art of songwriting.
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The Festival is held at Quiet Valley Ranch in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just 9 miles south of Kerrville, TX. (It’s about an hour drive from San Antonio and a two-hour drive from Austin.)

The Festival is celebrated by a community who considers itself family and are always delighted to welcome new folks! When gathered, it becomes the second largest community in Kerr county. During the 18-day Festival, attendance is approximately 30,000, with guests coming from all over the world to experience the magic many simply call “Kerrville”. Even so, each evening’s performance is attended by 800 to 3,000 guests, making everyone’s experience feel intimate.

Over 1500 outstanding singer-songwriters have been presented on the Festival’s stages since the beginning. Artists such as Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucinda Williams played the Festival early in their careers. Through the years, the Kerrville stage has welcomed many nationally known artists — Peter Paul & Mary, Judy Collins, David Crosby, Janis Ian, Arlo Guthrie, and singer/songwriter/actor Ronny Cox.
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While many folks come out just to see the evening shows, many say the heart and soul of the Festival is in the Campground. This is where folks can truly experience and appreciate the abundance of talent the community is blessed to have in their midst each year. Impromptu jam sessions pop up at any time around campfires, or anywhere folks are willing to listen; it is a 24-hour-a-day treat for musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

In addition to evenings of live music, there are daytime activities such as children’s concerts, YAPI (Young Artists’ Performance Incubator), a universities campus songwriters competition, the annual Grassy Hill New Folk Competition, a songwriters school, workshops in ukulele, harmonica and guitar, hill country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe River, guided nature walks, Texas wine and beer seminars, Saturday Shabbat services, and Sunday folk song services. There is something for everyone who enjoys music, camping, the outdoors, and making new friends.

Whether you come out for a day, a weekend, or for the entire Festival, you’ll find that the music, the ambiance, and the spiritual optimism combine to make this America’s most beloved and respected songwriters gathering.

The two words that seem to come up most when people describe the festivals is “magic” and “transformational.” We invite you to join us and create your own magically transformational experience, and learn why so many come back year after year.

For more information, tickets, camping options and COVID-19 protocols check here!

Austin - Hill Country Leadership Summit
2021-09-30 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX, 78736, United States
SAVE THE DATE: Join the Hill Country Alliance for our annual Leadership Summit – this year’s event will be held in-person at an open-air venue!
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.
Click here to learn more about past Leadership Summits and stay tuned for updates!

Round Mountain - Sketch in Nature Sessions
2021-09-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
For more information and to reserve your spot, click here!

Online - Globe at Night Observations - September 2021
2021-09-27 08:00 - 2021-10-06 17:00 | Online
Six Easy Star Hunting Steps

During the campaign dates, go outside more than an hour after sunset (8-10 pm local time). The Moon should not be up. Let your eyes become used to the dark for 10 minutes before your first observation.
Use a night sky app on your phone outside to find the constellation from where you are.
Go to the Globe at Night Report page to start to enter Globe at Night measurements. Make sure you are in “Nighttime version”
With a smart phone, the app will put in the date, time, location (latitude/longitude) automatically. Otherwise please type them in. For your location, type the street address closest to your observation along with the city, state or province and country.
Choose the star chart that looks most closely to what you see toward your constellation. That is, what is the faintest star you can see in the sky and find in the chart?
Chose the amount of cloud cover at the time of observation and then click on the “SUBMIT DATA” button.

Learn more here: https://www.globeatnight.org/6-steps.php

Bandera - Texas Watershed Planning Short Course
2021-09-27 - 2021-09-30 | Mayan Dude Ranch, 350 Mayan Ranch Road, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
Please Note: Several TWRI events are being canceled, postponed or changed into online delivery to comply with Texas A&M University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) directives designed to protect public health during this time. If you are interested in this event, please RSVP to receive event updates. We will continue to follow health guidelines and monitor risks for TWRI events moving forward and will send updates as we have more information. 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. This event is scheduled to occur at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, TX. The Mayan Dude Ranch has picturesque trails that wander over 348 acres, from the lowlands of the Medina River that meanders through the ranch, to high in the hills for a panoramic view of the valleys beyond. Mayan Ranch is located 47 miles NW of San Antonio, in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. The Hicks family owns and operates the Mayan and provides a wonderful world of fantastic western warmth and their own special brand of “Horsepitality”. Click here to learn more and register.

Online - 40th Annual Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference
2021-09-24 13:00 - 2021-09-25 16:00 | Online
Welcome to the TAEE’s Annual Conference, celebrating 44 years since TAEE’s establishment. With the pandemic and the lockdowns that happened across the globe, many people learned that the outdoors helped them cope and manage their lives during this stressful time. As environmental educators, we have known this for a long time. What we teach and how we live as EE professionals is rooted in our love of the outdoors; plus, the outdoors is the greatest teacher.

Conference Schedule
There are three components to this year’s conference: 1. Virtual Conference, 2. Regional Field Trips, and 3. Movie Venues. You can choose to register for as many as you would like. Our conference will take place virtually, along with in-person field trips and movie nights across the state. We hope you will join us not only for the virtual conference, but also at the many venues we have lined up for in-person networking. We will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday with concurrent sessions and in person field trips, and go into the evening with our Friday Night at the Movies program. We will start back at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday for the main day of concurrent sessions, a main speaker, the TAEE business meeting and field trips. We will end at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday Night at the Movies
We will have Friday Night at the Movies venues at regional locations for you to network in person with other environmental educators. We will be viewing “Waterschool,” a documentary that follows the experiences of several young female students who live along six of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Mississippi, Danube, Nile, Ganges and Yangtze – and celebrates the efforts of Swarovski Waterschool. The film demonstrates the power of education and how we can all be ambassadors for water conservation. Heavy appetizers/dinner will be provided at each film venue. Registration is required two weeks prior to the conference, by September 10, if you plan to attend dinner so we can better prepare and communicate with movie venue hosts. If you register after that time, you may be asked to contribute to the dinner cost. Information about where the film will be shown can be found on the registration page for each region. We will also have the movie available virtually for those who are unable to attend at an in-person venue.
Friday and Saturday Field Trips
There will be in-person field trips located

To register and view the conference program and schedule, click here!

San Antonio - 2021 River Symposium
2021-09-24 09:00 - 2021-09-26 15:00 | San Antonio, Texas, San Antonio, TX, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
River Symposium in partnership with the San Antonio River Foundation “Cleaning, Protecting, and taking Pride in our Waterways”
September 24-26, 2021
Congratulations to our River Symposium Logo Contest Winner: Jeff Ramirez!
ABOUT
The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), in partnership with the San Antonio River Foundation, will host the inaugural River Symposium: “Cleaning, Protecting, and taking Pride in our Waterways.” This fun, family-friendly weekend will provide opportunities to learn, celebrate, network, and explore the San Antonio River Basin and the agency that works to preserve and protect this important nature resource. Participants will enjoy insightful presentations on safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers as well as training sessions, park tours and activities, outdoor volunteer events, a free kayaking event, and a special evening mixer. Those who sign up to attend the River Symposium will also be given free admittance to the River Authority’s 8th Annual Environmental Film Fest, which will be virtual this year. CDC safety guidelines will apply to all in person activities.
GOAL
The River Symposium is designed to increase the community’s understanding of and appreciation for the San Antonio River Basin while helping to raise awareness of the River Authority’s mission. The symposium is built around National Public Lands Day (September 25) and World Rivers Day (September 26), and its goal is to serve as a call to action by inspiring attendees to become good stewards of area natural resources.
CONNECT
The River Symposium will draw together area citizens, families, and professionals alike who share a common interest in the San Antonio River Basin and the community connections therein. This event also offers a time and a place where the public can interact with River Authority professionals, collaborating governmental agencies and non-profit organizations, other engaged citizens, and environmental and community advocates all working together to ensure area creeks and rivers remain healthy for generations to come.

For updates on the symposium and more details, check here!

Online - Highway Expansions: Why are We Still Doing These Projects??
2021-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Our September general meeting will be a panel discussion featuring:

Harrison Humphreys (Transportation Policy Advocate, Air Alliance Houston)
Jay Blazek Crossley (Executive Director, FarmAndCity.org)
Michael Moritz (ConnectGen, and native of San Antonio)

For Texans, transportation is our largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing emissions associated with building and maintaining roads, and driving our cars and trucks, is one of our greatest and most urgent environmental responsibilities. In the ways we have built our communities and transportation systems, Americans have created a dependence upon cars and roads, much more than most people on the planet. And Texans live some of the most environmentally damaging lifestyles in America.

“I-10 Katy Freeway from the HOV Lane.” by Saturne is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0. View a copy of this license

Texas’ transportation planning has failed its people, with high rates of traffic deaths, unhealthy air, inequitable distribution of costs and benefits, and lots of greenhouse gas emissions. Of the 25 largest metros in the nation, San Antonians have one of the highest average per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Just think how many miles you must drive to get to work, visit friends, shop, etc. – warming the planet while we do it!

A movement is growing across the state, to reform our transportation policies, spending, and planning system. Grassroots groups and non-profits are working against freeway widening projects in Houston, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, and across the state and the nation and beyond, toward a more sustainable, equitable future for all.

Our panel will address these and related issues, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

RSVP for this event here!

Online - 8th Annual Environmental Film Festival
2021-09-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
The River Authority is partnering once again with the South Yuba River Citizens League Annual Wild & Scenic® Film Festival to feature national and international short films about topics such as nature, adventure, wildlife, and conservation. The festival will also feature special introductions from our River Authority General Manager Derek Boese and will introduce viewers to the River Authority’s new outreach initiative “Don’t Let Litter Trash Your River.”

Registered participants will receive a link via email every week starting September 24 through October 8 with access to this year’s film selections. Register at the link above to claim your tickets now!

For more information and to register, click here!

Mason - Texas Youth Hunting Program Huntmaster Training
2021-09-17 17:00 - 2021-09-18 19:00 | ason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Mason, TX, 76856, United States
TYHP Huntmaster Training 2021-2 (Mason, TX)
Friday, September 17, 2021 – Saturday, September 18, 2021

This is a Huntmaster Training course for those wishing to learn how to effectively plan, promote, and lead safe and educational hunts in the Texas Youth Hunting Program.

The course will be held September 17-18, 2021, at the beautiful Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area in central Texas.
Meals and course materials are provided. There is indoor lodging

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Event Dates: September 17-18, 2021
Event Start and End Time: Starts at 5:00pm on September 17, ends by 7:00pm on September 18

For more information call 800.460.5494 or email cmitchell@texas-wildlife.org

Please sign up by August 16, 2021.

For more information check here.

Online - In the Garden
2021-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
The In the Garden Presentation series by the Hays County Master Gardeners covers a variety of topics about gardening, including planting schedules, soil types, trees, native plants, environmental considerations, and more!

For more information and registration (opens Thursday, August 19 at 9AM), click here!

Online - Texas Parks and Wildlife's Recreation Grant Opportunities
2021-09-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
An overview of the various grants TPWD offers, learn what grant is best for your project, and how to apply.

About this event

Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Recreation Branch assists hundreds of communities across Texas with their outdoor recreation needs each year. From the largest metropolis to the smallest rural community, these grant opportunities help to build new parks, conserve natural resources, provide access to water bodies, develop outdoor programs for youth, and much more. In this webinar, staff will provide an overview of the grant programs available including Boating Access & Infrastructure, Local Parks, Recreational Trails, Target Range, and Community Outdoor Outreach Program grants. Learn all about these grant offerings, how to apply and how they can help bring more nature experiences to your community.

Webinar is at 2:00 Central

For more information and to register click here.

Austin - Texas Rainmaker Award Dinner
2021-09-14 18:00 - 21:00 | The Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Texas Water Foundation is proud to announce our 2021 Rainmaker of the Year as Chairwoman Brooke Paup. Join us on September 14 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum as we celebrate our newest water champion, and honor our 2020 awardee, Texas Water Foundation’s own Carole Baker.
During her impressive career as a public servant, Brooke has contributed to the development of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT). As the first chairwoman of Texas Water Development Board, she is looking towards the future and getting ready to make it rain on Texas.
For more information on this event and to book a table, check here!

Online - Prioritizing Nature’s Role in Building Resiliency with CCCA
2021-09-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Join the Comal County Conservation Alliance for a presentation from Suzanne Scott, Texas State Director of The Nature Conservancy on September 14, 6:00 – 7:30 PM on Zoom.

The Nature Conservancy in Texas will soon commemorate its millionth acre of land protected in Texas. Although it is a big milestone, it is a small percentage of the land that needs to be protected. There is so much more to do and with the growth in Texas and Comal County specifically, the Nature Conservancy is working hard and fast, including with partners like the Comal County Conservation Alliance, to advance the role of nature to mitigate floods and improve water quality but also to protect biodiversity and ensure that people and nature can thrive together.

Click here for Zoom login information and to learn more.

Llano County Night Sky Awareness Event
2021-09-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Llano County Library, 102 E Haynie St, Llano, Texas
Join the Llano County Friends of the Night Sky for a Night Sky Awareness Event. This function is a chance for the citizens of Llano County to become more aware of night sky preservation and how they can help to combat the threat of light pollution.

Fredericksburg - Kolaches and Conservation
2021-09-14 08:30 - 10:30 | Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
On Tuesday, September 14th, the Gillespie County AgriLife Extension and partners will host the annual “Kolaches and Conservation” event at the Extension Office from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. This informal event encourages landowners who have questions about wildlife habitat, trees, riparian management, soil health, farming, ranching, and controlling non-native, invasive plants to stop by and talk with officials from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Forest Service, the Gillespie County Soil & Water Conservation District, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hill Country Alliance, and Pheasants Forever. Landowners are invited to come and go as they like. The event is open to anyone interested in conservation and land stewardship. Tables will be spaced out and face masks are encouraged. The Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office is located at 38 Business Ct, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. For more information, see this recent Hill Country Alliance press release.

(CANCELLED) Canyon Lake - Astronomy Night
2021-09-11 20:30 - 22:30 | Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 S. Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX, 78133, United States
Tye Preston Memorial Library hosts Astronomy Night for all ages at our Observatory, just up the hill from the library. Astronomy night’s include a short, entertaining presentation by the New Braunfels Astronomy Club, followed with viewings through the telescopes! Astronomy Night happens whether it’s cloudy or clear! For more information, please check out New Braunfels Astronomy Club Star Parties For event details, check here!

(CANCELLED) San Marcos - Aquamade Runway & Brunch
2021-09-11 11:00 - 14:30 | Texas State University Performing Arts Center, 430 Moon St., San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
You don’t want to miss this brunch! We are SO excited to announce our inaugural AquaMade Runway & Brunch scheduled for Saturday, September 11th. This is a Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest Premiere event sponsored by My Emergency Room 24/7.

Event Chairs – Laura Cardona & Kevin Giley.

Judges – Jennifer Kabay, Kathy Odom, Dr. Celina Bley, Ryan Patrick Perkins and Jessica Cherry – Lifestyle Blogger

This event will highlight up to twenty creatives and their eco-fashion works of art as part of the runway action. Cash prizes will be awarded – $1,000 1st Place, $500 2nd Place, $250 3rd place, and $250.00 People’s Choice.

Guests are encouraged to REUSE, RECYCLE and REINVENT when choosing their attire to wear to the AquaMade Runway & Brunch. Support local thrift shops and buy from local market vendors to find your perfect outfit! We encourage you to be as creative as you wish – we hope to see a representation of several fashion eras and styles!

Root Cellar Catering Co. is dreaming up a fabulous brunch menu, and you know they don’t disappoint!

To add even more fun and excitement, we challenge guests to wear creative head adornments – funky, artsy, classic, colorful, and fabulous head art embellishments! Think Kentucky Derby hats, but way more creative and extraordinary! Bring out that glue gun!
There will be prizes!

Tickets go on sale on June 1st. Sponsor tables and Hostess tables of ten will be available in addition to individual ticket sales. This event is limited to 250 guests.

Ticket/Siren Table Purchase https://splash.mermaidsocietysmtx.com/festival

Designer Submission Form is available online – Deadline is July 30th to apply. https://splash.mermaidsocietysmtx.com/festival

Exclusive sponsorship Opportunities are available. For questions about this event, please contact us at 512-825-2819 or email at info@mermaidsocietysmtx.com

Online - Quarterly TxN Conservation Partner Network Meeting
2021-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
We’re proud to partner with you and over 100 conservation organizations across Texas. To build on our collaborative efforts, Texan by Nature will be hosting quarterly meetings exclusive to our Conservation Partner Network.

Texan by Nature will be hosting our third quarterly meeting, focused on fundraising and development, on September 9 from 12-1 PM CST.

The goal of these meetings is to uplift conservation efforts across Texas, share best practices and lessons learned, and develop deeper partnerships. Future meetings will focus on topics such as fundraising, diversity in conservation, and more.

If you cannot attend, no worries! We will record the meeting to share later. Watch the first meeting and the second meeting.

To register click here.

Online - Lunch with Leaders: Healthy Rivers, Thriving Communities
2021-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The H. E. Butt Foundation and the Hill Country Alliance are pleased to invite you to the fourth session 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.

The virtual session, hosted via Zoom on September 7, 2021 at noon, will include a prerecorded panel discussion and live Q&A session with regional river champions on healthy rivers and thriving communities.

Join us as we take a look at how our communities can be champions for our rivers. We’ll be diving into the importance of healthy rivers and how thriving communities and water resources go hand in hand across the Hill Country. From riparian stewardship and water quality to local tourism and access, tune in for a big picture look at how we can meet the challenges these resources face.

Learn more and register here.

Online - Diving Deep into Karst
2021-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association and Wimberley Valley Watershed Association for an informational webinar as part of the Deep in the Karst of Texas educational campaign.
This educational campaign from TESPA and Wimberley Valley Watershed Association has been wonderfully received through our social media programs, Friends of Karst and other outreach.
We’re excited to bring George Veni, PhD, executive director for the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in New Mexico, as our featured webinar speaker. Then Robin Gary, managing director for Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, will present initial results from the recent 60+ Well Study in Hays and Comal counties, discuss local karst groundwater dynamics, and share well-owner tips and tricks.
We hope you will register and join the Webinar on 9/8/21! And please, invite your friends who may not yet know about the beauty, mystery and bounty of our karst landscape and aquifers!
Click here to register.
Click here to see the full agenda.

Online – Wimberley One-Water School: Innovative Conservation Design
2021-09-02 18:00 - 18:30 | Online
Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District – Water-Wise Speaker Series
For more information contact Charlie Flatten, General Manager at gm@haysgroundwater.com or 512-858-9253
The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has announced its 2021 Water-Wise Speaker Series. Subject matter experts will discuss a variety of water topics important to Hays County residents. Tune in September 2 at 6:00 PM to hear about Wimberley’s One Water School from Nick Dornak, Director of Watershed Services at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Hays County is listed by the US Census Bureau as the second fastest growing county in the United States. Great schools, good housing, proximity to growing business opportunities, and a beautiful landscape are all drivers for our growth.
Its most precious resource is water. The Trinity Aquifer deep below has a limited recharge capacity and will not support the growth coming in the next 20-years. The County needs to maximize efficiency of use and diversify its water supply portfolio to keep local communities healthy and viable long into the future.
Rainwater is already being collected on homesteads and larger buildings across Hays County. Water-wise landscaping, land conservation, and climate trends are all important parts of a strategy to protect our aquifers.
Speakers will present at 6:00 live and online. Dial-in information will be on the District website www.HaysGroundwater.com the week before each presentation. Check the schedule for upcoming dates.
Click here for the HTGCD Press Release – 2.22.21

Online - Austin's Environmental Leaders: A Conversation on Equity, Opportunity, and Adventure in the Outdoors
2021-09-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Austin Youth River Watch is a mentoring and environmental education program for high school students and young adults. This multi-year after school and summer program engages historically underrepresented youth in water quality testing, community focused restoration projects, and outdoor adventure. Our goal is to foster a love of nature, build meaningful relationships, and support our students in any way we can. Join this session to hear directly from River Watch youth and staff about their experiences guiding young adults and being a young adult of color outdoors.
Offered from 2-3 PM and 7-8 PM.
Learn more and register here.

San Antonio - 2021 Texas Groundwater Summit
2021-08-31 - 2021-09-02 | Hyatt Regency Hill Country, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, Texas, 78251
The Texas Groundwater Summit is the premier groundwater event in the state, bringing together a diverse group of groundwater professionals over three days to discuss emerging trends and new research. The event provides a mix of expert presentations on all areas of groundwater management, as well as networking opportunities for the groundwater community. We expect to have over 350 groundwater industry leaders, community stakeholders, agency representatives, and elected officials in attendance. You won’t want to miss it!
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts (TAGD) looks forward to gathering the statewide groundwater community once again at the 10th Annual Texas Groundwater Summit! This year’s event will take place in person August 31-September 2, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX. A livestream option is also available for those participants that are unable to travel or uncomfortable with an in-person conference.
Click here to view a schedule at-a-glance of Summit events.
Learn more and register here.

Online - Globe at Night Observations - August
2021-08-29 08:00 - 2021-09-07 17:00 | Online

Austin - 16th Annual Bat Fest
2021-08-28 16:00 - 23:30 | Congress Ave Bridge, 100 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Dear Bat Fest Patrons,
Bat Fest is going to take place on August 28, 2021. We will be following the guidelines of the City of Austin at the time of the event. It is a bit far off to know what those will be at this time, so check back closer to the event.

Cost: Admission $20 in advance, $25 cash at the gate. Kids 8 and under free with an adult. Tickets to 2021 Bat Fest.
VIP Tickets: Price $150 early bird, $200 regular price.
Want to be in the front row? Get a VIP ticket. It includes access to VIP only designated areas featuring front row standing area at the North and South stages, private restrooms, a covered backstage area with seating and tables near main stage, misting fans, a voucher to be used at the official event merchandise booth for any event t-shirt available, reserved VIP parking in the nearby TXDOT lot, a private cash bar with the only mixed drinks available at the festival including 2 complimentary drink tickets* for any adult beverage served at the bar (adult beverages can be purchased after drink tickets are used), 1 food voucher to be used at any food booth at the event, water and soda. Must be 21 or older to consume beer, wine, or liquor in Texas. Rain or Shine event. Refunds and rescheduling are not possible.h4.*About the Bats:
A good source for information specific to the Congress Ave. Bats is Austinbats.org . Because bats are wild animals, it is hard to predict exactly when the emergence will begin but the flight usually begins between 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. For current emergence times call 512-327-9721. The emergence can last up to ½ hour as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats head out for their nightly flight.

Bat Costume Contest:
Prize is $100 for Best Adult Costume and $100 for best childrens costume. Participants will be lined up on Stage, and the crowd will be asked to yell for the costume they like the best. Originality is encouraged.
For event details, check here!

For tickets, check here!

Online - Wild Neighbors Speaker Series: Central Texas Cave Life
2021-08-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
As we reach the hottest part of the year in Texas, join City of Austin biologist Colin Strickland for a virtual dive into the refreshingly cool, dark world beneath our feet.

Colin will show photos and videos of the commonly encountered organisms in Central Texas caves, starting at the cave entrance and working his way deeper underground.

Colin Strickland is a second-generation caver who works at the City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve as a cave biologist. One of his main goals is to shed light on Central Texas cave organisms through photography and videography.

Facebook Event link

To learn more and sign up for the webinar, click here.

Kerrville - Bug Trivia Night
2021-08-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Trailhead Beer Garden, 2100 Memorial Blvd Building #11, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
For more details and to register your team, check here!

Online - Bat Habits and Habitats
2021-08-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
Where do bats live? What do they eat and why are they important to the environment?
Nyta Brown has been the superintendent of Old Tunnel State Park between Comfort and Fredericksburg since 2005. Nyta has her Master’s Degree in Applied Geography specializing in Environmental Education from Texas State University.
Nyta spends much of her time educating both children and adults on the importance of bats to our biodiversity. In addition to these presentations, she also conducts surveys and studies on bats throughout Texas.
For more information and to reserve your spot, check here!
