Hill Country Alliance

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.

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.

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=Y0NvZ01UVmgrYUprKzZtZGhycEZ0UT09
Go to: https://www.comalconservation.org/upcoming-events.html for zoom details and options

Click to Learn More

Star Party
2022-03-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | TX
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.

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!

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.

Online - Informational Webinar with Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program (RAMP) - 2
2022-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 (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) - 1
2022-02-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Online

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.

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.

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: 321755

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 - 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fort Worth - Texas Children in Nature Network 2021 Summit
2021-12-02 08:30 - 2021-12-03 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Forth Worth Botanic Garden and Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier Smarter Kids

About this event

The 2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier, and Smarter Kids will take place on December 2-3, 2021 at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107. The Summit is a full day (8:30-6:00) Thursday, and a half-day (8:30-12:00) Friday with optional post-conference workshops on Friday afternoon.

During this two-day Summit, TCiNN will bring together health, education, built environment, faith and conservation community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. TCiNN will convene over 250 community leaders to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies that will connect more children and families in nature.

During 2020 many things changed in the world and for Texas Children in Nature Network. One of the biggest lessons from the pandemic has been in importance of equitable access to nature for our health and the need for more space for us to live, learn and play outdoors. With this in mind TCiNN has planned this year’s Summit with a focus on our lessons learned this past year, and how to move forward in a world looking for more opportunities in nature.

Key-note speakers:

Thursday afternoon – Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot. As an occupational therapist Angela has specialized in nature interventions for children and the need for natural environments for child development. She will be speaking on her work and what she has learned through her work at the TimberNook Center in New Hampshire.

Friday morning – Lisa Carlson, Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association. During her time with APHA Lisa has advocated for nature as a public health strategy, she will be sharing her insights on how we can make strides for a healthier community by incorporating more nature into our communities.

Equity Panel

Friday morning, December 3rd, will feature a panel discussion of the importance of creating a more equitable outdoors, and creating a welcoming experience at our nature sites. Panel speakers will include: David Buggs, Alex Bailey, and Jaime Gonzalez.

Summit Session Strands

Access to Nature
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Equity and Inclusion
Formal and Informal Education
OLE! Texas (Outdoor Learning Environments in Early Childhood Settings)
Physical and Mental Health

Post-Conference Workshops

Forest Bathing
Funders Panel

Conference Lodging Options

Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block of 50 rooms at the SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University, 3250 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76117. The hotel features a free breakfast, fitness center, free WiFi and outdoor pool. Room rate in the conference block is $109/night (plus tax) for either a single king or double queen room. Room block will be held until November 12, 2021. Call 817-878-2554 and state you are attending our Summit in order to book within our room block. Or, you can register with this link.
Other nearby hotels
A shuttle service will be available from the SpringHill Suites to the conference at set times during the day. Parking is also available at the Botanic Garden and BRIT if you choose to drive yourself to the Summit.

Meals and Happy Hours

Lunch at the BRIT on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration. Lunch at the BRIT on Friday (December 3) will be included in tickets for any post-conference workshops.
Happy Hour on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration.
Breakfast and dinner is on you own.

Program and Schedule

Find updated schedules, information and conference details on our conference webpage.

COVID-19 Vaccination is encouraged for Summit Attendees.

This conference is a “bring your own tote bag” conference. Please bring your favorite tote bag to show off to everyone at the Summit.

Texas Children in Nature Network is a 501c3 Public Charity. As of January 2021 we became an independent non-profit, leaving our incubation period under Texas Parks and Wildlife. We are excited to work with TPWD as a founding partner of TCiNN as we plan this year’s Summit.

Online/Seguin - Region 11 Guadalupe Regional Flood Planning Group Meeting
2021-12-01 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority River Annex, 905 Nolan St., Seguin, TX, 78155, United States
There will be a meeting of the Guadalupe RFPG on December 1, 2021. The meeting agenda, materials, and details on how to join the meeting can be found here: www.guadaluperfpg.org. All meetings of the regional flood planning group are open to the public. Below is information regarding this upcoming meeting:

Region 11 – Guadalupe RFPG
Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 2:00 PM
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority River Annex
905 Nolan Street Seguin, TX 78155

The meeting will be held both virtually and in person. GoToMeeting link provided in the attached agenda.

If you would like to provide comments and input or if you would like to request more information on the flood planning process, please send a note to: comments@guadalupeRFPG.org.

Online - Globe at Night Observations - November 2021
2021-11-25 08:00 - 2021-12-04 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Fredericksburg - Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner
2021-11-20 17:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Gillespie County Fairgrounds & Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Evening of wild game appetizers, beverages, games, live auction, raffle and silent auction supporting agriculture, youth education and rural living in the Texas Hill Country. Also, only 500 tickets will be sold for the Magnificent 7 Raffle for $100 each – seven guns and a 26-gun safe. Raffle tickets must be purchased online. Winner will be announced at the dinner. No Pets Allowed-ADA Service Animals Only.

For more information and to register, click here.

Online - The Digital Now for Natural Resource Professionals: Online in the 21st Century
2021-11-11 10:00 - 2021-11-12 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Online is now firmly front and center for most of our organizations and agencies. If you’ve been battling the ramifications or embracing them, you may still have some questions about how natural resources can compete better with other online content. Things have changed dramatically in design, writing standards and searchability. In addition, smart devices have outsold desktops significantly in the last 10 years.
What does that mean to those in outreach and education? It means we have to continue to grow our expertise in learning how to connect the consumer to the important information we provide. We need to understand how content is found, how conversations and learning networks start, how to be discovered and what constitutes quality outreach. We have to know where to post, when to post and what to build on our websites. We have to learn how to reach our traditional clients as well as new clients. There are many successful models that can be used and applied in natural resource outreach and education that can help us down the road of discoverability.
Registration is $50 for both days.
Day 1: November 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Digital Learning Strategies – There’s no faster way to the bottom of the online learning world than to be online without a strategy designed for learners. Many organizations put the test of success at being content to be “just online.” Digging deeper, most of us want to be able to have either impact or influence in our outreach and not just count the number of hits or likes.
This day is dedicated to understanding how natural resource information is (or could be) consumed online using a learner-based approach. What happens when you shift your mindset from marketing to learning? From information to knowledge? From connecting to engaging?
The 21st century isn’t about being online; it’s about being online well. To do that, we will look at learner differences, how online learning can be enhanced, how simple messaging can turn into engagement, and how generational intelligence helps us pick the right tools, tones and messages to reach broad audiences.
Day 2: November 12, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Getting Found with all the Noise – We will look at some of the best platforms for natural resource professionals to form a presence in and some of the biggest platforms to learn how writing changes between them and making the most out of your content. How do you get found with so many competing voices? We’ll go through various exercises to help you build good content. We will look at some additional graphics and analysis tools to help you refine your reach. Learn some quick tricks and tips to get you down the road.
The Texas Watershed Planning Program is managed by the Texas Water Resources Institute and is funded through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
Learn more and register here!

Online - Culinary Health Education in the Garden
2021-11-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2021-11-10 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Workshop with Katy Bowen, MS, RDN, LD at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

About this event

Learn how the Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) program helps children connect garden to plate by making fresh, flavorful recipes with ingredients straight from the garden. Participants will also learn creative strategies to impact children’s overall health and wellbeing using hands-on culinary health education in a garden or school setting.

Workshop is offered twice on November 10th, 2:00 and 7:00 Central

Learn more and schedule a time here.

Online - Comal County, Texas: Opportunities and Challenges Within the International Year of Caves & Karst
2021-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Who: Dr. George Veni, Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute & President, International Union of Speleology
What: “Comal County, Texas: Opportunities and Challenges Within the International Year of Caves & Karst”
Caves and karst.
You know what caves are but do you know what karst is? Much of Comal County is karst, so we ought to know what it is, right?
Join us as one of the world’s authorities gives us a lesson on this cavernous terrain that covers 25% of the USA, and most of Comal County.
Comal County sits along the edge of the Edwards Plateau, one of the largest karst areas in the country, and over the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers that provide water for more than two million people. Comal County’s karst contains one of the most biodiverse aquifer ecosystems in the world with bizarre aquifer-dwelling species that occur nowhere else. Comal County’s karst also contains the longest cave in Texas. Dr. Veni will make us proud as he puts Comal County’s karst in a national and global context.

To learn more about this event, click here.

Round Mountain - Fall Plant Hike
2021-11-06 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
For more information and to reserve a spot, click here.

Outer Planets Party
2021-11-05 17:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Lake Pflugerville, Weiss Lane and Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville, Texas
Stars and Science Austin will be hosting a stargazing event at Lake Pflugerville. We will be gathering around the junction of Weiss Lane and Pflugerville Parkway. We will be observing all of the outer planets. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. One of the founders will be bringing his 11 inch Celestron telescope. Talks will focus on the characteristics of all the outer planets. The function begins on Friday, November 5th, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The rain date is November 6th.

San Antonio - Urban Stream Processes & Restoration Program
2021-11-05 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | San Antonio River Authority’s Mission Reach Operations Center, 8510-3 Mission Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78214, United States
This workshop is being co-hosted by the San Antonio River Authority, Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Water Resources Institute. The training will focus on natural design processes for stream restoration projects. Materials delivered in the training will help attendees understand:

urban stream functions,
impacts of development on urban streams,
recognize healthy versus degraded stream systems,
assess and classify a stream using the Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI), and
comprehend differences between natural and traditional restoration techniques.

Information including the hydrologic cycle, basics to stream morphology, stream classification, stream instability, stream restoration, stabilization structure, vegetation, and monitoring and evaluation will be explained through classroom-style teaching in the morning session and hands-on activities in the field at a nearby stream in the afternoon sessions.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available:

Texas Water Resources Institute – 1 CEU
Texas Nutrient Management Planning Specialists – 6 hours
Certified Crop Advisor – 7 CEUs (Nutrient Mgmt: 1, Soil & Water: 2.5, IPM: 1, Sustainability: 2.5)
Texas Floodplain Management Association – 6 CECs
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners “Acceptable for HSW credit”
The program may also be used for CEUs for Professional Engineers
Check with your Chapter for Master Naturalist and Master Gardener to see if it is approved for your area

Registration is limited to the first 40 people. Cost is $50 and includes all training materials, a catered lunch, and a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Registration is required by October 29, 2021. Register online through the link above, or if paying by check or PO by email to clare.entwistle@ag.tamu.edu. A catered lunch will be provided to participants or they may bring their own.
Dress is casual and comfortable, hip boots/waders are required for the hands-on field assessment as we will be out in the creek in the afternoon.
Please join our listserv or like us on Facebook for more information on future programs!
The Urban Riparian and Stream Restoration Program is managed by the Texas Water Resources Institute, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the College at Texas A&M University. It is funded through a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To learn more and register, click here.
