Hill Country Alliance

Johnson City - Christmas Through the Years in LBJ Country
2018-12-08 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | LBJ National Historical Park, 100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
A National Park Service Celebration
Featuring Holiday Activities and Music by John Arthur Martinez
Contact: Brian Vickers, 830-868-7128 ext. 233
JOHNSON CITY, TEXAS – Gather the family and come out to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to celebrate the holiday season at “Christmas Through the Years in LBJ Country” on Saturday, December 8, in Johnson City, Texas. Featuring the music of recording artist John Arthur Martinez and many family-friendly activities, the event will run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, and will be free and open to the public. The event is part of Johnson City’s annual Lights Spectacular celebration. It will take place outdoors at 200 Elm Street on the block where Lyndon Johnson grew up.
Christmas was a special time for President and Mrs. Johnson and their family. The National Park Service carries on the Johnson family’s tradition by making this season special for locals and out-of-towners alike. Activities on December 8 will feature Christmas traditions from the 1860s through the 1960s—from the time of the president’s grandparents to the years of Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. Visitors can tour the president’s lamp-lit boyhood home just across the street from the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters, where thousands of lights will illuminate stately live oak trees. The park is delighted to host this event through a partnership with Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
Activities at the outdoor event on December 8 include:

country music and holiday songs with John Arthur Martinez from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
an 1860s chuck wagon with cooking demonstrations, and cowboy Christmas stories and poetry.
hands-on late 1800s and early 1900s-era frontier Texas Christmas crafts for children.
screenings of the 1965 release of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on an outdoor movie screen.
display of Model T Ford automobiles, like the one President Johnson’s father drove around the Hill Country as a state legislator, often with young Lyndon accompanying him.
lamplight tours through President Johnson’s boyhood home, decorated for a 1920s Christmas.
a Western National Parks Association sales area.
an exhibit on Congressman Lyndon Johnson making Lights Spectacular a future reality with the creation of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.

John Arthur Martinez is a country music artist from Marble Falls, Texas, who has played to audiences around the world. He acknowledges that he is fortunate to make a living from making music. “I write, record, and perform songs. And, in doing so, I bare my soul, meet new souls, and see the world,” said Martinez. Join Martinez and his band as he sings his songs as well as holiday music. Please dress appropriately for this outdoor event.
In addition to December 8, President Johnson’s boyhood home will be open for lamplight tours from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the nights of November 24, and December 1, 7, and 15.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. For more information call 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or 244, or visit www.nps.gov/lyjo and www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS.
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

Round Mountain - Night Hike at Westcave Preserve
2018-12-07 17:30 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Night Hike
Friday Dec 7th
5:30 PM @ Westcave Preserve
Westcave’s last special program of 2018 tickles curiosities as their local biologists lead you on a night hike into the Westcave Canyon. Discover what goes on during the night at Westcave Preserve! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight.
Weather permitting. Reservations required.
Click here to get tickets.

Austin - Ready, Set, Plant! At Shoal Creek (Allandale Road)
2018-12-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join TreeFolks for a planting at Shoal Creek (Allandale Rd). We’ll be planting 1250 seedlings, so be ready to get your hands dirty!
Location and parking information will be sent the day prior to the event. To sign up for the event, click here.
Ready, Set, Plant! is in partnership with the Community Tree Preservation, City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, and Keep Austin Beautiful. To learn more about the Watershed Protection Departments riparian restoration programs, click here. Are you interested in becoming a Creek- Adopter? Click here to be taken to the Keep Austin Beautiful Adopt-a-Creek program page. This program helps to implement Austin’s Urban Forest Plan with support from the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund.

New Braunfels - 3rd Texas Hill Country Water Summit
2018-12-05 08:30 - 16:00

Fredericksburg - 3rd Annual Enchanted Rock Star Festival
2018-12-01 17:30 - 22:00 | Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Celebrate the dark skies over Enchanted Rock!
Join members of the Hill Country Astronomers, Friends of Enchanted Rock and park staff for a tour through space. Multiple telescopes will be set up near the comfort station for the duration of the event for viewing stars and other deep space objects. There will be a group hike up to the top of Enchanted Rock, followed by a Constellation Tour led by Ken Kattner of the International Dark-Sky Association and Putman Mountain Observatory. All individuals participating in the hike and constellation tour must remain with the group at all times. All events will conclude by 10:00PM.
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.
Schedule of events:
5:00 – arrive and get your flashlights ‘dark sky ready.’ Tents will be set up near the comfort station restroom.
5:30 – Hill Country Astronomers will have telescopes set up near the comfort station restroom.
6:30 – meet below Gazebo for group hike to the top of Enchanted Rock.
7:00 – Constellation Tour with Ken Kattner.
Entrance fee for the park is $7/person (children 12 and under are free); no additional fee to attend this program.
Entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass.
Check in at the park headquarters to obtain your park entrance permit. Stop at one of the tents to get your flashlights dark-sky ready and learn some simple ways to make your home dark-sky friendly, too!
Bring

Good hiking/walking shoes
Red-tinted flashlight (if you only have white-lights, we can cover them with red cellophane)
Dress for the weather

Please no white lights while at the Star Fest (it can take 20-30 minutes for eyes to adjust from bright light to darkness). Red-tinted lights are permitted. We will gladly cover your white-lights for the event.
**This event is weather permitting; check our Facebook page for the most up to date information.**
NO PETS for this event.
If you are arriving before or after office hours, you will need to use the self-pay station to obtain your park entrance permit. The self-pay station is located at the front of the office and is cash (exact change), check or Texas State Parks Pass only.
Contact: Jessica DeBoer (830) 685-3636 jessica.deboer@tpwd.texas.gov

Austin - Hot Science Cool Talks - A Taste for the Beautiful
2018-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Student Activity Center (SAC), UT Campus, 2201 Speedway, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
What is the talk about?
Why do animals perceive certain traits as beautiful and others not? While Darwin explained why the animal world abounds in stunning beauty, he struggled to understand how. Dr. Michael Ryan, one of the world’s leading authorities on animal behavior, tells the remarkable story of how he and other scientists have taken up where Darwin left off and transformed our understanding of sexual selection. Join Dr. Ryan as he explores how beauty is defined through the brain of the beholder. Registration opens three weeks prior to event.
About the presenter

Dr. Michael J. Ryan
Dr. Mike Ryan is a biology professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on the evolution and function of animal behavior, especially with regard to sexual selection and communication. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the American Association for Advancement of Science, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Berlin.

Wimberley - Unsticking Conversations: Moving Forward in the Wimberley Valley
2018-11-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
After the Memorial Day flood, everyone pitched in and transformed the community. 7th Generation Labs asks what can happen if we apply the same generous creativity to moving the Valley forward now? Friends of all ages are invited out for some community food, fun, and fellowship on Nov. 18 from 2 to 5 pm at the Wimberley Community Center. Join 7th Generation Labs to enjoy music, food and engaging with neighbors from all over the Valley to explore solutions. Walk away with a renewed sense of possibility for the Valley’s future, and your role in it! Register here

Waco - Mammoths in the Moonlight Star Party
2018-11-17 15:00 - 21:00
WACO, TEXAS – Join Waco Mammoth National Monument and the Central Texas Astronomical Society for an exciting journey through the night sky on Saturday, November 17. Beginning at 3:00 pm visitors can view the sun through a solar telescopes and earn a dark skies junior ranger patch. During an evening program from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, visitors will have a chance to view constellations, galaxies, nebulas, and planets by sharing one of the astronomers’ telescopes or laser stations near the Welcome Center at 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive Waco, Texas.
Please bring a red-tinted flashlight, blankets, chairs, and your telescope (if you have one) to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Coolers are welcome; no glass containers, please. The event is free; paid tours of the Dig Shelter end at 5:00 pm with the last tour departing at 4:15 pm. From 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the Dig Shelter will be open to the public for free of charge. Visitors can view the in-situ mammoth remains and talk with park staff stationed in the dig shelter.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information call 254-750-7946 ext. 2664, or visit www.nps.gov/waco.
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

News Release Date: October 29, 2018 Contact: Antoine Fletcher, 254 750-7947 ext. 2664

Wimberley - Blue Hole Star Party
2018-11-17 12:00 - 20:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The City of Wimberley and the Texas State Astronomy Club invite you to Blue Hole Regional Park to attend a FREE Star Party on November 17th at 5:00. The event will be held at the basketball courts. Join us beforehand from 12:00pm to 5:00pm for our first Star-Themed Artisan Fair! Starting at 5:00pm, bring your flashlights and experience the park like you never have before! For more information, please call (512) 660-9111.

San Marcos - Texas Water Symposium on The Future of Flooding in Texas
2018-11-15 18:30 - 20:30
If you want more information on this or upcoming events with the Texas Water Symposium, click here.

Bastrop - Texas Municipal League - Economic Development Conference
2018-11-15 - 2018-11-16 | Hyatt Lost Pines, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, Texas, 78612
2018 Texas Municipal League Economic Development Conference
Build Strong and Resilient Cities
Make plans to join the Texas Municipal League on November 15-16 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines for the 2018 Economic Development Conference.
At this one-and-half-day conference, economic development experts, state officials, and city leaders will share successful practices and adaptable solutions that can help you spur job creation, enhance the quality of life, attract visitors, and maximize investment in your community.

Boerne - Strong Towns 2018 Community Event
2018-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
Fees/Admission: $35 Chamber Members or $40 Non-Chamber Members Contact: Holly Rodriguez Email: holly@boerne.org
Join us for Strong Towns Boerne 2018. This engaging community event will include a presentation from Strong Towns President Chuck Marohn entitled “Neighborhoods First.”
Risky, low returning projects too often become expensive boondoggles that haunt a community for decades. Public officials everywhere are desperately seeking an alternative. This talk will cover the “Neighborhoods First” approach to show how a community can grow stronger by making small, incremental investments over time. By observing how neighbors live their lives, by asking them where their daily struggles are, by getting out on the street and discovering what is actually going on, any local government can discern what their community’s pressing needs are. These projects are the high return investments and they are all around us.
A portfolio of incremental projects, each building on observed needs and past successes, is the basis of a solid, long term investment strategy for communities of any size. It is an approach that fits into every budget. It will empower a local government to move beyond the lack of ownership and control that comes with traditional grant programs. And most importantly, you can get started right now.
Light appetizers and beverages will be served by Peggy’s on the Green.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact Kim at kim@boerne.org for more info.
Find out more or register for this event with The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce.

New Braunfels - Community Meeting for Comal County Conservation Alliance
2018-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | McKenna Event Center, 801 San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States

Austin - REI Star Walk
2018-11-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, Wild Basin Rd., Austin, TX, 78746, United States
Member price: $29 Non-member price: $34 Fitness level 1: Relaxed Skill level 1: Beginner Group size: 20
Join REI for a summer night hike under the stars. A laser guided tour of key constellations and notable nighttime objects makes this hike a special evening experience. We will hike by headlamp and share the wonders of the park at night. Learning how to navigate trails at night and how to spot common constellations will make you feel right at home the next time you step outside after dark.

Nighttime trail navigation
Route planning
Basic star and constellation identification

Space is limited. For more information or to register for this event, click here.

Johnson City - Science Mill - 5th Annual Benefit
2018-11-10 17:00 - 21:00 | Science Mill, 101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, Texas, 78636

San Antonio - TXSER 23rd Annual Conference
2018-11-09 - 2018-11-11 | San Antonio River Authority Headquarters, 100 E. Guenther St., San Antonio, Texas, 78204
Hill Country highlights from the agenda include:

Thomas Arsuffi, Director of the Texas Tech University Llano River Field Station in Junction, will share a presentation titled “Healthy Watershed Approach To Managing Streams in a Dynamic World for Resistance, Resiliency and Restoration: Role of Science, Stakeholders, Education and Partnerships.” It will detail the development and implementation of a Watershed Protection Plan for the Upper Llano watershed.

Hill Country landowner David Davidson will present “The Art & Science of KR Bluestem Restoration,” detailing his successes in restoring native grasslands.

The Nature Conservancy will share a presentation about population and habitat changes in the black-capped vireo, one of the Hill Country’s endangered (until recently) bird species.

Two presentations about restoration on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River from our partners at San Antonio River Authority.

Several talks will touch on prescribed burning as a restoration tool.

Click here for more info and registration!

Kerrville - Texas Water Symposium on Treated Sewage & Hill Country Streams
2018-11-08 18:30 - 20:30

Blanco - Friends of the Night Sky Kick Off and Star Gazing Party
2018-11-04 18:00 | Los Senderos Ranch, 8409 N US Hwy 281, Blanco, TX, 78606, United States

Sandy Creek - Healthy Creeks and Riparian Areas Workshop
2018-11-03 08:30 - 14:00 | Sunrise Beach Community Center, 124 Sunrise Drive, Sunrise Beach, TX, 78643, United States
Register online | View the agenda

Photo by Chris Anderson
Saturday, November 3rd, 2018
8:30AM – 2:00PM
Sunrise Beach Village Civic Center
124 Sunrise Drive, Sunrise Beach Village, TX 78643 (map)
$10 registration. Please register here.
Space is limited, sign up soon!
Co-hosts: Hill Country Alliance and Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, Llano River Watershed Alliance

Spicewood - Spicewood Ranch Fall Management Workshop
2018-10-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Del Nanno – Spicewood Ranch, 452 McInniss Lane, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
Please join us for a Spicewood Ranch Management Workshop on Sunday, October 28.
Led by: David Mahler, Senior Ecologist, Environmental Survey Consulting
10 am to 12:30 pm, Sunday, October 28
Registration for this free event is required. Click here to register.
Those who wish to stay and visit a bit longer can join us at 12:30 pm for an informal lunch at Del Nanno (the “grandpa house”). Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and water.
The 1200 acre Spicewood Ranch is approximately 1 hour west of Austin between Spicewood, Texas and the Colorado River. Environmental Survey Consulting has been conducting active restoration on the ranch since 1988. We will explore areas of management successes that may include prairies, live oak woodlands and savannas, cedar breaks, riparian areas, and post oak savannas. Our restoration theories and practices will be discussed with an emphasis on what we have learned about restoration of the grasses in the heavily overgrazed areas and the more difficult tasks of restoring the forbs and woody species depleted by decades of browsing by deer and goats. A species list of almost 600 species found on the ranch will be available, but the emphasis of this field trip will be the management activities.
Please plan to arrive at “Del Nanno” no later than 9:45 am.

Austin - Hot Science Cool Talks - Fire Ants, Crazy Ants & Zombie Ants
2018-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Student Activity Center (SAC), UT Campus, 2201 Speedway, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
What is the talk about?
The red imported fire ant is an invasive species in Texas that can produce life-threatening allergic reactions in people, and has major costs to the agricultural economy and causes severe impacts to native fauna. Dr. Rob Plowes shares insights into fire ant behavior and discusses remarkable biological control opportunity. Dr. Plowes researches one of fire ants’ deadliest enemies – tiny phorid flies, which actually turn ants into zombie-like, living incubators for their offspring. He also describes research approaches to other invasive species in Texas. Registration opens three weeks prior to event.
About the presenter

Dr. Rob Plowes
Rob Plowes is an African-raised biologist with interests in biodiversity and conservation. Along with his research into invasive species, Dr. Plowes helps direct at the University of Texas’ Brackenridge and Stengl Field Labs. His approach to science integrates tools from molecules and microbes to communities and landscapes.

San Antonio - Seasons at Selah Book Signing
2018-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Lions Field Center, 2809 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX, 78209, United States
DATE: October 23, 2018 from 7-9 p.m.
PLACE: San Antonio Chapter, Native Plant Society
ADDRESS: Lions Field Center, San Antonio, TX
DETAILS: Chapter meeting, followed by: Remarks. book sales and signing, photography exhibit and sales. All are invited.
To purchase this book from the Texas A&M University Press, 2018 click here.

Bee Cave - Nature Photography Workshop
2018-10-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Introduction to Nature Photography will cover the subjects of bird, wildlife and landscape photography. The workshop will cover camera settings, shutter speeds, f-stops, camera equipment, focusing and composition. Test out your newly learned techniques at Westcave’s Bird’s & Brew event directly following the workshop. No additional fee is required to attend Bird’s & Brew.

Click here to register. $30/person. Weather permitting.

Dripping Springs - Hill Country Living + Rainwater Revival FESTIVAL
2018-10-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620, United States

New Braunfels - Get Wild!Life Happy Hour
2018-10-18 18:00 - 19:30
PRESENTATION WILL BEGIN AT 6:30 PM
At these FREE wildlife management seminars:

Learn how to keep your land under the same low property taxes while enjoying more beauty and less work
Enjoy complimentary beverages and appetizers
Understand the wildlife exemption and if it’s right for you and your property

If you’re a landowner with an Ag exemption and you are ready to get off the fence and switch to wildlife, you won’t want to miss these exciting events near you!
RSVP now – space is limited. Can’t make a seminar? Join us for a webinar covering the same information from the comfort of your computer: https://plateauwildlife.webex.com/ or contact us today to talk with one of our expert land advisors.
events@plateauwildlife.com
(512) 894-3479

Canyon Lake - Nonpartisan Local Candidates Forum
2018-10-17 18:00 - 20:00
Contact: Robin Engel, robin.ruth.engel@gmail.com, 830-302-0102 Nonpartisan Local Candidates Forum Scheduled
Looking for more information about your local candidates in the Nov. 6 elections? The public is invited to a nonpartisan Comal Candidates Forum hosted and moderated by the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWV-CA) Oct. 17 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 S. Access Rd., Canyon Lake, TX 78133. Candidates for Texas Senate, Dist. 25; Texas House, Dist. 73;County Commissioner, Pct. 2, County Commissioner, Pct. 4; and County Clerk have been invited to introduce themselves and answer questions from the audience.
Nonpartisan information about state and local candidates and their positions will be available in the LWV- CA Voters Guide to be distributed in partnership with the Herald-Zeitung Oct. 16 and online at www.lwvcomal.org and www.Vote411.org and at local libraries. Texas voters can also text LWVTX to 80123 to receive nonpartisan voting reminders on their phones.
For more information about LWV-CA, visit www.lwvcomal.org or https://www.facebook.com/
LWVComalTX . The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWV never supports or opposes candidates for office, or political parties.

Fredericksburg - Autumn Flower Arrangements with Native Grasses and Plants
2018-10-16 18:00
Floral designer, Pat McCormick, will conduct a hands-on workshop teaching flower arranging for the autumn table with seasonal native plants and grasses. McCormick trained at the Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M and has several years of experience designing arrangements for the altar and events. The workshop is held on Tuesday, October 16 at 6:00 pm. at Fredericksburg High School, Room #235. Cost is $10. To register, contact Joanie Kramer at (830) 997-7182 or joaniek@fisd.or​g. Sponsored by the Native Plant Society in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Program.

Wimberley - Two-Step for TESPA
2018-10-14 18:00 - 21:30 | Montesino Ranch, 300 Little Arkansas Rd, Wimberley, Texas, 78676

Austin - Native Grass Walk
2018-10-14 10:30 - 12:00
NATIVE GRASS WALK

West Cave Preserve
OCTOBER 14th, 10:30 AM – NOON
Learn to identify native grasses and discover their importance in our ecosystem. This walk will take place on the Uplands and will be guided by local plant expert, Bill Carr.
Registration required. $15/person. Weather permitting.

Austin - A WILD IDEA - 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Water Quality Protection Lands
2018-10-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Water Quality Protection Lands’ Onion Creek Management Unit, Driftwood, Texas
LOCATION

Onion Creek management unit of the Water Quality Protection Lands (Driftwood area) – directions link sent upon registration!
