Online - Virtual Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course with NAI
2021-03-01 - 2021-03-12 | Online
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is offering an online training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites. This course will be a combination of online instruction and virtual meetings with your instructor. Note, this course is designed to cover all the same material and requirements as the in-person Certified Interpretive Guide course and the certification awarded is the same as our face to face offerings. Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructor on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting.
The CIG Program
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation techniques. The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.
This virtual course includes:

The history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
The 3 certification requirements needed to obtain a CIG (open book CORE Literature Review exam, program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).

Schedule
This course is taught via Zoom from March 1 to March 12. From March 1 to March 5, we will meet for four hours per day via Zoom beginning at 10 AM EST, 9 AM CST, 8 AM MST and 7 AM PST. During those same times on March 8 and 9 the Zoom platform will be available for scheduled personal coaching sessions and group work on the literature review for those attempting certification. Depending on the number and agreement of the participants, final presentations will occur on March 11 and/or 12. Follow-up appointments will be made with each participant to receive personal instructor feedback.
Learn more and register here.

Online - Scalable Solutions: Rainwater Harvesting - 2021 Water-Wise Speakers Series with Hays Trinity GCD
2021-03-04 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.
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 5:30 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.
Topics will include:

Scalable Solutions — Rainwater Harvesting: James Grizzard, Harvest Rain – March 4, 2021
Water Wise Lawns and Gardens: Hays County Master Naturalists – May 6, 2021
Wimberley One-Water School – Innovative Conservation Design: Nick Dornak, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment – July 1, 2021
Benefits of Land Conservation on Water Resources: Lori Olson, Texas Land Trust Council – TBD
Climate and Weather Trends in the Hill Country: John Nielson-Gammon, State Climatologist – TBD

Click here for the HTGCD Press Release – 2.22.21
HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT STAFF & BOARD
Charlie Flatten, General Manager
Philip Webster, Hydrogeologist
Keaton Hoelscher, Geo-Technician
Laura Thomas, Office Administrator
Holly Fults, President District 3
Linda Kaye Rogers, Vice President District 4
John Worrall, Treasurer/Secretary District 1
Toby Shelton District 2
Doc Jones District 5

Online - Globe at Night Observations - March
2021-03-05 - 2021-03-14 | 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.

Globe at Night 2020 Dates and Constellations
New for 2020: During many of the 2020 Globe at Night campaigns there will be more than one choice for which constellation is optimal to use. This will depend on your location around the globe. To decide which one is best for you at your location for the dates listed below, check to see if the constellation is more than halfway above the horizon. If so, you can use that constellation for the campaign. If not, try another suggested constellation for that month
Learn more here: https://www.globeatnight.org/6-steps.php

San Marcos - Spring Great Texas River Cleanup
2021-03-06 09:30 - 13:30 | Trash Disposal Site, Grant Harris Building at 401 E Hopkins, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The 2021 Spring Clean-Up is Saturday, March 6th! Due to COVID-19, this river clean-up will be different than previous events (and similar to the Fall River Clean Up). Please remember – all volunteers are required to wear a mask & practice social distancing. Clean up crews should not exceed 10 volunteers. Because we are unable to host a Headquarters in each watershed, each group of volunteers will choose their desired clean up area & designate a crew leader from their group.
The crew leader from each area will pick-up supplies the week before the event – if you are volunteering individually, you are responsible for picking up your own supplies

Supplies pick-up: Monday, March 1st through Friday, March 5th, 8 am – 5 pm
Supplies included: gloves, white/clear recycling bags, black trash bags, & hand sanitizer. Email Katie Garcia at Kgarcia2@sanmarcostx.gov to schedule a pick-up time
Day of – Disposal Site:
Crew leaders will bring the litter from their area to the designated disposal location at Grant Harris Building, 401 E Hopkins on Saturday, March 6th, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm.
If you need assistance with litter disposal, contact Amy Thomaides at AThomaides@sanmarcostx.gov (before the event) or 512.618.9951 (day of the event). Please keep in mind we have limited personnel available for assistance. Remember if you bring your litter to the disposal location, you get free stuff!

Don’t forget to bring water and dress appropriately for your area. Volunteers may also want to bring sunscreen, bug spray, extra hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit.

Please share your pictures with our community! Please send photos to RecyclingInfo@sanmarcostx.gov and tag the following:

Facebook: @GreatTexasRiverCleanUp #SpringRiverCleanUp21 #GreatTexasRiverCleanUp #GTRCU #KeepSMTXBeautiful #KeepTexasBeautiful #WhatGoesHereFlowsHere

We are also encouraging volunteers to participate in the global #TRASHTAG Challenge by taking a picture of your clean up area before and after removing litter then sharing the image on social media with #TRASHTAG & #SMTXChallenge

Link to Spring River Clean-Up Map: http://bit.ly/GTRCU-MAP-2021

Questions? Contact Amy Thomaides at AThomaides@sanmarcostx.gov.

Luckenbach - Texas Independence Day Celebration
2021-03-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Luckenbach General Store, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Luckenbach, TX, 78624, United States
Come out to Luckenbach Texas and help us celebrate the Texas Independence and view our Official Texas Flag retirement ceremony w/Former Texas Rangers. On site we will have Texas Rangers Memorabilia display, Cannon Fire and live music provided by Doug Moreland and K.R. Woods
Live Music kicks off at Noon
Texas Ranger Flag Retirement Ceremony @ 2pm
Learn more from the City of Luckenbach and register here.

Online - Lunch with Leaders
2021-03-09 12:00 - 12:45 | Online
Join us for 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.
Our second session, 12pm on March 9th, will include an interview of Toni Kunz, Council Member for the City of Bandera. She will be interviewed by Judge Cynthia Casburn, Municipal Judge for the City of Sabinal.
Council Member Kunz will discuss how Bandera is navigating new development within the constraints of the city’s small footprint and with respect for the city’s unique history and character.
This free event will take place on Zoom. The link will be emailed to everyone who registers prior to the event.
Learn more and register here.

Online - Reimagining Resources - Texan by Nature's Conservation Wrangler Virtual Series
2021-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join us along with other conservation and business leaders for Texan by Nature’s Conservation Wrangler Virtual Series. In honor of TxN’s 10-year anniversary in 2021, the series will be held on February 10 and March 10 during the lunch hour from 12-1 PM CST. It will be an hour of example-based discussion focused on the future of conservation. We’ll learn from previous Conservation Wrangler projects followed by live discussion. Register for the free series here: https://bit.ly/TxNVirtualSeries
Texas is bountiful – enjoying the world’s 10th largest GDP, 29 million citizens, and 10 diverse ecoregions. Reimagining how we bring our plentiful resources together to deliver innovative places, resilient landscapes and natural resources, equitable access, and economic opportunities is a future that will benefit every Texan at work, at play, and at home.

Lower RGV Learning Landscapes Collaborative
Oyster Shell Recycling Program – Galveston Bay Foundation
Rio Grande Valley Reef Restoration – Friends of RGV Reef

Click here to learn more and register.

Online - Upper San Marcos River Watershed Protection Plan Stakeholder Meeting
2021-03-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Join us for a virtual public stakeholder meeting to discuss ongoing projects within the Upper San Marcos River Watershed!
Please RSVP [no cost] to receive information on how to join the meeting via Zoom. Instructions will also be sent one day before the meeting, so be on the lookout for an email!
A formal agenda will be sent prior to the meeting date.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Shirey.
Funding for this project was provided in part by the EPA through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Learn more and register here.

Online - River Reflections: Coahuiltecan Creation Story
2021-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Dr. Mario Garza is an elder of the Miakan/Garzas Band of the Coahuiltecan, a state-legislature-recognized tribe of Texas. He earned a multi-disciplinary Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Social Science, with areas of concentration in Sociology, Political Science and Social Work. He has been active in graves protection and repatriation since 1991 participating in reburial ceremonies at the Comanche Cemetery in Fort Hood, Texas including two Coahuiltecan reburials. Dr. Garza currently lives in San Marcos, Texas near the sacred springs that archeologists believe to be the oldest, continuously inhabited site in North America.
Join us as we learn about the identity and ancestral legacy of the Coahuiltecans and their relationship with water, presented by Dr. Garza and the Indigenous Cultures Institute.
Click here to learn more and register for free.

Online - Virtual Walk-and-Talk and Happy Hour on the Violet Crown Trail at Zilker
2021-03-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Join us for our next Walk & Talk, featuring guest hosts Lady Anne Wofford from Austin Parks Foundation and Clark Hancock from Save Barton Creek Association. This virtual walk will begin at the trailhead in Zilker Park and follow the Barton Creek Greenbelt section of the Violet Crown Trail south toward the 360 trailhead. We will explore the flora, fauna, and history of the trail while discussing the relationship between our three partner nonprofits who bring you this place of peace and tranquility found right in the heart of the city.

Click here to learn more and register.

Online - Our Water, Our Environment and Our Way of Life: Economic Drivers for the Wimberley Valley
2021-03-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment for a speaker series on water and a Cypress Creek Project meeting!
Featuring round table discussions with Wimberley Valley experts and keynote speakers:

Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner

Dr. Joni Charles, Associate Professor of Economics at Texas State University

Charlie Flatten, General Manager of the Hays-Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

Stick around after the presentations for our semi-annual public stakeholder meeting to hear updates on the Cypress Creek Project and other big happenings within the Wimberley Valley.
Learn more and register here.

Online - Globe at Night Observations - April
2021-04-03 - 2021-04-12 | Online

Online and In-person - MUDs in Blanco: Community Meeting
2021-04-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
MUDs in Blanco Community Meeting

Protect Our Blanco is co-sponsoring an educational event with the Hill Country Alliance to help prepare our elected officials and Blanco citizens for growth – Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs)! While we all know that growth can be good and is inevitable, we also know that if it’s not managed effectively we are endangering our precious community.
Find out more about research and innovative solutions for water supplies, wastewater reuse, and water quality protections on the Blanco Water Reclamation Task Force resource page.
This is a free event and you can attend in person at Gem of the Hills or via ZOOM. The link is in the flyer and below:
Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85721357704?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or One tap mobile:
+13462487799,,85721357704#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US

Online - Bexar Roots Spring 2021 Native Plant Sale
2021-04-08 07:00 - 21:00 | Online
The San Antonio Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is holding a 1 day online plant sale since we are unable to offer an in-person event at this time. Order and pay for your plants online on April 8, 2021 from 7am-9pm, and pick up curbside at your assigned time at Headwaters Sanctuary, Headwaters at Incarnate Word on April 11. It’s that easy.
There will be at least 40 species of plants available – mostly native perennials from a nursery and local independent growers in 4” and gallon sizes. A list of plants offered will be added below. The online store will have photos and descriptions for each species offered to help you shop.
The link (above) to the online store will be displayed when the sale goes live. San Antonio Chapter, NPSOT Members will be emailed in advance of the sale with a coupon code for 10% off. Please join or renew your membership on or before March 26 to ensure ample time to process your membership before we notify members of the 10% discount code to be used at the sale.
Learn more and join here!

Waring - Kendall County Local Working Group (LWG) Listening Session
2021-04-08 14:00 - 16:00
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kendall County and the Kendall Soil and Water Conservation District cordially invite the public to attend their FY22 Local Working Group (LWG) Listening Session being held Thurs, April 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM. To allow for COVID-19 social distancing recommendations the meeting will be held at the Old Waring Schoolhouse at 108 Ave E., Waring, TX.
For more information, contact Amanda Kirchner, District Conservationist, at (830) 249-2821, Extension 3.
Newspaper event clipping from Hill Country Weekly and The Boerne Star.

Burnet - 38th Annual Bluebonnet Festival
2021-04-09 - 2021-04-11 | Downtown Burnet – Around the Courthouse, 220 S Pierce St, Burnet, TX, 78611, United States
A Festival with Something for Everyone!
Always taking place the second weekend in April, the Bluebonnet Festival draws 30,000 people annually to Burnet, Texas. Each year, activities are added to keep the festival exciting for first-time visitors as well as repeat festival fans. Once you have attended your first Bluebonnet Festival, you’ll be hooked.
Join us April 9-11, 2021 for the 38th Annual Bluebonnet Festival!
Learn more here

Blanco - 2021 Trash-Off and Blanco River Cleanup
2021-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Bindseil Park, Pecan St, Blanco, TX, 78606, United States
KBB and the City of Blanco have spring cleanup events that KBB’s annual Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off and Blanco River Clean-Up on Sat., April 10, 2021. The event will begin at Bindseil Park at 9 a.m. and social distancing guidelines will be followed to remain safe; safety comes first. “Your health and safety are our number one priority at TxDOT and Keep Texas Beautiful. At this time, KTB is promoting cleanups for individuals, members of the same household or small groups (size dependent on your local government guidelines). Please follow all local, county, and state guidance, KTB reminds Texans to stay safe when choosing to go outside and clean up your communities,” states the Keep Texas Beautiful website.
This event is possible with the support of KAB, KTB, and the City of Blanco. Volunteer groups for the event are asked to register prior to the event. Please register for the event by filling out the registration form online at https://permission.click/PpQea/us. One can also call Retta Martin, KBB executive director, at 830-833-4720 or send an email to keepblancobeautiful@gmail.com to register. Volunteers need to fill out the registration form before March 26 and those who sign up late will be assigned to a team at the event. The city and county will both be hosting Trash-Off events during the month of April as well. That information will be provided when available.
We are looking forward to cleaning up the city with you!
Learn more here

Blanco - Community Plant Swap with Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky
2021-04-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North, Blanco, Texas
Join the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky for a plant swap!
In support of International Dark Sky Week, Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky will have an exhibit table at the Blanco Community Plant Swap. This is being held at Gem of the Hills Activity Center, 2233 US Highway 281 N, Blanco, TX 78606 on Sunday, April 11, 2021, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
Learn more here

Online - 25th Annual Texas Land Conservation Conference - Texas Land Trust Council
2021-04-14 - 2021-04-16 | Online
The 2021 Texas Land Conservation Conference will be held as a virtual event and will offer a variety of program content and learning experiences related to land and water conservation in the Lone Star State. This year’s event will also feature regional, outdoor, in-person networking events on Thursday evening.

With nearly 300 attendees and growing, 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. Learn more and register here.

Online - 2021 Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium: Day 1 - Proactive Water Conservation Programs
2021-04-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
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.
Day 1: Tuesday, April 20, 2020, 9:30am to 12:00pm
Day 2: Wednesday, April 21, 2020, 9:30am to 12:00pm
Learn more and register here.

Online - The Rise of Climate Science: A Discussion with the Author, Dr. Gerald North
2021-04-20 13:30 - 15:00 | Online
Summers are getting hotter. Flooding events are becoming more extreme. And, more recently, Winter Storm Uri brought snow and record-breaking freezing temperatures to Texas. It’s no secret that climate change is affecting every aspect of our planet, but how much do we really know and what does the science say?
Join the Meadows Center’s Founder and Book Series Editor, Dr. Andy Sansom in welcoming the series’ latest author, Dr. Gerald North for a Virtual Discussion and Q&A Session on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University and Texas A&M University Press will host the event, which will begin with a moderated discussion between Meadows Center Executive Director, Dr. Robert E. Mace, and Dr. North followed by a live Q&A session with participants. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Learn more and register here
In a career spanning four decades, Gerald R. North contributed groundbreaking research that continues to shape the modern field of climate science. However, the route he has taken was full of surprising twists and turns. In The Rise of Climate Science, North recounts in detail his life in the vanguard of modern climate science. He offers an insider look at the academic research and government initiatives around global warming and what that means for the planet.
The Rise of Climate Science is the latest addition to the Kathie and Ed Cox Jr. Books on Conservation Leadership Series, published by Texas A&M University Press and sponsored by the Meadows Center.
*For those who would like to read the book before the Virtual Discussion, purchase a copy from Texas A&M University Press online at: www.tamupress.com/book/9781623498672/the-rise-of-climate-science/

Online - Land Stewardship: Repairing your land
2021-04-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Join the Hays County Master Naturalists for an informative presentation. Daniel Oppenheimer from the Hill Country Alliance will discuss common issues encountered by Hays County landowners focussing primarily on erosion and invasive plants and will offer guidance on potential solutions.
Learn more and register here.

Online – 2021 Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium: Day 2 – Proactive Water Conservation Programs
2021-04-21 09:30 - 12:00 | Online

Online - The Circular Economy: Combating Inequality and Environmental Injustice
2021-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
Join us for the next Imagine Austin Speaker Series featuring Dr. Garry Cooper. In his talk, Garry will discuss the role of the circular economy in combating inequality and environmental injustice. He will also elaborate on the need for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) voices in this sector and how communities and governments can better support BIPOC circular entrepreneurship.
What is the Circular Economy?
A circular economy is an economic system where waste is designed out, and products are kept circulating in productive use at their highest value for as long as possible. Want to learn more before the event? Check out this resource, and the City of Austin’s Circular Economy Program.
Learn more and register here

Online - Protecting Natural Resources - Hosted By LWVCA
2021-04-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Protecting Natural Resources, Hosted By LWVCA

Perserving the natural land and water in our rapidly growing area will be the focus of a public online meeting Wednesday, April 21, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWVCA) in celebration of Earth Day 2021, at 7 p.m. on Zoom (ID: 899 8656 3219 pw: [REDACTED] and Facebook Live @LWVComalTX. Executive Director of the Headwaters at the Comal Nancy Pappas and Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) First Vice-President Helen Ballew will discuss the conservation efforts of their organizations.

Headwaters at the Comal is an education center established by New Braunfels Utilities to showcase the hydrological, cultural, and ecological history of the Comal Springs and to help inspire the lifelong practice of experiencing, enjoying and stewarding the cultural, ecological and community resources of crucial natural resources. Pappas will share the Headwaters objectives in meeting the mission and the current educational programs to help people understand the importance of protecting our natural resources.

CCCA was formed in response to community interest in preserving natural and unique areas in Comal County as development continues at a rapid pace. Its overall goal is to preserve open spaces and protect area waters, wildlife habitats, rural heritage and night skies. Ballew will discuss the CCCA’s growth and the challenges it meets in trying to achieve its mission and accomplish its goal in an ever changing environment.

The meeting will be recorded for later viewing on the LWVCA YouTube channel, @LWVComalArea. 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. LWVCA serves Comal and Guadalupe Counties. For more information, visit www.lwvcomal.org.

Lake Travis - Spring Clean Downstream with Colorado River Alliance and Travis County Parks
2021-04-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Numerous sites along Lake Travis
Colorado River Alliance and Travis County Parks are bringing a whole new meaning to spring cleaning! Our beautiful parks and Texas Colorado River need a little spring-cleaning“and we need YOUR help! Join us on April 24th – the Saturday after Earth Day – to get your hands dirty while helping to keep our Mother Earth clean.
The Texas Colorado River supplies drinking water for 1.5 million people in Central Texas as well as providing us with opportunities to boat, fish, SUP, kayak, and enjoy water safely. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it is more important than ever to cherish our natural resources and care for our outdoor spaces.
Those familiar with the Lake Travis Cleanup know the immense impact this annual event has on our parks and river. For 26 years, about 1,000 volunteers joined us each year to remove more than 5 tons of trash and debris from Lake Travis! After a successful Fall event, Colorado River Alliance and Travis County Parks are offering a socially-distanced spring cleanup event.
The Spring Clean Downstream includes hundreds of volunteer opportunities in more than 10 park locations! In addition to removing litter from shoreline parks, you will help us celebrate Earth Day by removing invasive species, planting natives, and repairing and beautifying park structures. A full list of projects, shift times, and volunteer numbers can be found on the registration site beginning Monday, March 22, 2021.
Learn more and volunteer here.

Johnson City - Butterfly Bonanza (+ Bats & Bees) at the Science Mill
2021-04-24 10:00 - 16:00 | The Science Mill, 101 South Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
Three cheers for pollinators: Butterflies! Bats! Bees! Butterfly Bonanza (+ Bats & Bees) returns to the Science Mill on Saturday, April 24. Through up-close encounters and hands-on activities, learn why these friendly flyers are crucial to our local ecosystem.

First 200 visitors receive a butterfly to release in our outdoor Butterfly Garden!

Examine real bat specimens with Michelle Camara from Southern Wildlife Rehab and hear how she helped 6,000 injured bats after Winter Storm Uri. Presentations at 11am and 1pm.

Visit a demonstration hive and explore beekeeping tools with Mike Mendez, Master Beekeeper.

Try out a “bat’s eye view” of what it’s like to navigate with echolocation

Make wildflower seed bombs you can plant at home

Get gardening tips to make your yard a pollinator pit stop

Marvel at the monarch’s epic migration in the big-screen film Flight of the Butterflies

Special activities run from 10am-2pm; explore the Science Mill’s 50+ hands-on exhibits inside and outdoors from 10am-4pm. Reserve your tickets online to help us ensure space for all and provide contact-free entry.
Learn more and get tickets here

RESCHEDULED: Bandera - Texas Watershed Planning Short Course with Texas Water Resources Institute
2021-04-26 - 2021-04-29
UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled for Sept. 27-30, 2021.
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”.
Learn more and register here.

Online - 2021 Water Week Policy Zoom-in with US Water Alliance
2021-04-27 13:00 - 17:00 | Online
The US Water Alliance is a proud co-sponsor of Water Week, a series of virtual events in which a variety of water-focused associations and coalitions will be highlighting the importance of water infrastructure. Now more than ever, water infrastructure must be elevated as a national policy priority, and it is crucial that climate-resilience, affordability, and equity are included in the conversation. The US Water Alliance is looking forward to sharing our upcoming Value of Water Index poll results in support of these efforts.
As national infrastructure policy begins to take shape in Washington, DC, join us to hear from key policymakers who are helping to craft what could become the largest investment in the water sector in a generation. While Water Week 2021 will take place in a virtual setting again this year, it is the main event for water professionals from around the country to come together and highlight the important work they do for their communities and advocate as one united voice for the water sector.
One of this year’s featured Water Week events will be the Water Week Policy Zoom-In, on Tuesday, April 27th from 2:00 – 4:30 PM ET. This free webinar is hosted jointly by this year’s Water Association Partners and will provide attendees the opportunity to hear directly from key EPA officials and Members of Congress on the important regulatory and legislative water policies they are working on now and in the years ahead. Yvonne Forrest, US Water Alliance board member and director of Houston Water, will be co-moderating, and additional speakers include:
Confirmed Speakers

Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator
Radhika Fox, Acting Assistant Administrator, EPA Office of Water
Jennifer McLain, Director, EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Andrew Sawyers, Director, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
Deborah Nagle, Director, EPA Office of Science and Technology
John Goodin, Director, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Sharon Nappier, EPA National Program Leader for Water Reuse
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Chair, House Committee on Appropriations, Interior and Environment Subcommittee
Congressman David Joyce, Ranking Member, House Committee on Appropriations, Interior and Environment Subcommittee

​Don’t miss the chance to hear about the important and timely federal water initiatives taking shape in Washington, DC. Register today for the Policy Zoom-In, and don’t forget to join our One Water Webinar on April 29th to learn about our sixth annual Value of Water Index!

Online - 48-hour Kendra Scott Fundraiser for Hill Country Alliance
2021-04-28 - 2021-04-29 | Online
Shop for Mother’s Day and support HCA!
For 48-hours, 20% of your purchase will go back to HCA’s mission when you shop in-store at Kendra Scott Flagship or online at www.kendrascott.com.
Enter or mention code: GIVEBACK-1HMM at check out for your donation to be applied to this give back.
Click here to learn more!
