Hill Country Alliance

San Antonio - Purple Martins: Role and Requirements in San Antonio Ecosystems
2020-01-25 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX, 78209, United States
Educator, purple martin enthusiast, and fabulous storyteller, John Henry, shares his knowledge of purple martins: their habits, habitat requirements, role in and benefits for our ecosystems, and how to attract them to your yard. Participants will examine purple martin houses and learn how to care for and clean them. Class will include a tour of the Botanical Garden’s birdhouses.
Fee: $10 ($9 member)
Instructor: John Henry, retired educator, purple house manager at the Botanical Garden for 15 years
More details here.

Austin - Texas Wildlife Day
2020-01-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Celebrate everything feathered, furred, smooth, and scaled at Texas Memorial Museum!
FREE admission and FREE family-friendly activities hosted by UT Austin scientists, TMM science educators, and members of the Capital Area, Good Water, and Lost Pines chapters of Texas Master Naturalists.
Special presentation by Austin Bat Refuge from 11 am to 1:30 pm!
Museum exhibits open 9 am to 5 pm. Activities run from 10 am until 4 pm.
Find out more by clicking here.
Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event.

Canyon Lake - Public Forum on Fair Voting Districts
2020-01-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 S. Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX, 78133, United States
LWV-CA Invites Public to Redistricting Forum
Why fair voting district maps are important and benefit everyone will be the focus of a nonpartisan, public forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWV-CA) on Monday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 South Access Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133.
LWV-TX Redistricting Issue Chair Stephanie Swanson and Common Cause Texas Chair JC Dufresne will discuss the current process for determining voting districts and what changes are needed. These improvements include a Citizens Redistricting Commission, and a state redistricting process and standards that promote fair and effective representation with maximum opportunity for public scrutiny.
The League of Women Voters has a long history of promoting transparent, fair, and accountable redistricting processes that reflect a fundamental value of representative democracy. In 2016, eighty-one of the 150 Texas State House seats were completely uncontested and 66% of the State Legislature was determined before a single vote was cast. LWV-CA President Roxanna Deane points out “that this means that citizens cannot hold these legislators accountable through the power of their vote. Voting is our basic and fundamental right. We must ensure that our election maps reflect the will of the people, uphold the integrity of our vote and the principle of one person, one vote.”
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. For more information, visit www.lwvcomal.org
Contact: Gloria Suarez Sasser, gloriassasser@gmail.com, 830-556-2887
Click here to download the full press release.

Boerne - Indigenous Peoples of the Hill Country
2020-01-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
Click here to register.

Boerne - Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop: Part 2
2020-01-18 09:00 - 14:30 | Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
LOCATION:
Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne

NOTE:
Part 3 of the workshop will be held in the CNC auditorium located at 140 City Park Road.

PLEASE BRING A SACK LUNCH

Register Now

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Laurie Brown

laurie@cibolo.org

Wimberley - Stewarding the Blanco River: From Hilltops to the River Bottom
2020-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Wimberley Village Library, 400 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States

New Braunfels - Got Backbone? The Story of El Rancho Cima
2020-01-14 18:00 - 20:00 | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States

Boerne - Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop: Part 1
2020-01-11 09:00 - 15:00 | TX

Fredericksburg - For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate our Food Production Systems
2020-01-10 08:00 - 2020-01-11 17:00 | Roam Ranch, 1804 Pfieffer Rd., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
In partnership with NCAT, Soil for Water and the Hill Country Alliance, ROAM Ranch is excited to host this 2-day workshop with Nicole Masters, agroecologist, soil expert and Director at Integrity Soils. This workshop is geared towards land managers, ranchers, farmers, gardeners, environmentalists, and anyone else interested in improving the health of Texas soil and making our lands more resilient to the dynamic and sometimes unforgiving climates of Texas.
Nicole will address the following topics:

Building soil structure and improving water and mineral cycles
The role of soil microbes on pasture quality and resiliency
What weeds are telling you about your soils
How to manage for weeds, disease and insects
How to shift from invasive grasses to native grasses
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing
Monitoring strategies to ensure you are meeting your goals
Reducing the need for chemical inputs without reducing yields

You will learn how to take a future-focused approach to land management, growing healthy food, and creating robust ecosystems!
This event will also include other experienced local farmers, ranchers and producers and will be an opportunity to network and learn from others in the field.
Tickets include 2 days of lecture and outdoor field study is $130 and includes lunch and refreshments both days.

Johnson City - Settlement Restoration Project
2020-01-07 09:00 - 13:00 | TX
Learn what invasives are, how you can control them, and meet some awesome locals!
Meet behind the Education Center at 9 AM at 208 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City TX – just pass the Science Mill.
Showing up later? No problem! Just cross over the bridge into the Settlement and take a left on the trail – you’ll find us in the brush!
Click here to see the Facebook event.

Wimberley - Polar Bear Plunge & Fun Run!
2020-01-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Celebrate the New Year on January 1st with Blue Hole Regional Park’s third annual Polar Bear Plunge & Fun Run! The event will start off with a 5K Fun Run at 10am and a 1K Fun Run will begin at 11am. Tickets are $20 per person and it includes admission to the 5K or 1K Fun Run, a special edition Blue Hole Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt, and a swag bag! If you are just plunging, you do not need a ticket. If you would not like to participate in the Fun Run, we will have a scheduled jump into Cypress Creek at 1:30pm, or you can come and plunge anytime during the event! We will have a fire at our fire pit and we will be giving out hot drinks. Please see the full schedule below for more information. Make sure to bring a change of clothes and a towel. Register now by clicking the link above! See you at Blue Hole on January 1st!
Register now by clicking here!
See you at Blue Hole on January 1st!

Spring Branch - Twilight Hike at Guadalupe River State Park
2019-12-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Join us for a winter twilight hike!
Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight or a headlamp for when it gets dark (these work better than cell phone flashlights). This easy walk is about 1.5 miles. No dogs, please.
All programs are free with park admission of $7 for ages 13 and above (12 and under free) or a current TPWD park pass. No need to register, just show up!
**Save the date! Reserve your spot online ahead of time to guarantee your entrance to the park — even if it closes for capacity. You can do this up to 30 days in advance with your credit card, or for free with your Annual Texas State Parks pass: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
More details here.

Junction - Night Hike Christmas Special at South Llano River State Park
2019-12-21 06:30 - 19:30 | South Llano River State Park, 1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX, 76849, United States
Join a park ranger on a hike. Explore the park after dark . Learn to use your senses and look for nocturnal animals.
Where: Meet at the Campsite #2 (Park Host site)
When: December 21st at 6:30 pm.
What to bring: A “Christmas-y” attitude, flashlight (red light preferred), good walking shoes, water.
Note: Park programs are open to the public and free with park entrance fee ($5 per adult; children 12 and under are free). No need to register — just show up!
More details here.

San Marcos - Merry at the Meadows Holiday Boat Tours
2019-12-14 16:45 - 18:00, 2019-11-24 16:45 - 18:00 | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Enjoy the lights and sounds of the season on a holiday-themed glass-bottom boat tour at Spring Lake! Complimentary cookies and hot beverages will be provided. Get into the holiday spirit as you view the amazing light display at Spring Lake!
Tours will run November 16 through December 22, rain or shine. We encourage you to bring a blanket as the weather gets cooler. Pre-registration is required, and check-in will be at 4:45pm. Tickets are $14/person; children 3 and under are free.
‘Tis the season at the Meadows Center!
Click here to learn more.

New Braunfels - Saturday SEAM Series: Santa Science with the Headwaters at the Comal
2019-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Students will learn about the power of super absorbing polymers, and just how snow falls from the sky. They will also be challenged to build a Christmas tree with gum drops!
During this program, young scientists will participate in activities including Run Away Milk, Gum Drop Tree Challenge, Insta-Snow!, and Secret Santa Messages.
Click here to purchase tickets for our 2019 SEAM Series and receive a discount!
This program is made possible thanks to a grant from NB Women GO.

Johnson City - HCA Sustaining Neighbors Thank You Gathering and Year End Celebration
2019-12-13 16:00 - 18:00 | TX
Join the Hill Country Alliance for a year end celebration of our supporters!
For all the details, become a Sustaining Neighbor for the Hill Country Alliance. Sustaining Neighbors support HCA by giving on a monthly basis and ensuring a steady, reliable funding stream for our work. You can become a Sustaining Neighbor by donating to the Hill Country Alliance and selecting the “Recurring contribution” option under “Donation Amount.”
Information regarding this year end celebration will be distributed to all Sustaining Neighbors via email following the December 3rd deadline.
Click here to become a sustaining neighbor and join the fun!

Austin - HCC Walk & Talk at 290 Trailhead
2019-12-13 07:50 - 09:30 | Violet Crown Trail – 290 Trailhead, 4934 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745, United States
Are you committed to keeping the Hill Country’s rolling hills and quality of life here forever ? An avid hiker or biker of the Violet Crown Trail, excited by a first of its kind regional trail system? Curious about the work of Hill Country Conservancy?
Join us for our HCC Walk & Talk!
You’re invited to join George Cofer, Hill Country Conservancy’s CEO and founding Executive Director, for a hike along the Violet Crown Trail. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with George about all things HCC – conservation, the Violet Crown Trail, life in the Hill Country and more! We encourage individuals who are both familiar and unfamiliar with HCC to Walk & Talk with our fearless leader.
This event is free to attend! Please click here to register.
ABOUT GEORGE COFER
George Cofer is a sixth-generation Austinite and fifth-generation Texas rancher. His love of the great outdoors and conservation of the natural environment come from being blessed by the opportunity to spend his childhood summers on a working cattle ranch along the Frio River in Uvalde County and from his outdoor experiences as an Eagle Scout. George is the founder and CEO of Hill Country Conservancy and has been a leader in helping to preserve almost 50,000 acres in Central Texas.
MORE INFORMATION
Please RSVP here. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission and informational email the week of the hike.
In case of inclement weather, an email will be sent with an alternate meeting location.
– Please wear closed-toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
– BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle) – the 290 trailhead is equipped with a water fountain.
– This is a family friendly event.
– Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must remain on a leash.
– Anticipated time on the trail is 1-1.5 hours.

Kyle - Library Info Session: Trinity groundwater, wells, & springs
2019-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | TX
Join the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District for a presentation on Trinity groundwater, wells, and springs at your local library. We’ll give an overview of the Trinity Aquifer in Hays County, present results from the Fall 2019 site visits, show how to access monitor site information, discuss well owner tips and tricks, and highlight Trinity springs.
Kyle Public Library page: https://www.cityofkyle.com/library/trinity-groundwater-wells-and-springs
More info: www.bseacd.org/education/well-owners/

New Braunfels - Comal County Conservation Alliance Holiday Party
2019-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | The Historic Faust Hotel, 240 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States

Leakey - Leading in the Rural Hill Country
2019-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Leakey School, 429 US-83, Leakey, TX, 78873, United States
Photo courtesy of the Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Attendance is free! Registration is required.
You are invited to our third Leading in the Rural Hill Country workshop on Saturday, December 7th for people involved with local civic organizations and local non-profits, throughout the rural Hill Country. The purpose is to learn from one another and foster collaboration to address challenges in our region. Speakers will be interspersed with interactive activities that will help participants identify where they are leading their communities and how they can recognize and seize upon emerging opportunities to move their communities forward.
This year, we are also encouraging the participation of high school students, the leaders of the next generation — and often, leaders in their own right today.
Our speakers this year will include:
Rebeca Gibson, Bandera City Council Member: Changing the Story in Our Communities
Robert Goebel, Sabinal ISD Athletic Director: Power of Positive Leadership
Sara Nichols, Program Director of Keep Texas Beautiful: Beautifying Our Communities through Volunteer-Led Projects
See the full agenda here
Lunch will be provided.
Click here to register and secure your spot!

Organized and sponsored by:

Austin - Luminations at the Wildflower Center
2019-12-05 18:00 - 22:00 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX, 78739, United States
Luminations, our naturally magical winter event, is back! We’re lighting up the gardens with thousands of luminarias and bringing plentiful aerial dance performances, live music and festive fun to make this a tradition to remember.
We’re bringing back unique performances from Austin aerial dance group Blue Lapis Light. This enchanting site work, “Oneness of Being,” has been choreographed specifically for the Wildflower Center. Come experience illuminated dancers diving and dangling above the naturally beautiful setting of the Savanna Meadow each night.
Gather your family and invite your friends to start a new tradition or continue a beloved one at the Wildflower Center.
This event runs from December 5-15 – learn more here.

Bulverde - Save Honey Creek Meeting at Mammen Family Public Library
2019-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX, 78163, United States
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance has been getting notices that the bulldozers are rolling on the Honey Creek Ranch site, clearing brush and trees. They are also hearing that the owners of the property have amended their discharge permit from TPDES (direct discharge into Honey Creek) to TLAP (land application), though there is no confirmation on that. Nor have we been notified by TCEQ of any scheduled hearings.
Where: Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX 78163
The draft agenda will include:

Financial Report – Annalisa
Next steps?
Report on meeting with Mayor of Bulverde – Annalisa Peace
Legal Options
Fundraising for legal representation and expert reviews of stormwater and water quality plans
Fundraising event
Organizing for the cause

Highway Cleanup – Michelle Molina
Signs – Julie Whitaker
Chat forum – Annalisa

Wimberley - Library Info Session: Trinity groundwater, wells, & springs
2019-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Wimberley Village Library, 400 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Join the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District for a presentation on Trinity groundwater, wells, and springs at your local library. We’ll give an overview of the Trinity Aquifer in Hays County, present results from the Fall 2019 site visits, show how to access monitor site information, discuss well owner tips and tricks, and highlight Trinity springs.
Wimberley Village Library page: www.wimberleylibrary.org/calendar/
More info: www.bseacd.org/education/well-owners/

San Marcos - Tree Planting on 31 acre East Side Property with the San Marcos River Foundation
2019-11-23 09:00 - 11:30 | 576 E Hopkins St, 576 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Calling all tree-loving outdoor volunteers!
We are having a native tree planting on our 31 acre East Side Preserve along the river and need your help!
It’s a beautiful way to see this part of the San Marcos River.
If you are able to join us, please please wear appropriate clothing: work shoes, long pants and sleeves.
Also: We love small children, but this may not be the most appropriate event for them.
Learn more here.

San Marcos - Texas Water Symposium: One Water - Projects in Motion
2019-11-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Texas State University, LBJ Student Center Teaching Theater, 109 Student Center Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Click here to download an informational flyer on this event.
Learn more about this and future Texas Water Symposium events here.

Special thanks to:
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Texas Public Radio
Texas Water Journal
HarvestRain.com

Round Mountain - Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Star Party
2019-11-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Tour the night skies at Westcave Preserve, a dark sky location convenient to Austin. Star Party nights are an ideal opportunity to enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope.
With local astronomers on hand to answer questions, you’ll be delighted and amazed by what you see and learn!
$15 adult (18+) | $5 child (4 – 17)
2019 Star Party Dates:

September 21, 8:00-10:00 pm
October 19, 7:30-9:30pm
November 16, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
December 14, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
January 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
February 15, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Events are weather permitting. To make a reservation, please email starparty@westcave.org or call 830.825.3442
Please include a phone number and the size of your group in your email or phone message.
Click here to register.

Spring Branch - Fall into Spring: Fall Water Conservation Event with Canyon Lake Water Service Company
2019-11-16 10:00 - 2019-11-17 17:00 | Spring Creek Gardens, 11355 US-Highway 281 N, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Fall into Spring is a conservation festival focused on helping customers make landscape changes in the fall and winter so plants have time to get established and need less water to survive the heat in spring and summer.
This family friendly event will include education stations, a range of children’s activities and gift-giveaways. We hope to see you there!

San Marcos - Texas Groundwater Invertebrate Forum
2019-11-15 | TX
Goal:
To bring together people in Texas who are working on subterranean biology so that knowledge and information can be shared and transferred and future efforts to increase knowledge of groundwater ecosystems can be coordinated.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the organizers of TGIF is to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas and information, and to more efficiently and clearly convey and transfer information to those who need and/or use it.
Problem Statement:
Many people are working on groundwater organisms in TX, but sparse research coordination and exchange of information about the many diverse projects and efforts is a barrier to fully understanding groundwater biodiversity, and to the efficient dissemination and effective use of data for research and management purposes.
Forum Format:
Texas may host some of the world’s most biodiverse groundwater ecosystems. Despite the fact that this has been acknowledged for decades, little long-term coordinated research is focused on understanding the diversity, distribution, function, or importance of these organisms. Additionally, dissemination of information to researchers, regulators, managers, and the public is limited and sporadic.
The forum will consist of morning and early afternoon sessions that will provide an opportunity for people working on groundwater invertebrates to present their work, ideas, or plans to the community, and to seek input and advice. The objective of these sessions is to disseminate information and facilitate collaboration. Presentations by attendees will be 20 minutes, including time for Q/A after each.
Forum discussion topics
We request and solicit advance submission of discussion topics by potential attendees. After the afternoon break, topics and questions that were proposed in advance by attendees will be discussed in breakout groups or in a small panel discussion format with audience Q/A and participation.
Forum presentations
All attendees are encouraged to submit a topic that they would be willing to speak about for 15 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for Q&A. Organizers will review the list of topics and presenters, and after organizing the schedule, will follow up with speakers to request a title and short abstract. Each speaker will be assigned one of 10 scheduled oral presentations.
Based on the list of topics submitted by attendees as being of interest, and the number of potential speakers that volunteer, organizers may also solicit speakers. Suggestions for invited speakers are also welcomed; please contact Benjamin Schwartz (bs37@txstate.edu) or Amelia Hunter (amelia_hunter@fws.gov) with questions or suggestions.

Find out more here on the Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center (EARDC) website, or register for the event by clicking this link.

Kerrville - Texas Water Symposium: Mysterious Creatures - Exploring the Depths of Our Aquifers
2019-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Schreiner University: Cailloux Campus Activity Center Ballroom, 15 Acorn Loop, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Click here to download an informational flyer on this event.
Learn more about this and future Texas Water Symposium events here.
Special thanks to:
Texas Water Journal
HarvestRain.com
Photo Courtesy:
Tom Devitt
