Hill Country Alliance

Dripping Springs - Hill Country Leadership Summit - SAVE THE DATE!
2025-09-25 08:00 - 18:00 UTC | Camp Lucy, 3509 Creed Rd., Dripping Springs, TX, 78620, United States
Save the date and join us for HCA’s annual Hill Country Leadership Summit at Camp Lucy on Thursday, September 24.
The Hill Country Leadership Summit is the Hill Country Alliance’s premiere annual gathering, and provides an opportunity for learning, networking, and being inspired among our region’s top community leaders, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers.
Additional details available here.

Community Town Hall: Floodplain 101
2025-09-30 15:30 - 18:00 | Guadalupe Basin Natural Resource Center, 125 Lehmann Dr., Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Community Town Hall: Floodplain 101: Bring Your Address — Leave with Answers
After the devastating July floods, many Kerr County residents are asking: What’s my flood risk? Can I rebuild safely? What does FEMA really require? This event is open to all residents — homeowners, renters, and business owners — who want clear answers about floodplain rules, insurance, and safe rebuilding. Offered by the Kerr County Water Alliance in collaboration with Certified Floodplain Managers from the Texas Floodplain Management Association.
Tuesday, September 30
3:30 – 6:00 pm
Guadalupe Basin Natural Resources Center
125 Lehman Drive, Kerrville
What’s on the agenda?

Opening remarks by Charlie Hastings, PE, CFM
Floodplain 101 basics — why the National Flood Insurance Program exists and how it protects us
History of Texas floods — lessons learned and why higher standards mean more resilient homes and communities
Pop-Up Flood Smart Permit Clinic (Lobby) — Certified Floodplain Managers will:

Print your property’s FEMA map
Highlight your base flood elevation
Walk you through elevation/no-rise rules
Send you home with a map + a “Floodplain 101” handout

The clinic will be open before, during, and after the main session, so drop in anytime.
Why come? Because this is your chance to talk one-on-one with Certified Floodplain Managers — people who can explain the process in plain English and give you tools to rebuild with confidence.
This event is free and open to the public.

Concan Rural Roundup: The Future of Water in the Western Hill Country
2025-10-04 09:00 - 14:00 | House Pasture Cattle Co, 2 River Road, Concan, TX, 78838, United States
On the edge of the encroaching Chihuahuan Desert, enclosed by Flash Flood Alley, west of a growing urban center, and home to a rich agricultural heritage, the rural Hill Country faces water pressures from every direction. After the water shortages of 2022 and the historic flooding of 2025, how do we plan for the future?
At this Rural Roundup, hear from local leaders, businesses, and landowners as they share how they’re adapting water management strategies to prepare for new challenges. Together, we’ll explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can bring these lessons back to your own community.

International Observe the Moon Night at LBJ State Park
2025-10-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX, 78671, United States
Join the Hill Country Astronomers as we celebrate lunar observation, science, and exploration!
The evening begins with an educational program in the Visitor Center Auditorium at 6:30PM. After the program, we’ll move outside where members of the Hill Country Astronomers will have telescopes set up to view the moon and other night sky objects.
In the event that weather is not suitable for viewing the night sky, the educational program will still take place.
Fee: free!
The visitor center & gift shop will be open before the program.
October 4th is “International Observe the Moon Night,” a worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science, exploration and human culture. It is sponsored by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. This is the 16th year for this event, which typically occurs each year around the first quarter phase in September or October. This year’s event is happening during a waxing gibbous – the moon is slightly more than 3/4 illuminated and the shadows along the terminator (the line between night and day on the moon) are long and drastic.

Burnet - International Observe the Moon Event at Inks Lake SP
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX, 78611, United States
Join Park Rangers and volunteers, and other stargazers across the country, as we gaze upward to enjoy our one and only moon and celebrate the NASA International Observe the Moon night, Hill Country Night Sky Month, and the Asian Moon festival
See the moon through telescopes, munch on refreshments, and make a Chinese Lantern.
A limited number of telescopes will be available for use, and guests are welcome to bring their own.
Bring a lawn chair or comfy blanket and enjoy the night skies.
Where: Central Park
This event is free with park entry fee.
Park admission is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. On busy weekends, reserve your day pass early online! Please note: You do not need to register or make a reservation for this event, just be sure you have a day pass purchased for everyone attending.

Online - HCA Night Sky Preservation Fund Information Session
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The Hill Country Alliance Night Sky Preservation Fund offers financial reimbursement assistance to local grassroots organizations, groups, institutions, and communities involved in efforts to enhance outdoor lighting and reduce light pollution. Fund recipients will be reimbursed for hard costs, up to $5,000, incurred over 12 months following the award date. The application window is open from October 1 to October 31, 2025.
Click the link below to register to attend a virtual Information Session on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CDT.
For more information, guidelines, and details on how to apply and donate, visit https://www.hillcountryalliance.org/NightSkyFund.

Wimberley - Annual Howl at the Moon Dance Party
2025-10-07 20:00 - 21:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park Basketball Court, 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Howl at the Moon DANCE PARTY!
Come dance the night away!
Join us at Blue Hole Regional Park for our annual Howl at the Moon Dance Party! Feel the thrill of dancing under the moonlight and then, at 8:30 PM, let loose with an exhilarating group howl at the moon! Don’t miss this electrifying celebration of the night sky and the joy of movement.
Location: Blue Hole Regional Park Basketball Court (333 Blue Hole Ln. Wimberley, TX 78676)
The event is Free! Registration is Recommended

Online - Hill Country Night Sky Team Fall Meeting
2025-10-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Online
Celebrate Hill Country Night Sky Month with your fellow night sky friends, associates, partners, and advocates at the Hill Country Night Sky Team Fall Meeting.
Join in our bi-annual online gathering and catch up on night sky Hill Country happenings and updates, celebrate milestones, highlight accomplishments, and plan for the months ahead.
Click the link below to register.

Horseshoe Bay - Stargazing Event
2025-10-16 07:00 | Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, 1514 Golden Nugget, Horseshoe Bay, TX, 78657, United States
Horseshoe Bay to Host Community Stargazing Party: International Dark Sky Community Invites Residents to Explore Autumn’s Celestial Wonders
The City of Horseshoe Bay will host a community Stargazing Party on Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, located at 1514 Golden Nugget. The free event, open to residents and visitors, celebrates the city’s prestigious designation as an International Dark Sky Community, a recognition awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association on November 1, 2015, for its exemplary efforts to preserve naturally dark night-time conditions.

Concan - Astrophotography Workshop & Live Music
2025-10-17 - 2025-10-18 | The Inn Between, 28213 US-83, Concan, TX, 78838, United States
Learn how to photograph the Milkey Way & planets in this intimate workshop with astrophotographer Steve Irwin and listen to music under the stars with Sherita Perez
Click the link below to learn more, get information on available accommodations (not included in the cost of the workshop), and sign up for the workshop. A donation of $5 per person is recommended for the musical performance. All workshop proceeds will go to Kerrville Pets Alive!

Concan - Music Under the Stars
2025-10-18 17:00 | Indian Blanket Ranch, 5181 Ranch to Market Road 1050, Concan, TX, 78838, United States
Come out an enjoy Music Under the Milky Way!
Arrive early to learn tips on photographing the night sky from astrophotographer Steve Irwin. This event is open to the public. Bring chairs, beverages and a red flashlight and enjoy the live music of Sherita Perez at Indian Blanket Ranch.
Cost: A $5 donation is recommended for the performer. All other profits will go to Kerrville Pets Alive!
Note: This event is contingent upon the weather

Lometa - Stargazing with Lampasas County Friends of the Night Sky
2025-10-18 18:00 - 21:30 | Fiesta Winery, 18727 W FM 580, Lometa, 76853, United States
Fiesta Winery and Lampasas County Friends of the Night Sky invite you to out to the vineyard for an evening of stargazing. Local astronomers will guide the way as you explore the night sky, glass of wine in hand.
A perfect blend of wine, wonder, and the magic of the Hill Country night. Learn about our mission to preserve the view for all of us.
NO TELESCOPE REQUIRED -but feel free to bring yours if you have one.

Jonestown - Star Party
2025-10-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Jones Brother’s Park, 10301 Lakeside Drive, Jonestown, Texas, 78645
It’s a Star Party!
Presented by Jonestown Night Sky Advocacy, The City of Jonestown, and Astronomer Tom Campbell
See the stars through a huge telescope.
Bring a blanket, chairs & your own telescope you have one.
Free Event
Free Parking

Evening Explorations
2025-10-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Jacob’s Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt Sharp Road, Wimberley, T, 78676, United States
Explore the evening with park staff and friends at this After-Hours event! TXST Astronomy Club will be on-site with telescopes ready for a Star Party that will be out of this world!
At the same time, Mothing Survey Stations will be set up around the park, allowing you to get a closer look at some of our nighttime natives. Help us take photos and document using iNaturalist in an effort to increase our awareness of biodiversity in the natural area at night.

Marble Falls - Night Sky Information Session
2025-10-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Marble Falls Library, 101 Main Street, Marble Falls, TX, 78654, United States
The stars above are one of our region’s most treasured natural resources, yet increasing population growth and development across the Texas Hill Country are contributing to light pollution that dims our view of them. In Burnet County, preserving—and in some areas, restoring—the night sky is vital, not only for the health of all living things but also for sustaining our local economy, tourism, safety, and cultural heritage. With growing community interest in night sky preservation, we invite you to join one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about the issue, explore the formation of a Friends of the Night Sky group, and take part in an open discussion and Q&A.
Click the link below to register.

2025 Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #10: Soil carbon analysis process, the USDA 2022 soil carbon survey, working with urban areas and the San Antonio baseline soil carbon data – where do we go from here?
2025-10-22 15:30 - 16:30 | zoom
In 2022, the Natural Resource Conservation Service began sampling soils in San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas to measure soil organic carbon. This project was started in conjunction with the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. Travis Waiser will cover the sampling technique, where samples were taken, and summarize the data collected from the project. At the end of the talk Travis will cover some management strategies that can be implemented to build soil carbon in your soils.

Marble Falls - Women's Hill Country Retreat: Nourish in Nature
2025-10-23 16:00 - 2025-10-26 11:00 | Retreat Ranch
Join Journey Land & Soul for a soul nourishing journey at our 3-night ranch retreat nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Thoughtfully designed by and for women, you will be immersed in daily activities to inspire connection to self, nature, and community and amplify our collective growth. We invite you to explore and expand through outdoor activities, daily movement and mindfulness, sound healing, holistic health workshops, journaling and discussion.
Removed from the distractions of everyday life, Retreat Ranch is a haven for serenity, rejuvenation, and fun. This retreat promises an opportunity for deep restoration and reflection as well as ample time to explore your well-being and personal growth among a welcoming community of women.
Click here to learn more.

Liberty Hill - Tri-County Star Viewing Party
2025-10-25 17:30 - 23:00 | River Ranch County Park, 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill, TX, 78642, United States
Celebrate Liberty Hill’s International Dark Sky Community designation with our neighboring communities! Spend an autumn evening exploring the night sky and enjoying family-friendly fun.
Event Highlights
• Explore the skies through telescopes with astronomy guides
• Grab dinner from local food trucks
• Create space-themed crafts with the Liberty Hill Public Library
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to relax under the stars.
Camping or day-use reservations are required for park entry.
Reserve your site or purchase a day pass here:
Park day use fees are per person:
-Free for ages 12 and under and those with a Williamson County Park Pass
-$4 for ages 13-64
-$2 for ages 65 and older

Wimberley - Star Party
2025-10-25 18:30 - 21:30 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Wimberley!
Gaze at the stars during the night at Wimberley! Bring your family and friends to our Star Party event at Blue Hole Regional Park. Participants will enjoy an evening of stargazing in the Hill Country and fascinating presentations by the Wimberley Dark Sky Committee. The Texas State Astronomy Club will be sharing their telescopes and knowledge with us for the night.
Live Music: 6:45 p.m.
Sky Tour: 9:00 p.m.
Note:
– You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket, a picnic, and a flashlight.
– The event is located at the soccer fields at Blue Hole Regional Park. Restrooms and water fountains are accessible during the event.
– Event is weather permitting, including heavy cloud coverage.
*For more information about Wimberley Valley Dark Sky, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/WimberleyDarkSky
*For more information about The Texas State Astronomy Club, please visit: https://www.astrotxst.org/

San Antonio - Night Skies Party at the Preserve (Postponed)
2025-10-26 19:30 | Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve, 17901 Judson Road, San Antonio, TX, 78247, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed. Check back in the coming weeks for the new date.
Celebrate Hill Country Night Sky Month and check out the stars through volunteer’s telescopes at Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve!
Come learn about how dark skies support conservation with Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape partners as we celebrate the night sky with Green Spaces and local astronomers.
This is a family friendly event. Click the link below to register.

Online - Night Sky Information Session
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

Burnet - Creatures of the Night Hike at Inks Lake
2025-10-31 18:30 - 19:30 | Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX, 78611, United States
Join us for a fun hike as we learn about some of our favorite nocturnal creatures!
Enjoy and easy hike to the Devil’s Waterhole as you learn about different critters that you might see roaming the park after dark!
This is a Halloween-themed nature event that will be both fun and educational. Be sure to bring your flashlight and a candy bag/bucket because the volunteers might just have some treats to hand out!
Please feel free to wear a costume if you have one but one is not required.
Location: Devil’s Waterhole Trail
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Park admission is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. On busy weekends, reserve your day use pass early online! Please note: You do NOT need to register or make a reservation for this event, just be sure you have a day pass purchased for everyone attending.
*Program is subject to cancellation due to weather

Spring Branch - Star Party at Guadalupe River State Park
2025-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Join us for stargazing and planet watching!
Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association and park staff will be on site with their telescopes to point out the moon, constellations, planets and more. Drop-in any time between 7:00pm and 9:00pm!
*The time will shift throughout the year*
All ages are welcome!
Where: This event will be held in the large overflow parking lot (just up the road from the big river parking lot). Look for the big blue “Stargazing Tonight” sign on the park road just across from this parking lot.
Cost: Free with park admission; Adults: $7, Children 12 & under: Free
Visit the website below for more information.

Burnet - Night Sky Information Session
2025-11-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Herman Brown Free Library, 100 E. Washington Street, Burnet, TX, 78611, United States

Hill Country Alliance 20th Anniversary Party
2025-11-08 16:00 - 21:30 | Knibbe Ranch, 9836 Spring Branch Rd., Spring Branch, TX, 78070, United States
Join us on Saturday, November 8 from 4:00–9:30 PM at Knibbe Ranch as we celebrate 20 years of protecting the Texas Hill Country! This milestone evening will feature special performances by Hill Country musicians Bruce Robison, Will & The Wilderness, Katie Shore, and very special surprise guests!
This once-in-20-years event will bring together 400+ community leaders, conservation advocates, and Hill Country enthusiasts for a night of music, celebration, and impact. Your ticket includes a BBQ dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, and access to our limited open bar.

Recovering Your Land: Riparian Restoration Workshop - Hunt, TX
2025-11-09 12:00 - 17:00
Are you a landowner who was affected by the July floods? Please join us for one of our three upcoming Riparian Restoration workshops, designed for landowners ready to take an active role in restoring their creek or riverbanks.
Choose the date and location that works best for you:

Hunt, TX – Sunday, Nov. 9
Kerrville, TX – Friday, Nov. 14
Center Point, TX – Sunday, Nov. 16

During these in-depth workshops, you can expect the following:

Practical guidance on stewarding streamside (riparian) areas
Free native seeds and potted plants to help jumpstart the restoration of your property
Learn from local professionals about how to become an active steward during restoration
Opportunities to connect with neighbors, local experts, and landowner resources

Each workshop includes lunch for attendees and registration is required to attend. Space and plant materials are limited—register soon to reserve your spot!

Native Planting in Texas Community Gardens
2025-11-14 09:00 - 12:00 | High Country Community Garden, 16418 Cypress Park St, San Antonio, Texas, 78247
Join us for a volunteer day at High Country Community Garden!
We’ll kick things off with a discussion on the importance of native planting in community gardens in Texas. Native plants play a crucial role in conserving water, supporting pollinators, and maintaining the health of our local ecosystems—all while keeping gardens vibrant and sustainable.
After the discussion, we’ll put our learning into action by planting a variety of native species in the garden’s demonstration bed. This hands-on project will showcase how native plants can enhance the beauty and resilience of a shared community space.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening practices, connect with fellow volunteers, and make a lasting impact on this community garden.
No prior experience is needed! We’ll provide snacks and beverages – just bring your energy and get ready to get your hands dirty!
Sign up today!

Recovering Your Land: Riparian Restoration Workshop - Kerrville, TX
2025-11-14 09:00 - 14:00

Workshop: Soil Health in Raised Beds
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Labor Serena Community Garden, 1246 Chalmers Ave, San Antonio, Texas, 78211
Join us for a volunteer day at Labor Serena Community Garden!
We’ll begin with a discussion on the importance of soil health in raised garden beds. Good soil, with amendments like mulch and compost, is vital for conserving water and supporting healthy plant growth.
Then we’ll dive right in with some hands-on work! Together, we’ll be revamping several raised beds from the ground up. We’ll build a new foundation so the beds retain more soil during watering. Then we’ll fill the beds with soil and fresh compost, before topping them off with a protective layer of mulch.
This is a great opportunity to build practical gardening skills, connect with others, and ensure that this community garden has a solid foundation for its spring growing season.
No prior experience is needed! The staff of Labor Serena will be providing food and beverages – Just bring your energy and get ready to get your hands in the soil.

SAVE THE HIDDEN HEART OF TEXAS: GEAA’s 2025 GALA
2025-11-15 16:00 - 22:00 | Twin Sisters Dance Hall, 6720 Hwy 281 South Blanco, Blanco, TX, 78606, United States
More than just a great night of music—-this event is your chance to help protect the land and water that make the Hill Country so special. Proceeds benefit the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, working hard to safeguard the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, the lifeblood of Central Texas. Every two-step and every ticket helps keep our water clean and wild spaces thriving.
