Hill Country Alliance

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 UTC | 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
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.

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 | TX
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 | TX

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.

Recovering Your Land: Riparian Restoration Workshop - Center Point, TX
2025-11-16 12:00 - 17:00 | Center Point, TX

2026 Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #1
2026-01-28 15:30 - 16:30 | zoom

2026 Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #2: Building a Grassroots Movement to Protect Urban Waterways in San Antonio
2026-02-25 15:30 - 16:30 | zoom
Brendan Gibbons will discuss River Aid San Antonio’s (RASA’s) efforts to raise an army of volunteer stewards to help keep the San Antonio River and its tributaries clean and thriving. RASA hosts multiple watershed cleanup events per month where volunteers remove thousands of pounds of litter from streams. Since the group’s founding, RASA volunteers have removed more than 600,000 pounds of waste from the San Antonio River and its tributaries. RASA has also accepted the leadership baton for Basura Bash, the largest single-day trash cleanup event in Texas, an event that drew 2,130 volunteers in 2025, its 30th year. Gibbons will also discuss RASA’s small but growing network of water quality monitoring sites via Texas Stream Team, which trains citizen scientists to conduct monthly water quality monitoring of local waterways. Gibbons will also detail RASA’s partnership with GEAA on a water quality retrofit on HOA property at Lorence Creek, which helps improve the quality of stormwater flowing into the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #3: How water utilities can protect the water supply
2026-03-25 15:30 - 16:30 | zoom
Some of the tools Municipal and Private Water Utilities use to protect the water supply are very similar while other methodologies seem very different. Suzanne will talk about what Texas Water Company, a private water utility company, has done to protect the water supply and how various tools can be modified and utilized throughout the public and private water systems.
