Hill Country Alliance

Horseshoe Bay - City of Horseshoe Bay Dark Skies Workshop
2023-04-19 14:00 - 16:30 UTC | City Council Chambers, #1 Community Drive, Horseshoe Bay, TX, 78657, United States
Beginner Astronomy presentation by Elliot Richmond, PhD. Dr. Richmond is a retired Adjunct Professor of Astronomy who will share with the group first step essentials for stargazing followed by Dan Heron, Communications Officer City of Horseshoe Bay who will present Nighttime Photography.

Austin - Star Party at The Hall at Jester King
2023-04-21 17:30 - 22:00 UTC | The Hall at Jester King, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd., Austin, TX, 78736, United States
Our annual Star Party is back! There are very few places that have dark, open night skies perfect for stargazing and we are happy to be one of them. Join us at The Hall at Jester King on Friday, April 21 from 5:30-10pm alongside the Hill Country Alliance for an evening of observation and exploration into our night sky.
A panel of esteemed voices from the ATX astronomy community will discuss the impact of astronomy in the Hill Country, what observatories in the area have been working on, night sky preservation, and much more! After that, you can stargaze, chat with panelists, browse tables & activities, and check out the planetarium dome from Stars and Science Austin where you can view their Sky Tonight and Losing the Dark programs.
There will be plenty of telescopes to look through with guides to help viewers navigate the night sky, but feel free to BYOT (bring your own telescope)!
We will have food and beer available for purchase. 10% of all ticket sales support Hill Country Alliance. For more information on their amazing organization, please check them out here. Purchase KIDS TICKET (12 & Under) here: https://www.exploretock.com/jesterkingbrewery/event/405284/kids-ticket-star-party-at-the-hall-at-jester-king
Schedule of events:
–5:30pm – Doors open
–5:30pm – Bar opens (beer, cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic beverages)
–7pm – Panel begins
–8pm – Stargazing begins
–10pm – Doors close

San Marcos - River Clean-up with Eyes of the San Marcos River
2023-04-22 09:00 - 14:00, 2023-04-29 09:00 - 14:00 UTC | Great Gonzo’s Tubes and Shuttles
Kayak Cleanups of the San Marcos River every Saturday in April, organized by the Eyes of the San Marcos River and sponsored by New Belgium Brewing.
Click here to learn more and RSVP

New Braunfels - Headwaters at the Comal Earth Day Celebration
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Come celebrate “Where it Begins” the history and significance of the Comal Springs at the Headwaters at the Comal 5th annual Earth Day event. Visit educational booths and participate in earth friendly activities, stroll the paths along the newly established savanna prairie and along the restored riparian spring run. This event is free and open to the public.
Register on-line for parking and more information.
Join us for this FREE event for the entire community celebrating our local natural resources. Explore our native prairie restoration, stroll along the spring run and see where the Comal River begins, participate in hands-on activities and scavenger hunts, and enjoy some time getting connected with nature. We’ll also have take home kits and plant giveaways, so you can celebrate Earth Day all year long in your own backyard!
Click here to learn more from the Headwaters at the Comal

Fredericksburg - Increase Your Gardening Enjoyment by Making it More Successful and Easier
2023-04-25 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | St. Joseph’s Halle, 212 W. San Antonio St., FREDERICKSBURG, TX, 78624, United States
Paula Stone will share her insights on how to increase your gardening enjoyment by making it easier and more successful. Attendees will learn what is needed to make the garden of your dreams and how to enjoy the process. The program will include a discussion of planning, tools, clothing, weeds, garden prep, planting, plants, and maintenance. This overview will help you learn what to do and how to do it, and that will increase your confidence and enjoyment of your land.
Over the last 14 years, Stone has tried various plants and various gardening techniques to deal with the caliche soil, lack of rainfall, excessive heat, and occasional ice storm that are common to Gillespie County. Her presentation will summarize what she has learned. Stone hopes that people new to gardening in the hill country will benefit from the many tips she will be sharing. The goal of her talk is “to help new gardeners make a plan that will increase their confidence and enjoyment of gardening here.”
Stone is a three-term past president of the NPSOT Fredericksburg Chapter, and has been gardening in Fredericksburg since purchasing her property in 2009. Stone bought and restored a historic stone home on the edge of Fredericksburg. She took the property from being so derelict that the realtor wouldn’t go inside to being on the 2012 Historic Home Tour. The 10 acres surrounding the house were in equally horrific condition, having been an exotic game farm/puppy mill that had “every conceivable weed that will grow in the hill country” says Stone.
Stone also credits her knowledge and enjoyment of gardening with the many educational opportunities available and friends she has made thru NPSOT. Her home, Gilbriar, has been the site of many chapter plant sales, meetings, and several public garden tours.
“The smartest thing I did for my garden was to join NPSOT and make friends with the people who know things! I am grateful for their guidance, encouragement and all the free plant cuttings and seeds that they have given me over the years.” Stone said.

Fredericksburg Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas
The chapter holds its monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of the month at St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). There is a social time at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend in person and via Zoom. More information can be found online at https://npsot.org/wp/fredericksburg/ and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/fbgtxnpsot).

New Braunfels - Rainwater Harvesting Education and Demonstration with Rain Bees
2023-04-29 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | 325 Resource Drive, New Braunfels, Texas
Click to view full size flyer
Find Rain Bees at the Comal County AgriLife Open House to learn about 1) the importance of water conservation, 2) why rain harvesting is a better long term solution to residential water demands than aquifer wells, 3) rain barrel construction, 4) wicking barrel construction, 5) rain tank selection methodology, and 6) efficient irrigation methods.
Click here to learn more about the event

Comfort - Grazing Workshop with Holistic Management International
2023-05-05 08:30 - 16:00 UTC | Comfort, TX
Grazing Workshop: Planning for land health and farm wealth with holistic management
Join Hill Country Alliance and Holistic Management International for a hands-on workshop at Roberts Ranch exploring how Holistic Planned Grazing can benefit the health and wealth of your operation.
Topics covered:

Reading the land for signs of ecosystem health and stressors and deciding on corrective action
Practical pointers on the fundamentals of grazing planning
Tips and tools to guide your investment decisions

Date: May 5th, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $25
Click here to view the agenda
Register here!

Bandera - Rural Roundup - Save the Date!
2023-05-06

Bandera - Rural Roundup: Inspiring Community Identity
2023-05-06 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th Street, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
Join HCA and the H. E. Butt Foundation in Bandera on May 6th for the Rural Roundup, a traveling community showcase!
Click to view or download a PDF flyer.
Want to learn how the Cowboy Capital of the World is preserving its unique character for the future? Spend the day exploring Bandera’s unique downtown, getting inspired by local presenters, and building connections across the region.
In the first half of the day, we will learn about several local spots and the ways they are both adapting to regional tourism and planning for the future. We will then breakout for a photo scavenger hunt and self-guided tour of downtown Bandera before regrouping for lunch and the seond half of the day at the Best Western (711 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003). After lunch, we will dive deeper into what has helped Bandera staples sustain multi-generational family businesses and connect what has worked in Bandera with opportunities and participants beyond the county line.
From harnessing tourism as an asset and creating new opportunities for locals to sustaining multi-generational family businesses – come get inspired as we learn what works, what doesn’t, and what you can bring back to your own community!
Register at https://bit.ly/BanderaRoundup
Click here to learn more and RSVP for this FREE event – lunch included for all attendees. RSVPs due by 5/04/23.

Austin - Take Me to the River Release Party
2023-05-06 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Meanwhile Brewing, 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX, 78744, United States
Join HCA and our partners in the Texas Living Waters Project at Meanwhile Brewing in Austin this Saturday, May 6 from 10am to 3pm for a day celebrating Texas rivers. You can join in an epic Groundwater vs Surface Water soccer tournament before sipping on ‘Take Me to the River’ — a brand new hazy IPA brewed to celebrate Texas rivers using Meanwhile’s signature water-saving process. Raffle prizes, giveaways, and socializing with fellow river lovers make this a don’t-miss event.
Learn more and register for the soccer tournament here.

Fredericksburg - Land Stewardship Ranch Tour
2023-05-12 08:30 - 11:30 UTC | Fredericksburg, TX
Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) and Hill Country Alliance are hosting a free ranch tour for local landowners! Join us in the field to gain first- hand knowledge on land restoration from Rachael Lindsey, HCC’s Director of Science and Stewardship. We’ll visit different sites on a gorgeous property outside of Fredericksburg and cover the following topics:

Restoring native Texan grasslands
Managing Ashe juniper (or mountain cedar) for enhanced biodiversity and golden-cheeked warbler habitat
Brush management in hardwood dominated communities

Click here to register!

New Braunfels - CCCA Community Program on “The Relationship Between Land and Water” with Dr. Robert Mace
2023-05-16 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
CCCA Community Program on “The Relationship Between Land and Water” with Dr. Robert Mace
The water resources of Texas start at the land. The land is where the rain falls, our streams flow, and our aquifers replenish. With over 95 percent of land privately owned in Texas, landowners are the greatest caretakers of the quantity and quality of water across the state. As land changes, so does the water. Increased growth, land development, and climate variability create challenges for local and regional water supplies requiring creative solutions to better protect both land and water for the future. This presentation will discuss what’s happening, what’s expected to happen, and what we can do for the future.
Click here to learn more

Online - Wild @ Work Stewardship Series
2023-05-25 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Join the Texas Wildlife Association’s Wild @ Work Stewardship Series from 12-1pm CT on May 25. This webinar will include Michelle Wood-Ramirez and Katie Myers of the Tarrant Regional Water District to discuss the impacts and importance of habitat restoration for watershed health and security.
Registration for the event is available here.
We hope you’ll join us!

Wimberley - Birding 101 - Texas Wildlife Association: Family Expeditions
2023-05-27 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Wimberley, Texas, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
What: Introductory birding experience for youth ages 11-17 and a parent/guardian.
When: May 27, 2023 – 9 AM – 5 PM
Where: Wimberley, Texas
Why: Participants will learn alongside volunteers and mentors about bird adaptations, bird habitat, birding basics, binoculars 101, and how to use citizen science apps. Participants will also go birding alongside experienced birders. This will be a full day event.
How: Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/twabirding1
Cost: $50, includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Park After Dark at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
2023-05-27 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX, 78671, United States
The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Park Rd. 49 and Klein Road, visitors wishing to access the park prior to closing at 4:30p, can get a free driving permit from the state park across the river at 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, Tx.

Kerrville - Riverside Nature Center Presents SOLAR-bration!
2023-06-01 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville, TX, United States
It’s a Kerrville SOLAR-bration!!
Click to view full size flyer
Kerrville, Texas is THE nexus for the annular eclipse occurring on October 14, 2023 and the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Riverside Nature Center is welcoming these spectacular astronomical events with a SOLAR-bration, featuring a sophisticated immersive 20 minute planetarium experience.
Grace Beaudoin, Ph.D., USRA Senior Science Engagement Specialist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) will give a live narration of how eclipses happen, what to expect when the big days arrive, and then take you beyond to even more celestial wonders of our cosmos all within the state of the art Digitalis Planetarium.
Among the guests will be field experts in Astrobiology, Astrophysics and Lunar Geology. While our experts quench your thirst for knowledge, you can wet your whistle on an “eclipse sip” mocktail and enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres.
SOLAR-bration is an event, like no other to be offered in this area. It is exclusive to only a small number of attendees to ensure all receive an ultimate cosmic experience in a private setting with guaranteed planetarium observation times.
Your support through attendance or donation will benefit the educational programs and events Riverside Nature Center has planned throughout this exciting time of astronomical events.
Ticket sales will close at 12:00 a.m. on May 25, 2023. The winner of the star-gazing party will be announced during the event.

Stonewall - National Trails Day at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
2023-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX, 78671, United States
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is looking for volunteers to help repair the Town Creek Bridge on June 3rd, from 9 am to 12 pm.
Click here to learn more

Spicewood - Artistree 10-year Anniversary Party
2023-06-03 16:00 - 21:00 UTC | Cypress Valley by Artistree, 1223 Paleface Ranch Road, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
The summer is almost here and we are super excited to help you kick it off with this amazing event from one of the Hill Country Alliance’s supporting partners!
Artistree is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with music, food, and fun at Cypress Valley!
Saturday, June 3rd | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Featuring performances by Ruel Thomas, Ruby Dice, Sydney Wright, and Daniel Walker.
We could not think of a better way to celebrate Artistree’s 10 years of designing and building inspiring spaces than by honoring two local organizations that work hard to protect places like Cypress Valley and our cypress-lined creek for future generations. The Hill Country Alliance and The Watershed Association provide critical resources of education and stewardship support to landowners like us. Without their efforts, our beloved Texas Hill Country would not remain beautiful and special places like Jacob’s Well, Blue Hole, and Cypress Valley might even be gone.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Hill Country and supporting these important organizations either by attending this fun-filled day of celebration or simply by donating to their programs. All proceeds will be split between the Hill Country Alliance and The Watershed Association and support their continued work on riparian corridors, watershed restoration, and conserving the beauty of the Hill Country for future generations – Amy Beilharz, Artistree
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Hill Country Alliance and The Watershed Association

New Braunfels - Mentor Training - Texas Wildlife Association: Family Expeditions
2023-06-10 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | New Braunfels, Texas, New Braunfels, TX, United States
What: Learn to introduce this program to landowners, plan and facilitate an expedition experience, recruit participants, volunteers, natural resource experts and more.
When: June 10, 2023 – 9 AM – 5 PM
Where: New Braunfels, Texas
Why: The opportunity to work with landowners, get involved with TWA, and introduce families to the outdoors.
How: Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/familylwwe-ct/event/865053/
Cost: $50, includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Fredericksburg - Kolaches and Conservation
2023-06-15 08:30 - 11:30 UTC | Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
When: THURSDAY , JUNE 15TH @ 8:30AM
Where: GILLESPIE COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE
38 BUSINESS COURT, FREDERICKSBURG, TX
Join us for an informal round table discussion for local landowners to present and discuss their conservation issues with one another and a panel of local conservation professionals.
Bring your conservation questions for the panel and we will bring the kolaches!! No registration required. Free to attend.
Panel members include professionals from the following:

Gillespie County Soil and Water Conservation District
United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service & Farm Service Agency
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Hill Country Alliance
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Grazing Land Coalition
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Kerrville - Community Conversation: Water in Kerr County
2023-06-15 16:30 - 18:30 UTC | Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville, TX, United States
Click to view flyer
The Guadalupe River and the aquifers that sustain it are the heart of Kerr County. In the last year, we’ve seen drought threaten the health of these resources. At the same time, growth in the county means more people will rely on our waters than than ever before.
Please join us for a community gathering to learn about issues facing Kerr county waters and discuss how we can shape their future.
Light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to share.

New Braunfels - Preserving Open Space in Comal County: Challenges and Opportunities - CCCA Community Program
2023-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Click to view flyer.
Annalisa Peace, Executive Director of Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, will relate what other local governments in the Edwards Aquifer region are doing to preserve land to protect our water resources and will outline some options and opportunities that Comal County and municipalities might adopt for this purpose.
Click here to learn more and join the Comal County Conservation Alliance for this free community event.

Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - General Q&A
2023-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
This session is an open forum opportunity to ask questions, recommendations on future round table meeting topics, and subject matter discussions for future Lunch and Learns.

Boerne - PreK-12 Place-Based Education Workshop
2023-08-11 - 2023-08-12 | Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX, 78006, United States
Click to view flyer PDF
Join LBJ National Historic Park, the Cibolo Center for Conservation, and Teton Science Schools for a workshop focused on place-based education. This two-day workshop will provide teachers with the chance to: develop TEKS-aligned, place- based lessons they can use with their students; network with other teachers and support each other; and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of place- and nature-based teaching in their communities.

Day one of this event will take place at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Day two of this event will spotlight LBJ National Historical Park – transportation between Boerne and Stonewall will be provided. Note: Registration is $25, which will be refunded to participants upon completing both workshop days. See flyer for more details.
Click here to register now: http://bit.ly/texasplace

Buda - Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
2023-08-15 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Cabela’s – Buda, 15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd., Buda, TX, 78610, United States
Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for this free educational workshop, dedicated to empowering watershed residents in their journey to improve and protect water resources.
When: Tuesday, August 15th
1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Where: Cabela’s Buda (15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd. Buda, TX)
Palo Duro – White Tail Conference Room
Learn more and register here

Bandera - Texas Watershed Planning Short Course
2023-08-21 - 2023-08-24 | Bandera, Texas, Bandera, TX, 78003, United States
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.
If you are interested in this event and have questions, please email Lucas Gregory at Lucas.Gregory@ag.tamu.edu. The course is supported through a federal Clean Water Act §319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Learn more: https://texaswpp.twri.tamu.edu/short-course/
Contact Information:
Lucas Gregory, Texas Water Resources Institute, Lucas.Gregory@ag.tamu.edu

Online - Hill Country Eclipse Lunch & Learn Series - Presenting and Speaking
2023-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. On October 14 of this year and April 8 of 2024, the annular and total solar eclipses will pass through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all our communities.
For the past two and a half years, the Hill Country Alliance has been convening quarterly round table meetings of the Hill Country Eclipse Team. These meetings are opportunities for residents, eclipse enthusiasts, business owners, and community leaders to share regional planning updates. The meetings have included presentations by subject matter experts on related topics.
The Hill Country Eclipse Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual niche topics specific to eclipse planning and preparations. Topics will include everything from accessibility and community preparation to public relations and security.
The Eclipse Lunch & Learn Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Register here for the complete series and attend the sessions at your leisure. Each Lunch and Learn will be recorded and posted to the HCA Eclipse Portal.
Dawn Davies, with Hill Country Alliance, will address how to present on the topic of solar eclipses and how to speak to a variety of audiences on the subject.

Copperas Cove - 2024 Solar Eclipse Town Hall
2023-08-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Copperas Cove Civic Center, 1206 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522, United States
An overview for the community to learn about the upcoming solar eclipse, lessons learned from communities in 2017, and what to expect in April 2024 as the eclipse path crosses through Texas. Learn more here.

San Marcos - Join the Nightlife 2023
2023-08-31 - 2023-09-02 | Holiday Inn San Marcos Convention Center, 105 Bintu Dr, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
Click to view flyer
Back by popular demand, Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC) and Bat Survey Solutions (BSS) are excited to present the second annual Join the Nightlife event in Central Texas! And this time, we’ve added an exclusive, 1-day acoustic training opportunity to manually identify bat recordings. There is something for everyone – bat enthusiasts, citizen scientists, biologists, consultants, organic gardeners/farmers, and students!
August 31-September 2
We’ll kick off the event with a captivating evening at Bracken, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The following two days will be full of immersive learning experiences. Our focus will be bats and their contributions to our shared ecosystems, agriculture, and integrative pest management. Get ready to dive deep through a series of lectures, hands-on demonstrations, field trips, and the unique opportunity to participate in mist-netting. Witness bats up close and view live echolocation recordings!
Learn more and register here.
