Fredericksburg - Bennett Women's Land Stewardship Conference
2019-09-30 08:00 - 2019-10-01 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Inn on Barons Creek, 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States

New Braunfels - Alamo Area MPO Meeting & Public Comment Session
2019-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States

San Antonio - Mountainfilm on Tour
2019-10-03 18:30 - 21:30 | TX
Mountainfilm on Tour- San Antonio is coming to Confluence Park on the evening of Thursday, October 3rd. Experience a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films. Presented by the San Antonio River Foundation, this film festival will galvanize stewardship and awaken your love of nature. Paired with light cuisine and cocktails, your night by the River will be one of discovery and change.

Proceeds benefit the San Antonio River Foundation’s vision to inspire stewardship.

Cocktail reception begins 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm
Tickets $50 each, includes admission, refreshments and alcoholic beverages (21+ years old event)

Parking information and the list of films can be found at: https://sariverfound.org/sarf-events/filmfest/

Click here to buy tickets.

Hunt - Soil for Water: Agricultural Resilience Clinic with Nicole Masters
2019-10-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Kerr Wildlife Management Area, 2625 FM 1340, Hunt, TX, 78024, United States
ONE- AND TWO-DAY TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Friday only $70 (includes lunch) ONLY 15 AVAILABLE
Friday Game Dinner at The Hunt Store $35
Friday and Saturday $130 (both days include lunch)* ONLY 18 AVAILABLE
Internationally-acclaimed agroecologist Nicole Masters of New Zealand will join NCAT specialists, HMI Certified Educators, and other regenerative agriculture experts for two activity-filled days exploring agricultural resilience. In the dynamic and sometimes unforgiving climates of Texas, any agricultural operation needs to be ready to cope with and recover from adversity. By holding more water in the soil and fostering the right soil microbiology we can buffer changes in temperature and mitigate the effects of extreme weather patterns.
This two-day clinic will provide insights into soil health, soil health indicators and monitoring techniques, and plant health. Questions Nicole will address include:

How do we build soil structure to improve water and mineral cycles?
What is the role of soil microbes in pasture quality and resiliency?
What are your weeds telling you?
How do we manage weeds, disease, and insects?
How do we shift from invasive grasses to native grasses?
How does adaptive multi-paddock grazing encourage resiliency?
What monitoring strategies can we use to be sure we are making improvement and moving towards our goals?
How can we reduce the need for chemical inputs without reducing yields?

* No single tickets for Saturday will be sold. Per Nicole’s request, people who join the hands-on portion of the clinic on Saturday must attend on Friday.
Please reserve your space for the clinic and the dinner using the form below.
Lodging options for this training are limited and we suggest you book as soon as possible to ensure your space.
Click here to visit NCAT’s website for more information and lodging options, or call or email NCAT specialist Kara Kroeger, 479-587-3479 or karak@ncat.org.
Click here to register.

Blanco - Caring for Your Land: Incentives for Stewardship and Conservation Workshop
2019-10-04 09:30 - 13:30 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North, Blanco, Texas
We hope you can join us for the October 4th, CARING FOR YOUR LAND – INCENTIVES FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION WORKSHOP at Gem of the Hills Community Center (2233 N US Highway 281) in Blanco, TX.
This free event, which will detail tools and financial incentives to support land stewardship and conservation, starts at 9:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM on Friday, October 4th. Lunch will be included and space is limited. To learn more and to register for this free workshop, please go to https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/caring-for-your-land

New Braunfels - Walk and Talk at the Headwaters at the Comal with CCCA
2019-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Join the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for a Walk and Talk Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal. Nancy Pappas, Managing Director of the Headwaters, will lead the tour of this ecologically and historically significant property. The Headwaters at the Comal showcases the significance of the Comal Springs and connects the community to nature and the importance of conservation. It is a 16-acre property in the middle of a transformation from a “brownfield” fleet/facility property into a premier education center. This tour includes an overview of the history of the site; a walk through a savanna prairie reclaimed from an asphalt parking lot; a look into an historic cistern encasing the headwaters springs of the Comal River; a discussion of the archaeological significance of the property, and much, much more. Don’t miss this opportunity for an insider’s view of this important property.
Click here to register.

New Braunfels - Walk and Talk Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal
2019-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
Please join the Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA) for a “Walk and Talk” Tour of the Headwaters at the Comal. Nancy Pappas, Managing Director of the Headwaters, will lead the tour which will include a walk through a restored native prairie that was reclaimed from an asphalt parking lot, a look into the historic cistern encasing the headwaters springs of the Comal River, a discussion of the Archaeological discoveries on the property and much, much more.
Click here to register.
Space is limited so sign up soon!

Dripping Springs - Open House: US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs
2019-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620, United States
TxDOT has launched the US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Planning and Feasibility Study. This study will identify future safety and mobility improvements to US 290 from RM 1826 in southwest Austin to RM 12 in Dripping Springs. The corridor spans both Travis and Hays counties.
The purpose of this planning and feasibility study is to identify long-term safety and mobility solutions for the US 290 corridor and to establish a recommended right-of-way footprint. The study is anticipated to take one year and will include many opportunities for public involvement. At the conclusion of the planning and feasibility study, TxDOT plans to enter into the environmental study and schematic design process to further develop any potential solutions identified. Of note, the proposed project would connect to the Oak Hill Parkway project.
The purpose of the open house is to request input from the community regarding safety and mobility needs on the US 290 corridor within the study limits.
An open house will be held at each end of the study area. Both open houses will have identical materials and attendees can come and go at their convenience. Study team members will be available to answer questions and receive input from the public.
If you are unable to attend, take TxDOT’s online survey. Comments must be received on or before Oct. 21, 2019 to be included in the official record.
Learn more on TxDOT’s website here.

Wimberley - Hays County Public Meeting on El Rancho Cima Conservation
2019-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Hays County to hold public meeting to discuss the acquisition of 533 acres of riverfront at El Rancho Cima for conservation
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (Oct. 1, 2019) – The Hays County Precinct 3 Office will host a public meeting Wednesday, October 9, to discuss recent efforts to conserve portions of El Rancho Cima. The meeting will be held at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, at 6 p.m.
El Rancho Cima, also known as the Boy Scout Ranch, is located 18 miles west of San Marcos on Ranch Road 32 along the Devil’s Backbone. The property includes Sentinel Peak, which at more than 1,200-feet-high is a landmark for anyone traveling the route.
The 2,300-acre ranch was recently sold by the Sam Houston Area Boy Council of Boy Scouts, which was steward of the property for more than 60 years, and the new owner has subdivided the property.
“There has been a great deal of interest in conserving El Rancho Cima,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said. “We have been working on ways in which to participate in these efforts and now have the ability to secure a 533-acre portion of the ranch that has frontage on both sides of the Blanco River. This gives Hays County a unique opportunity for conservation and partnership opportunities to preserve water quality and endangered species habitat as well as provide public access to a special part of the Texas Hill Country.”

Fredericksburg - Texas Stars at Night are Big and Bright! Let's Keep Them That Way: Dark Skies and Why They Matter
2019-10-10 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
Fredericksburg Native Plant Society and Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Present
“Texas Stars at Night are Big and Bright” Let’s keep them that way!
“Dark Skies and Why They Matter”
What: Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Class
Speaker: Bridget Langdale
Electric lights were introduced less than 150 years ago. In that short time, star-filled night skies have largely disappeared from all populated areas. Since living things co-evolved with dark skies, some plants and animals actually require the night sky for survival. We are just beginning to learn about the health benefits attributed to a dark night. All is not lost, however. With prudent use of non-glare lighting, it is possible to have both dark night skies and safe streets. In this class you will learn how to save money, save energy, increase personal safety and health, help wildlife and plants thrive, and help keep our night sky dark… simply by the wise use of man-made lighting.
Ms. Langdale, a resident of Mason, is active in the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter and is a member of the Mason Star Gazers and the Hill Country Astronomer clubs. She works with the International Dark Sky Organization and the Hill Country Alliance to increase public awareness about light pollution and to offer common sense solutions for individuals, businesses, communities, city councils and county commissions. Langdale’s transformative efforts have resulted in her home town of Mason being recognized as having some of the darkest skies in the Hill Country.
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 pm
Cost: $20.00
Register: Contact Rachel Malinak, rachelm@fisd.org, 830-997-9552

Austin - Bluegrass & Beer: Keep Sewage out of Barton Creek
2019-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX, 78736, United States
Find out more here.

Round Mountain - Informational Meeting on the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District
2019-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX, 78663, United States
Learn more about the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District on their website, https://swtcgcd.com

San Marcos - Guadalupe River Stakeholder Meeting and Webinar
2019-10-16 13:00 - 16:00 | TX
For more details, click here.

Fredericksburg - Deer me! Native Plant Landscaping Despite the Deer!
2019-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Fredericksburg Middle School Library, 110 West Travis, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Fredericksburg Native Plant Society and Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Present
“Deer me! Native Plant Landscaping Despite the Deer!”
What: Fredericksburg Independent School District Community Education Class
Speaker: Chris Anderson
Learn how to create and protect a beautiful native plant landscape despite the constant depredations of our beautiful, but always hungry deer population. The course covers deer food preferences and a wide variety of techniques for selecting and defending Hill Country native plants, suitable to any area landscape.
Mr. Anderson is a past President of the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. He is an active Master Naturalist, serves on the Board of the Fredericksburg Nature Center and is an interpretive guide at Enchanted Rock. The native plant landscaping surrounding his house serves as a personal laboratory for determining which plants the deer avoid.
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 pm
Cost: $20.00
Register: Contact Rachel Malinak, rachelm@fisd.org, 830-997-9552

Spicewood - No Water, No Beer: What a Groundwater Conservation District Means for Western Travis County
2019-10-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Sorellina Pizzeria, 23526 HWY 71 W, Bldg. B, Spicewood, TX, 78669, United States
Join us for a Hill Country Alliance + Pizzeria Sorellina happy hour!
This fall, voters will have the opportunity to formally approve the Southwest Travis County GCD on November 5th. This would close a loophole and provide some management of groundwater withdrawals in SW Travis County. Domestic and livestock wells would not be impacted by the formal approval of this district. Come learn more, have a beer, and hear more from the President of the new Southwest Travis County Groundwater Conservation District, Rick Scadden.
Additional information on the Southwest Travis County Groundwater Conservation District:

Fact sheet
Groundwater Truths and Myths in Travis County
HCA webpage on the Southwest Travis County GCD
Official Southwest Travis County GCD website

Concan - Frio Family Camp Fall Retreat
2019-10-18 - 2019-10-20 | House Pasture Cattle Co, 2 River Road, Concan, TX, 78838, United States

Castell - Caring for Your Land: Incentives for Stewardship and Conservation Workshop
2019-10-18 13:15 - 17:15 | Castell General Store, 19522 Ranch Road 152, Castell, TX, 76831, United States
We hope you can join us for the October 18th, CARING FOR YOUR LAND – INCENTIVES FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION WORKSHOP at Castell General Store (19522 Ranch Road 152) in Castell, TX.
This free event, which will detail tools and financial incentives to support land stewardship and conservation, starts at 1:15 PM and ends at 5:15 PM on Friday, October 18th.
To learn more, please go to https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/caring-for-your-land
To register, click here: http://texaswildlifeassociation.salsalabs.org/clcaringforyourlandllano?page=register&eType=ActivityDefinitionInstance&eId=442fc96d-ca41-4ac8-b27b-a57c671463cf

San Marcos - Monarch Fest and Native Plant Sale
2019-10-19 09:00 - 16:00 | TX
Save the date for San Marcos’ second annual Monarch Fest! Conservation groups will be there to show visitors the importance of monarch butterflies and other pollinators that can be found in the region. Peruse our fall native plant sale and be inspired to build your own butterfly garden and lend a helping hand to pollinators while enjoying native flowers. Learn how to join citizen science projects and help track monarchs as they make their migration to and from their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Did you know Central Texas is in the heart of a flyway for many migrating species of birds and insects including the monarch butterfly? That means we are lucky enough to witness a diversity of migrating species when the time is right.
Come see what San Marcos is doing as a city to help pollinators and learn how to get involved to make a difference!
For more updates, check out the Facebook event here.

San Marcos - Sacred Springs Powwow
2019-10-19 10:00 - 2019-10-20 21:00 | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The Sacred Springs Powwow is organized by the San Marcos nonprofit Indigenous Cultures Institute. The festival boasts an annual attendance of 6,000 and features performances by over 100 dancers, traditional drums & singers with a spectacular Indian Market of arts & craft booths and authentic Native foods.
Highlights include:

Over 100 Native dancers competing in ten categories
Largest Native Market at an outdoor powwow with 50 Native arts, crafts, and food booths
Outstanding powwow drum groups
Frybread & other Native favorites

Find out more here.

Johnson City - Pedernales Wildlife Management Coop Speakers Program
2019-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 | First United Methodist Church Community Activity Center, 105 LBJ Dr, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States

Round Mountain - Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Star Party
2019-10-19 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.

Blanco - Protect Our Blanco Meeting
2019-10-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North, Blanco, Texas

Fredericksburg - Madrone Lore and More with the Fredericksburg Native Plant Society
2019-10-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 North Milam, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
“Madrone Lore and More” – How to Plant a Madrone Tree
Presented by David Winningham, Ph.D.
Owner of Natives of Texas Nursery, Specializing in Madrones
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
What: Fredericksburg Native Plant Society Meeting
Topic: “Madrone Lore and More”- How to Plant a Madrone Tree
Brief: The enigmatic Madrone tree is the poster child of the Hill Country’s disappearing specialty understory trees. Highly prized because of its unique bark, blossoms, and berries, the slow growing Madrone tree is rarely found in the wild and is very difficult to grow in a domesticated setting. David Winningham, owner of Natives of Texas Nursery, will share his eight-year long journey of learning how to cultivate Madrones. He promises to teach us how to “plant” a Madrone tree and will give a few tips on how to “grow” one, though he cautions that nature is actually in charge of the latter process.
Dr. Winningham is a real-life “rocket scientist”, having spent his professional career with NASA. As retirement neared, he and his late wife spent over four years looking for the perfect retirement location in the Hill Country. They found their paradise eleven miles south of Kerrville on acreage with soaring cliffs, spring-fed flowing waters and Madrone trees. After tackling removal of cedar and other restoration projects, the Natives of Texas Nursery emerged, specializing in hard to find native plants and trees; most significantly, the Madrone.
Date: October 22, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m.-Light refreshments and social; 7:00 p.m.- meeting

Junction - Texas Riparian & Stream Ecosystem Workshop
2019-10-23 08:00 - 16:00 | TX
Click here to view the full agenda.
RSVP is required by October 14, 2019. RSVP online through the marketplace at https://bit.ly/2YvPd7X or by email to clare.entwistle@ag.tamu.edu. This workshop is free because the program is funded through a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Morning coffee, pastries, fruit and a catered lunch will be provided to participants during the day for $15. We ask that participants pay online with credit card or bring cash to the training to cover food costs. Dress is casual and comfortable for the weather as we will be outside along the river during the afternoon.
For more information or questions, please contact Clare Entwistle at 210-277-0292 x205 or clare.entwistle@ag.tamu.edu
For more information, check out the Texas Riparian Association website here. Click here to register.

New Braunfels - Town Hall on Nov. 5th Ballot Propositions with Rep. Kyle Biedermann and Rep. Erin Zwiener
2019-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
State Representative Kyle Biedermann and State Representative Erin Zwiener will join us at our Town Hall Meeting, co-sponsored by GEAA, to discuss Props 2, 5, and 8, which are on the November 5th ballot and very important for conservation.
Proposition 2: Authorizes the Texas Water Board to issue bonds for water and sewer projects in economically distressed areas.
Proposition 5: Ensures the existing sporting goods sales tax will go to the TPWD and Texas Historical Commission for protecting natural areas, water quality, and history.
Proposition 8: Creates funding for infrastructure for drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects, including “green infrastructure” projects, which use undeveloped land for flood mitigation.
NOTE: Light refreshments served

San Antonio - Edwards Aquifer Protection Program Public Hearing with TCEQ
2019-10-28 14:00 - 16:30 | TX
The Edwards Aquifer is a home to diverse fauna and is a drinking water source for the city of San Antonio and surrounding central Texas communities. Because it is a karst aquifer, fractures, caves, sinking streams, and sinkholes act as conduits to the aquifer from the surface. While this means that the aquifer recharges quickly after a rain event, it also means that any surface pollution from stormwater runoff or spills will directly impact the water quality of the aquifer, possibly impairing drinking water and affecting the sensitive ecosystem.
The TCEQ will conduct public hearings to receive comments about ways to protect the Edwards Aquifer from pollution.
The hearings will be held at the following times and locations:
Monday, October 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Tesoro Building, Alamo Area Council of Governments, Room 1A
8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas (map)
Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
TCEQ Park 35 Office Complex
12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, Room 201S
Austin, Texas (map)

CANCELLED: Johnson City - Settlement Restoration at LBJ National Historical Park
2019-10-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Johnson City Settlement, 227 Settlement Rd, Johnson City, TX, 78636, United States
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather – stay tuned for updates!

Austin - Edwards Aquifer Protection Program Public Hearing with TCEQ
2019-10-29 13:30 - 16:00 | TCEQ Park 35 Office Complex, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, Room 201S, Austin, TX, 8753, United States
The Edwards Aquifer is a home to diverse fauna and is a drinking water source for the city of San Antonio and surrounding central Texas communities. Because it is a karst aquifer, fractures, caves, sinking streams, and sinkholes act as conduits to the aquifer from the surface. While this means that the aquifer recharges quickly after a rain event, it also means that any surface pollution from stormwater runoff or spills will directly impact the water quality of the aquifer, possibly impairing drinking water and affecting the sensitive ecosystem.
The TCEQ will conduct public hearings to receive comments about ways to protect the Edwards Aquifer from pollution.
The next hearing will be held at the following time and location:
Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
TCEQ Park 35 Office Complex
12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, Room 201S
Austin, Texas (map)

Medina - Medina Dark Sky Night
2019-10-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Medina Community Library, 13948 State Hwy 16 N, Medina, TX, 78055, United States

Austin - Brews and Views with Scenic Texas
2019-10-30 17:30 - 20:30 | TX
Don’t miss this Old Austin nostalgic night, as we look forward to Austin’s future looking more scenic! We will have Dark Skies Black Pilsner on tap (named for the Dark Sky Association) donated by Vista Brewing, a taco/nacho bar by Smoke N’ Roses, Deep Eddy drinks, an ecological glass art creation by local artist Allison Lipkin for auction, some wares from The Sage Soul, and information on the Hill Country Alliance a partner and environmental organization focused on land conservancy and Dark Sky protection. Scenic Texas will also honor Senator Kirk Watson with the Scenic Star Award.
Register here.
