News & Updates
How much is the urban forest of Austin worth? More than you might think
Trees within the city limits of Austin, Texas contribute nearly $34 million in ecosystem services to the community annually, according to a new report by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). From May to October 2014, researchers from the Texas A&M Forest Service...
Spring Break is here and it’s time to capture those bluebonnets! Be sure to submit your favorite shots to the HCA Photo Contest
Houston Chronicle - If you have driven down our state highways lately you have probably seen the state flower, the bluebonnet, dotting roadsides and grassy expanses. Yes, Lupinus texensis has returned, along with warmer temperatures. It was a warm winter that led to...
The high cost of sprawl in San Antonio: a look at Hausman Road
" It’s sprawl relief, a costly fix to a traffic problem caused by unplanned growth. The result is that taxpayers across the city are paying the bill for upgrades needed in the aftermath of continuing suburban sprawl.” The Rivard Report - To understand the funding...
Golden-cheeked Warblers return to the Hill Country
Golden-cheeked Warblers (GCWA) are beginning to arrive within their Hill Country haunts. Many more of these birds will arrive over the next couple of weeks. The Golden-cheeked’s scientific name, Setophaga chrysoparia, translates to golden cheek moth eater; moth eater...
Arsenic persists in some Texas water supplies
Drinking water systems serving 51,000 people in several dozen rural Texas communities exceeded federal drinking water standards for arsenic for more than a decade, according to a report to be published Monday by an environmental group. The Environmental Integrity...
Public comment period on draft 2017 State Water Plan is now open
Your voice matters! Texas Water Development Board is taking public comment on the draft 2017 State Water Plan. Here is HCA’s Water Planning page with a good explanation of the state water planning process, our written Public Comments for the proposed 2017 plan, and a...
Pipeline builder, through nonprofit, seeks $885 million state loan
The company contracted to build a pipeline for the San Antonio Water System has applied for an $885 million low-interest state loan to finance the project. SAWS officials have often said in public meetings and interviews that financing for the 142-mile pipeline that...
Burnet County Master Naturalist receives lifetime achievement award for volunteer service
At a recent meeting of the Highland Lake Master Naturalists, Sammye Childers was presented with the nation’s highest honor for volunteer service - a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution of over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. Along with the presidential...
The 2016 Photo Contest has begun!
The Hill Country Alliance's annual photo contest has returned. The call for entries runs March 1st through May 31st. Winners receive cash prizes and a feature in HCA's 2017 Texas Hill Country Calendar. Visit the 2016 Photo Contest page to learn more and enter your...