News & Updates
Massive Texas Eclipse festival set for April 2024
Less than a year from now, the Highland Lakes will be ground zero for what is expected to be an incredible view of a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, and a festival of gigantic proportions is in the works. Texas Eclipse, which is set for April 6-8, will take...
All droughts are not created equal
Although Texas is better prepared for drought now than in the late 1900s, the state is less ready for a repeat of the drought of record—or worse—than it was back then. If that sounds counterintuitive, it’s because all droughts are not created equal. Before the...
‘Home in the Hill Country’ photo contest seeks submissions
The Hill Country Alliance is accepting entries now through May 31 for its 2023 photo contest, "Home in the Hill Country." Original photography should capture the landscapes, water sources, wildlife, plants, and diverse people and communities of this part of Texas. The...
7 percent of water pipes in Texas are made of lead, new report shows
The first-of-its-kind report discovered that more than 647,000 of the water lines in our state are made of lead, and fixing that is going to come with a hefty price tag. “Texas has the fifth highest amount of lead pipes still in use in the United States," said ‘Inside...
Tubing destination, sacred natural resource — or both?
From her office overlooking Spring Lake, Dr. Christina Lopez has a view of the curious tourists, strolling locals, and excited schoolchildren who navigate the paths and exhibits surrounding the headwaters of the San Marcos River. It’s a fitting location for Lopez, a...
‘Nature-based solutions’ like trees and rain gardens can be cost-effective climate adaptations, advocates say
In early February, winter weather pummeled Austin, Texas, where “extreme weather” usually refers to sweltering temperatures, not ice storms. More than 100,000 city residents lost power because of the historic weather event, a recent example of why cities need to...
Fight over planned concrete plant has emotions running high in Garden Ridg
Residents of Garden Ridge — a town of about 4,000 just across the Comal County line from Bexar County — say they are concerned the plant would lead to increased dust and traffic, as well as the proposed site’s proximity to homes, a church and a preschool. Batch plants...
Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District – Press Release 4/11/2023
April 10th Regular Board Meeting The Directors received an update from the District’s staff regarding current hydrologic conditions. The average water level was 22.51’ below the March average. This is the lowest March level on record. The levels of the District’s 43...
Good SITES design leads to happy campers at Shield Ranch
The SITES Gold Campsite at Shield Ranch, located just 22 miles from downtown Austin, Texas, serves as the new home for Camp El Ranchito, a scholarship-based overnight camp. El Ranchito started in 2007 as a primitive campsite with the mission to connect children with...