Our Work
Land
HCA’s Land Program seeks to increase private land stewardship and permanent land conservation across the Hill Country, and works with regional land trusts to educate owners about conservation easements, track conservation metrics, and consider conservation priorities.
Water
HCA’s Water Program assists grassroots groups that champion water stewardship in their communities, advocates for policies that protect groundwater and surface water, and promotes resilient water supplies through the advancement of One Water projects.
Night Sky
HCA’s Night Skies Program helps Hill Country counties and cities minimize the impacts of light pollution through education and outreach, the establishment of outdoor lighting policies, and the recognition and celebration of certified Dark Sky Places in our region.
Communities
HCA’s Communities Program builds connections across county lines, supporting rural leaders in protecting the unique character of their communities while promoting innovative approaches to building healthy, vibrant communities throughout the Texas Hill Country.
The Latest
Hackers target the Muleshoe, Texas water system – not for ransom, but as a test
According to cybersecurity experts, Texas is in the crosshairs of attempts by hackers trying to attack critical infrastructure. And it’s happening in unexpected places, like the tiny town of Muleshoe, Texas, where the water system overflowed in January after a hacker...
Texas pilot program 1st to convert drainage water into drinking water
The winds blow hard here in these rural, agricultural farmlands called the “delta” in deep South Texas, where water is considered “liquid gold,” and officials experiment with how to turn drainage water into drinkable water as this region wrestles with drought. On...
Texas developers love big thirsty lawns. That’s a huge problem for the State’s water supply.
If you’re a native Texan, or if you’ve lived here awhile, you’ve probably had it drilled into your head: don’t waste water. And you’ve likely noticed how our ever-hotter, ever-drier summers are wreaking havoc on our aquifers, reservoirs, rivers, trees, and landscapes....
Groundwater feeds creeks and imagination
Paul Babb chronicles his life by rivers. Born just south of the Red River, Babb recalls touchstone encounters with the Red before his family moved to the Brazos and later to the Sabine in East Texas. He has called the rivers of the Texas Hill Country home for more...
San Marcos River reports first North American river otters in 70 years
Summertime is on the horizon and it is just about time to hop into Central Texas rivers to escape the heat. Meanwhile, a long-missed river animal is also heading back to the cool waters. Otter sightings have reportedly been happening in the area, marking a change from...
Why we have lawns
Many envision the ‘perfect’ American lawn as a lush, uniform green carpet that covers their outdoor space. But beneath this verdant facade lies a complex social history and significant environmental dilemma. The lawns that stretch across the United States, covering an...