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
Groundwater key to Southwest water policy
Western water conversations often revolve around rivers and streams. But water beneath the surface is just as important in shaping water policy and preparing for the future. Hydrologists and water planners from the western U.S. gathered at a National Groundwater...
February 2020 citizen scientist spotlight: Tyson Broad
In addition to serving as the Watershed Coordinator for the Llano River Watershed Alliance, Tyson Broad serves on the Steering Committee of the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network. Texas Stream Team is welcoming 2020 with Tyson Broad as the first Citizen Scientist...
TCEQ awards Meadows Center $350,000 for Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University has been awarded a $351,101 grant from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement Years 4-6 of the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan (WPP). The Cypress Creek WPP is...
Festival in Dripping Springs celebrates Hill Country living
The Hill Country Living FESTIVAL + Rainwater Revival returns to the Dripping Spring Ranch Park on Saturday, April 4, from 10am to 5pm. This free, one-day event promises something for everyone who loves the Texas Hill Country — whether you call it home now, plan to...
Tandy Hills Natural Area: A lasting legacy
I first started to get excited in late December 2019 when I first heard about the City of Fort Worth's new, Open Space Acquisitionsprogram. After watching the City Council work session video, I could tell they were serious. District 7 Rep, Kelly Allen Gray, actually...
Officials: San Antonio should continue managing Edwards Aquifer program, not give it to SAWS
San Antonio should keep a program aimed at protecting the Edwards Aquifer if voters choose to shift sales tax money that funds the program to instead boost public transit, city officials said Wednesday. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has sought to settle the fate of the Edwards...