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
Single-use container ban in San Marcos parks is ‘definitely a win’ for the river
The City of San Marcos passed a “can ban” ordinance banning single-use beverage containers on the San Marcos River within city limits and in certain areas of city parks. This includes, but is not limited to, single-use containers made of metal, aluminum, cardboard,...
Pushback against wastewater disposal near Texas’ ‘best-kept secret’
A milk jug of muddy water accompanied one landowners comments at a meeting Monday night. The brown liquid was meant to represent effluent, wastewater that has been treated and then reused. Read more from Eric Henrikson with KXAN here.
Wimberley water agencies prepare to act against Aqua Texas for alleged violations
At a joint meeting Friday, conservation agencies shared their plan to act against water utility company Aqua Texas for allegedly failing to comply with local conservation guidelines. Read more from Mercedez Hernandez with KXAN here.
In the Hays County city of Kyle, swift growth stirs up a fight over wastewater
Environmental advocates are pushing back against the city of Kyle’s plan to expand its wastewater treatment plant — a step city leaders say is necessary to keep up with rapid population growth. Kyle — which is in northern Hays County, between San Marcos and Austin...
Camp Bullis protection program receives $502K grant
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced the awarding of a $502,000 grant that will fund a groundwater study as part of an initiative meant to protect the Camp Bulls military mission and the surrounding area. Read more from Edmond Ortiz with Community...
‘We need more’: Despite recent rains, San Antonio area still locked in drought
Parts of Central Texas, including San Antonio, have seen a rainy start to 2024, with more than six inches of precipitation in January. But the Bandera area has seen far less — just two inches in the past month. And that matters across the region, because many of the...