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
Lake Dunlap to completely drain after dam failure
Water continues to pour out of lake Dunlap, draining the lake after a spill gate failed early Tuesday morning. Officials say the lake, located in the northern portion of Guadalupe County on the Guadalupe River, will have completely drained by day’s end. “The lake...
May Director’s Notes: Get to Know Ted Flato
Dear Hill Country Neighbors, Spring is the time for neighbors to reach across fence lines, celebrate the good rains we’ve been enjoying, and get together to speak with a common voice for the Hill Country. From the Pedernales Potluck (a bi-annual landowner gathering...
Endgame: Water for a water district
For well over two years and spanning two legislatures, Kendall County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) No. 3 has searched for a source of water. It now appears that a source has been found, but only if the law that protects the Edwards Aquifer can be...
Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve opens
Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve, Buda, TX – Hays County and the family of the late Gay Ruby Dahlstrom today officially opened the nature preserve named in her honor. “This 384-acre preserve is the culmination of Gay Ruby Dahlstrom’s vision to share her love of the...
Kinder Morgan asks judge to throw out Permian Highway Pipeline lawsuit
Houston pipeline operator Kinder Morgan is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against a project to move natural gas from the Permian Basin of West Texas to the Gulf Coast. Citing various technicalities, lawyers representing the pipeline company filed a motion...
Hill Country Headwaters Conservation Initiative accepting applications for Regional Conservation Partnership Program
AUSTIN, Texas – Hill Country Conservancy (HCC), the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network and 18 partner organizations today announced Applications of Eligibility are now being accepted from farmers, ranchers and wildlife managers to take part in the $5.15 million...