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
Who is ‘Edwards,’ anyway? 5 things to know about the Edwards Aquifer.
You’ve likely heard about the Edwards Aquifer, especially over the past few drought-stricken years. The groundwater system provides water for more than 2 million people, and water levels in recent months have dictated watering restrictions, making them a tangible...
Exploration Green shows stormwater management possibilities
Texas Water Resources Institute held its semi-annual Texas Watershed Coordinator Roundtable in Houston Oct. 9-10. The two-day tour and roundtable is part of the Watershed Planning Short Course program and brings together watershed coordinators and other water resource...
The Fight for Water Begins – Preserve our Hill Country Environment
I am Milann Guckian, president of Preserve our Hill Country Environment (PHCE) Foundation. It was January 2022 that I last wrote about our ongoing battle with Vulcan Construction Materials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) regarding the proposed...
Central Texas leaders take action as labor shortage looms in the water industry
crisis is happening in the water industry. High rates of retirement and difficulty filling positions have resulted in a water and wastewater operator shortage in Central Texas and across the state. This is on top of the critical water supply issues the KVUE...
After outcry, Texas State backs off plan to sell outdoor retreat
After facing backlash from the community, Texas State University officials have backed off their plan to sell an outdoor reserve that is set aside for for students and alumni. The Texas State University System, the body that oversees the San Marcos campus, was...
Wimberley’s Dark Sky Place of the Year award could mean bigger eclipse crowds
The City of Wimberley was recognized as Dark Sky Place of the Year by the nonprofit organization DarkSky International earlier this month. The city is now planning for more tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the stars and celestial events in Texas Hill Country....