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
Natural gas pipeline will cross county
One of North America’s largest pipeline companies is looking to cross Gillespie County with a natural gas pipeline stretching from the Permian Basin to near the Gulf of Mexico. Kinder Morgan officials told the Standard-Radio Post on Tuesday it is or will soon be in...
Lake Austin fish habitat enhanced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, local partners
AUSTIN – Lake Austin, once considered to be one of the top trophy bass fishing destinations in the nation, has experienced a decline in natural fish habitat in recent years due to efforts to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Without plentiful habitat it can be a...
Devils River Landowners Say Wind Farms Threaten Wild Character of Texas’ Last Untamed River
Conflicts between energy producers and conservationists are nothing new in Texas, but a recent fight in Val Verde County centers around wind farms and whether they belong in one of the wildest natural areas left in the state. Members of the Devils River Conservancy,...
The deadly lure of city lights
Every Sept. 11, beams of light rise more than four miles into the night sky from the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in America’s most devastating terrorist attacks. The glowing columns elegantly trace the...
New Study: Riparian buffers Provide over $10,000/year/acre in reducing erosion, flooding, increased water purification, habitat, property values, more
A new study released Wednesday found just one acre of riparian forested buffer results in more than $10,000 in annual economic benefits, including reducing erosion and flooding, increasing water purification, wildlife habitat and property values. The study-- The...
Varsity Home Opener Spotlights City’s Environmental Cause
Wimberley, Texas, September 10, 2018 — Kick-off for the first Texan Varsity Football home game will be under Dark Sky Friendly lights Friday, September 14. Shining a spotlight on Wimberley Independent School District’s commitment to the city’s focus on environmental...