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
Texas on pace for worst wildfire year since 2011
Last week, nearly 100 firefighters from across Texas loaded up and headed west to join thousands of colleagues in an extended battle against massive wildfires burning across Northern California, one of which has become the largest in that state’s history. While the...
As lake levels drop, LCRA undergoes review that could lead to legislative changes
The Lower Colorado River Authority is in the midst of its first sunset review, which could result in the Texas Legislature mandating the entity make changes to its performance and mission. Organizations such as nonprofit Central Texas Water Coalition see the sunset...
August Director’s Notes: Introducing the Newest HCA Family Member!
Hill Country Neighbors, It’s easy to see why the Hill Country is one of the fastest growing regions in the Lone Star state. With the combination of friendly neighbors, family values and idyllic scenery - it provides a wonderful place to raise a family. And, raising...
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Offers Exceptional Opportunity to Help Wildlife, Business, and Texans in the Hill Country
With fish and wildlife populations under decline throughout the country, Hill Country Texans are hailing a new opportunity to reverse this trend. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, H.R. 4647 in the U.S. House of Representatives, would provide $1.3 billion...
Hill Country land comes back to life at Spicewood Ranch
Spicewood Ranch has evolved from a cattle ranch into a laboratory for management of native plants and habitat. Chris Harte acts like a proud papa as he points out a grove of tiny green, white and red flags sprouting alongside a gravel road cutting through his Hill...
SwRI, UTSA researchers map Edwards Aquifer with innovative new tracers
August 7, 2018 — Researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are using unique DNA-based tracers to characterize the recharge and flow patterns in the Edwards Aquifer. The work, led by Dr. Ronald Green of...