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
Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District cancels confirmation and board elections, citing funding concerns
After a month and a half of planning and securing election funding on Tuesday from Travis County Commissioner’s Court,the temporary board for the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District unexpectedly voted in a unanimous decision Friday afternoon...
How an endangered salamander forced a Texan city to save water
When it comes to water, San Antonio may be the world’s most forward-thinking city. But it learned to conserve a precious resource the hard way – and from an unlikely teacher This weekend in San Antonio, a new park is opening in one of the poorer neighborhoods just...
Community members protest permit for proposed Vulcan Quarry
Annalisa Peace | Greater Edwards Aquifer Authority | Around 500 Comal County citizens recently attended a TCEQ meeting at the New Braunfels Civic Center to protest a permit for a new Vulcan Quarry proposed for the intersection of FM 3009 and Hwy 46. Vulcan Materials...
Dripping Springs dumping permit battle could be headed to state court
Two and a half years into a protracted battle between the city of Austin, environmental groups and the city of Dripping Springs over whether the Hays County city should be allowed to dump treated sewage into Onion Creek, a state commission will likely decide Wednesday...
Young Pioneers set their sights on protecting the night skies
Recently the High School special projects group called the Young Pioneers has added a new direction to their program to support and educate the public regarding some other stars in Mason. In addition to their rainwater catchment project, they have begun to look at...
State permit sought for second concrete plant on Texas 46 east of Boerne
A concrete batch plant proposed on Texas 46 by Vulcan Materials has sparked intense opposition, including from Kendall County, but a similar project taking shape just down the highway has garnered comparatively little attention. Corvara West LLC applied last July for...