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
Study: Deadly Wimberley floods rooted in weather patterns, intensified by development
The 40-foot wall of water that gushed down the Blanco River in May 2015, wiping out parts of Wimberley and killing more than a dozen people, was largely a natural phenomenon. But a new study shows that development along the waterway made its impact on the fast-growing...
Tax valuation for songbirds?
Anyone interested learning more about requirements and best practices for Wildlife Tax Valuation can attend a two-part Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Click here for...
Schools in Mason and Center Point Win Rainwater Revival Grants to Fund Water Conservation Projects
Managers of the Rainwater Revival School Grant Program were happily overwhelmed with 6 grant applications from Hill Country schools this year. Though all projects had merit, the three judges made difficult choices and picked two deserving high schools in Mason and...
Meadows Center Reports Groundwater Significant To Pedernales River Flow
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University has released a series of reports that indicate groundwater provides a significant contribution of flow to the Pedernales River and Lake Travis. The Pedernales River is an important source of...
Drippings Springs wastewater proposal may impact local wells
The creek eventually flows into Barton Creek and into the Edwards Aquifer, where Austin sources its drinking water. The latest study by the Hays Trinity Ground Water Conservation District used pink dye to trace the water to nearby wells. At least three wells were...
Chile creates five national parks over 10m acres in historic act of conservation
The Texas Hill Country is roughly 11 million acres. Chile has recently announced 5 new national parks totaling 10 million acres. Chile has created five sprawling national parks to preserve vast tracts of Patagonia – the culmination of more than two decades of land...