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
Uvalde County water district sues over change in Edwards Aquifer rules
The Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District is suing the Edwards Aquifer Authority over water-rights rules that the district said would threaten the amount of groundwater available to property owners west of San Antonio. The lawsuit centers on a...
Area groups, citizens have conservation conversations
As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation with 10,000 or more residents, according to Census Bureau statistics, officials say land conservation is a topic of concern in Comal County. The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, the Hill Country Alliance and the...
Landowners association to hear speakers
The Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas will begin its 2018 membership year with an informative pair of speakers at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Bandera Electric Cooperative Community Room. Jimmy Gaines, president of the Texas Land...
Cape Town Is 90 Days Away From Running Out of Water
After three years of unprecedented drought, the South African city of Cape Town has less than 90 days worth of water in its reservoirs, putting it on track to be the first major city in the world to run out of water. Unless residents drastically cut down on daily use,...
Dye tests show connection between Onion Creek and Middle Trinity
Initial results from an ongoing study have found Onion Creek is “hydrologically connected” to the Middle Trinity Aquifer, according to a memo to the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD). Doug Wierman, an independent geoscientist working with...
Panhandle Roadkill White-tailed Deer Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
A roadkill white-tailed deer collected by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel on U.S. Highway 87 between Dalhart and Hartley has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. This marks the first discovery of CWD in a Texas roadkill and the first case in a...