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
America is using up its groundwater like there’s no tomorrow
Global warming has focused concern on land and sky as soaring temperatures intensify hurricanes, droughts and wildfires. But another climate crisis is unfolding, underfoot and out of view. Many of the aquifers that supply 90 percent of the nation’s water systems, and...
Concern growing about region’s future water needs
The Edwards Aquifer Authority is currently under a Stage 4 critical period management permit reduction for permit holders in Uvalde County. Edwards groundwater permit holders within Uvalde County are required to reduce their annual authorized pumping by 35%. The...
‘Like liquid gold’: Central Texans turning to rainwater collection amid drought
Even though there hasn’t been a consistent amount of rain in Central Texas for the last few months, one local business said many people are turning to them for rainwater collection tanks. It is in such high demand, one farmer is on a months-long wait list to get one....
SAWS to temporarily cut service of chronic offenders of water restrictions
The San Antonio Water System plans to temporarily cut service to customers who are chronic offenders of the water restrictions. This new penalty is in addition to over 6,000 citations SAWS has issued to their customers for violating restrictions. Read more from Kayla...
Residents concerned proposed private dam on South Llano River could affect Austin’s drinking water supply
Residents of Llano and Edwards counties are fighting a pending Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permit that could have implications on Austin’s drinking water supply. An application filed by Waterstone Creek LLC seeks authorization to “construct and maintain...
Heat, drought and population growth have stressed aquifers that supply water to millions of Texans
Almost every other day, Charlie Flatten gets a call about another local water well gone dry. Last week, he tried to help one woman find a water truck to fill her home cistern. But all the hauling companies had suspended service amid a deepening shortage in Central...