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
Cindy Luongo Cassidy honored with International Dark-Sky award
The International Dark-Sky Association has recently recognized U.S. and international dark sky heroes for their contributions to combating light pollution. The 2017 award winners include the pioneer of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development...
America’s Next Great Metropolis Is Taking Shape In Texas
This is a post from last that is still very relevant today. If you drive south from Dallas, or west from Houston, a subtle shift takes place. The monotonous, flat prairie that dominates much of Texas gives way to a landscape that rises and ebbs. The...
Meadows Center Gets New Chief Water Policy Officer
Robert Mace, a senior scientist and deputy executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), will join The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. With more than 20 years of experience at the highest levels of state...
Backed by private capital, company plans heavy pumping in Trinity Aquifer
A local company’s plan to pump more water from the sensitive Trinity Aquifer to supply fast-growing northern Bexar and southern Comal counties is raising concerns after a New York private equity firm announced its financial support. Brightstar Capital Partners...
Community Unites Against Rock Crusher Site – Deadline for comments Oct. 31
The mayors of Cottonwood Shores and Marble Falls have jumped into the fray against plans for a rock crushing facility just off the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. 281 and Texas 71 in Burnet County. Cottonwood Shores recently joined several other cities,...
Director’s Notes – October 2017
If you’re a river lover like me, then you likely celebrated #WorldRiversDay last month on September 27. Rivers are an integral part of our communities. In fact, did you know there are 13 rivers that begin right here in the Texas Hill Country? More than just a place...