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
Will Texas lawmakers ax tree ordinances in more than 50 cities?
Dozens of cities and towns in Texas have ordinances aimed at protecting trees. During the special legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott wants to change that. Last month, when Dallas resident Cindy Beatty drove to a nearby Home Depot to buy some plants for her home,...
Dripping Springs P&Z greenlights 189-acre Heritage development
An ordinance and several agreements allowing for a development to begin in the 189-acre Heritage subdivision passed a substantial hurdle. The Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a Planned Development District (PDD) ordinance, as...
Zebra Mussels Discovered in Canyon Lake
Invasive zebra mussels have now been positively identified in the Guadalupe River Basin in what is now the state’s southernmost affected lake. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) fisheries biologists and game wardens confirmed the presence of zebra mussels at...
Austin Parks: We’re No. 46
The Trust for Public Land (www.tpl.org) has released its annual "ParkScore" index, and reports that Austin ranks 46th among the 100 largest U.S. cities in ratings for park access, size, and facilities and investment. According to the Trust's release, Austin's park...
Commentary: Legislation not good for Kendall County
Milan J. Michalec | Boerne Star | An Open Letter to Sen. Campbell and Rep. Biedermann, I have been following and actively commenting on SB 2273 to create Kendall County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) No. 4 by (Sen. Donna) Campbell since it was filed on...
Texas Sues to Kick Bird Off Endangered Species List
The Texas General Land Office and Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, are suing the federal government to take the golden- cheeked warbler off the endangered species list. Their lawsuit, filed on Monday, argues that the golden-cheeked warbler...