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
Twinkle twinkle little Star Party
Steven Santana | Castroville News Bulletin | Clear skies and a starry night at the Castroville Regional Park presents an opportunity to educate families on the preservation of the night skies. Budding and experienced stargazers gathered in the park soccer fields last...
Meet the former first lady who helped make Austin, Texas, one of the most popular cities in the US
Austin, Texas is the place to be. US News & World Report rated the Texas capital as the best place to live this year. It's also a great spot if you're looking for a job or seeking a high quality of life. It's clear that life is pretty good in ATX. This is largely...
Fredericksburg applies for International Dark Sky Community designation
On May 15th, the Fredericksburg City Council passed a resolution affirming its support for the City’s application to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for a Dark Sky Community designation. The resolution, proposed to Council by Kate Peake of the Hill...
Texas parks boosters approach lawmakers once again for more money
Two years ago, George Bristol, perhaps Texas’ chief booster for state parks, thought he had scored a coup when lawmakers passed a measure that appeared to ensure that nearly all the tax revenue raised through the sale of tennis rackets, soccer balls, kayaks and other...
Reimagined Alamo Plaza Design Ignores 1871 Deed by Enclosing Plaza
In 1871, the Catholic Bishop of the State of Texas, Claude Marie Dubuis, sold the galera, an Americanism for “shed” referring to the rectangular structure that included the Alamo barracks, south gate, and jail, to the City of San Antonio for $2,500. The deed included...
Could landowners switch groundwater districts?
As House Bill (HB) 4122 passed the Texas House of Representatives on third and final reading, State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) said he is afraid the bill will “set a bad precedent” for groundwater protection in the future. Isaac said the controversial bill,...