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
TPWD launches new “Texas Rivers” Conservation License Plate
Texans can help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department keep the state’s rivers healthy and flowing through their purchase of the new Texas Rivers conservation license plate, available now at www.ConservationPlate.org/Rivers. “The new plate design features a Texas...
Rainwater Revival Calls for Grant Applications from Hill Country Schools
For the seventh consecutive year, the Hill Country Alliance’s Rainwater Revival offers funds to help students learn about rainwater catchment and water conservation. As Texas Hill Country residents and businesses look for ways to conserve water, the Hill Country...
May 8 hearing to consider Amicus brief on eminent domain
Folks in Texas interested in the effects eminent domain might have on farms, ranches and private property in general may want to attend a hearing May 8 in Hondo, Texas, at the Medina County courthouse. The hearing will consider a request by Southwest Gulf Railroad to...
Dreamcatcher Ranch won’t be developed
Dreamcatcher Ranch, a key piece of the San Marcos River watershed upstream of Spring Lake, has been preserved in perpetuity with a conservation easement. The easement was completed this month by the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF) and the landowners, Karen and Don...
Creek health demands action
A stream of problems with aquatic invasive species was the topic at the Hill Country University Center last Thursday during the final Texas Water Symposium of the 2016-2017 series. The free symposium — a partnership project of Schreiner University, Texas Tech...
Texas Lone Star Land Stewards Recipients Named, Hill Country Landowners Kim Bergman and Pam Mabry Bergman Honored
AUSTIN – They restore vital woods and waters, help bring back diverse wildlife ranging from rare species to popular game animals, share their knowledge with neighbors, and open their gates to youth groups and researchers. They are recipients of the 2017 Lone Star Land...