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
Groundwater district prepares for damaging bills
Jessica Goode | Boerne Star | Trying to stay ahead of potentially detrimental legislation, Cow Creek Groundwater and Conservation District directors listened to a litany of proposed house and senate bills that threaten local control and aquifer sustainability. At the...
Sansom: A living memorial for Buffalo Bayou’s best friend
Five magnificent Bur oaks planted along Buffalo Bayou west of downtown in Eleanor Tinsley Park will be dedicated on Tuesday in memory of Terese Tarlton "Terry" Hershey. Hershey died in January at 94, leaving behind a legacy of conservation and activism as towering as...
Visit these at-risk Hill Country water sources, while you still can
Imagine sitting on the edge of a spring-fed pool with your feet dangling in the ice cold water on a hot summer's day. That vision might become a reality of the past. Caretakers of San Marcos, Comal, and Jacob's Well springs are struggling to protect sources of the...
‘No Land No Water’ campaign promotes conservation
When it rains in Texas, it falls predominantly on a privately-owned farm, ranch or timberland. How that land is managed will have consequences for the future of Texas water. That’s a cornerstone message of “No Land No Water,” a new public awareness campaign of the...
HCA Welcomes New Staff to Expand Landowner Outreach Program
The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) recently named Daniel Oppenheimer as its new Landowner Outreach and Development Manager to lead the organization’s efforts to connect with landowners in the Hill Country. Founded in 2005, the Hill Country Alliance is a non-profit...
50 Years Ago, This Was a Wasteland. He Changed Everything
J. David Bamberger discusses the restoration of Selah Bamberger Ranch Preserve in this National Geographic short film showcase from director Ben Masters. "My objective was to find the worst piece of land I could possibly find in the Hill Country of Texas and begin a...