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
HCA Director’s Notes – March 2017
As the last cool days of winter seem to be fading from memory, it is a good time to reflect on how 2017 is shaping up in Texas. Spring arrived early this year, and one of the warmest winters on record has our highways popping with color before the first of March. At...
Judge blocks rule change allowing feral hog poisoning
A Texas Department of Agriculture rule change that would have permitted the use of warfarin-laced bait to poison feral hogs is on hold after a state district judge in Austin issued a temporary restraining order Thursday. Wild Boar Meats, a meat processing business,...
The Texas Night Sky Festival will shine brightly once again
Close to 3,000 people attended the inaugural Festival in 2016. Back for its second year, on March 18, at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., thousands will again come together for a celebration of the starlit skies of Texas. This year, the Texas...
BU and CGMF collaborate on innovative, long-term Texas water management project
Boston University's Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) and the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation (CGMF) announced the funding and pursuit of a series of studies with the goal of assessing how siloed municipal water agencies in the state of Texas can...
The Hill Country Alliance’s 11th annual photo contest kicks off March 1
Capturing Conservation: The Land, Water, and Spirit of the Texas Hill Country - The Texas Hill Country is a unique region of pristine springs, sprawling landscapes, diverse wildlife, star-filled skies, historic towns and hidden oases. With a rapidly growing...
TPWD Announces New Paddler Camp Sites on Iconic Devils River
The Devils River is one of the premier paddling and fishing destinations in Texas, drawing outdoor enthusiasts each year to enjoy the preserved natural beauty, excellent sport fishery, and native wildlife along its clear waters. But the river is not for the faint of...