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
Spicewood area project calls for more than 3,000 homes
A $150 million project is expected to bring thousands of new rooftops and other development to the Spicewood area over the next 15 to 20 years — one of the largest master-planned communities proposed in recent years for a growing part of Central Texas. The 2,200-acre...
Developments and bonds in Gillespie County
Several noteworthy articles out of the Fredericksburg Standard this week, including this piece about an upcoming bond project that could finance new parkland for the City of Fredericksburg, and this one about a new subdivision coming into the north eastern corner of...
SB 740, 741 and 742 – Taking Aim at Eminent Domain Reform
The Texans for Property Rights Coalition applauds the filing of SB 740, 741 and 742 aimed at eminent domain reform. The bills expand upon progress made in landmark 2011 eminent domain legislation. The three bills, authored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, will help level...
Are There Any Lingering Drought Effects in Texas?
Micke Mecke | Ranch & Rural Living | Most of Texas has been blessed with average or above average rainfall for the past year or more! It is not uncommon to hear your TV weather folks say “The drought in Texas is over,” and often that is echoed in the local coffee...
Conference presentations from “Planning for Growth in Comal County”
Scientists, engineers, conservationist, and planners recently came together in New Braunfels for the two-day “Planning for Growth in Comal County” conference. The wide range of topics discussed included growth, public lands, watershed protection, and land...
Act today to protect and preserve rural Texas lands
It’s the beginning of another legislative session, and while water may not be top of the agenda, we’re never off the hook. Someday, this state will face another serious drought. Through its regional planning process, Texas is far ahead of most other states when it...