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
All droughts are not created equal
Although Texas is better prepared for drought now than in the late 1900s, the state is less ready for a repeat of the drought of record—or worse—than it was back then. If that sounds counterintuitive, it’s because all droughts are not created equal. Before the...
‘Home in the Hill Country’ photo contest seeks submissions
The Hill Country Alliance is accepting entries now through May 31 for its 2023 photo contest, "Home in the Hill Country." Original photography should capture the landscapes, water sources, wildlife, plants, and diverse people and communities of this part of Texas. The...
7 percent of water pipes in Texas are made of lead, new report shows
The first-of-its-kind report discovered that more than 647,000 of the water lines in our state are made of lead, and fixing that is going to come with a hefty price tag. “Texas has the fifth highest amount of lead pipes still in use in the United States," said ‘Inside...
Tubing destination, sacred natural resource — or both?
From her office overlooking Spring Lake, Dr. Christina Lopez has a view of the curious tourists, strolling locals, and excited schoolchildren who navigate the paths and exhibits surrounding the headwaters of the San Marcos River. It’s a fitting location for Lopez, a...
‘Nature-based solutions’ like trees and rain gardens can be cost-effective climate adaptations, advocates say
In early February, winter weather pummeled Austin, Texas, where “extreme weather” usually refers to sweltering temperatures, not ice storms. More than 100,000 city residents lost power because of the historic weather event, a recent example of why cities need to...
Fight over planned concrete plant has emotions running high in Garden Ridg
Residents of Garden Ridge — a town of about 4,000 just across the Comal County line from Bexar County — say they are concerned the plant would lead to increased dust and traffic, as well as the proposed site’s proximity to homes, a church and a preschool. Batch plants...