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
Will the song of a single bird delay an Austin highway?
The song of a single endangered bird, detected by Austin biologists in April, could spell a years-long delay for a major Southwest Austin highway project. The builders of the proposed Texas 45 Southwest had reported as recently as last year that no golden-cheeked...
Fredericksburg peaches are ready — earlier than ever
We usually think of peaches in summer, but here in Central Texas, we know that “summer” starts earlier than everywhere else. And this year, summer has started even earlier for the Fredericksburg peach growers. According to TexasPeaches.com, last weekend was officially...
Dozens Caught in Land Rights Fight Over Trans-Pecos Pipeline
James Spriggs, a 70-year-old west Texas rancher, is dealing with what he calls a lose-lose situation. Spriggs owns a 4,400-acre ranch south of Marfa and is one of about 45 landowners in the Big Bend region recently slapped with a condemnation lawsuit by Energy...
New Native Pollinator Management Guidelines Available for Landowners Working to Achieve Wildlife Tax Valuation
Protecting native insect pollinators on private property now comes with new benefits for landowners. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Nongame and Rare Species Program developed new guidelines for landowners to develop wildlife management plans for their...
San Antonio Plots Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan
When San Antonio became the first Monarch Butterfly Champion City in December, people in the conservation community outside the city limits took notice. Mayor Ivy Taylor was the first mayor in the country to commit to all 24 recommendations on the National Wildlife...
Texas Water Development Board executive to head Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
The top executive of the state agency in charge of water planning across Texas will step down to lead the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. The GBRA’s board of directors approved Texas Water Development Board executive administrator Kevin Patteson to take over the job...