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
The Blanco River Flood: The Healing Has Begun
In this TWA Magazine article, retired NRCS biologist Steve Nelle explores the history of major floods in the Hill Country and what lessens we should take away from the Memorial Day 2015 flooding of the Blanco River. One of Nelle’s most important messages? “A healthy...
Warbler Science Matters
“The golden-cheeked warbler already has an uncertain future as more and more land is developed in the Hill Country,” said Joan Marshall, director of Texas Audubon. “That’s why the science is so important — to base listing decisions on the best science available....
An exploration of the long-term viability of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
The first 2016 Texas Water Symposium will be held February 11th at 7 p.m. at Texas State University. Dr. Robert Mace of Texas Water Development Board will moderate a panel of hydro-geologists to take close look at the health and sustainability of the Carrizo-Wilcox...
Public participation encouraged in groundwater management process
Every five years the general public has the opportunity to weigh in on the Desired Future Condition (DFC) of our aquifers. Regional Groundwater Management Areas (GMAs) are in the process of determining management goals for Hill Country aquifers. Currently the Trinity...
Encourage the next generation of environmental Stewards!
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Empowers New Environmental Leaders Nonprofit Group Announces 2016 Regional Legacy Camp at Shield Ranch Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center through the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CiNCA) is partnering with the Children...
Texas Land Use: A Comprehensive Land Resource Management Study
In 1973, during the administration of Governor Dolph Briscoe, the Governor’s Office authorized a comprehensive study of land resource management in Texas. At that time, as described in the forward to the study, our state was beginning to face...