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
San Antonio’s Vista Ridge Pipeline project partners face off in legal dispute
In a move that could cause further turbulence for a proposed $3.4 billion San Antonio pipeline project, one groundwater company has sued another after it says it was cut out of money related to the deal. Brenham-based Metropolitan Water Company is suing Austin-based...
A Win for Land Conservation!
In a strong bipartisan action, the Senate voted 65-33 on Friday to pass the bill that will make the tax incentive for conservation easement donations permanent. This has been a priority for the Land Trust Community led by the Land Trust Alliance, follow their work on...
SEP Habitat Conservation Plan is approved
The Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP HCP) has been approved by US Fish and Wildlife. Read the release and learn more about this program that funds land conservation with development impact fees. This issue has not been without debate; read more...
Texas Water Symposium to explore the health and long-term sustainability of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
The first Texas Water Symposium of 2016 has been set for February 11th at Texas State University in San Marcos. The program will feature a conversation between leading groundwater scientists about the long-term health of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, and its ability to...
Change is on the horizon for HCA
After 10 years in the executive director’s chair, Christy Muse will be stepping down in February 2016 to become Director of External Relations of the Shield Ranch. HCA is poised and ready for this new opportunity. Read more from HCA President Leo Tynan. And, a...
Hill Country Alliance receives laptop computers from Padgett Stratemann & Co.
The Hill Country Alliance is the proud recipient of three gently used laptops through a computer donation program run by the San Antonio-based Padgett Stratemann & Company. Padgett Stratemann is a locally owned CPA firm, and their not-for-profit Computer Equipment...