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
October Pedernales Newsletter Available
HCA's Pedernales-specific newsletter was mailed this week with news and events from across the basin. This month's email profiles a brand new report released by the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment to answer the question: "How Much Water is in the...
Llano River Watershed Week in Review
The Watershed Week in Review from the Llano River Watershed Alliance covers important topics impacting citizens, land, water and wildlife along the Llano River. This week's newsletter: "Bush nonprofit partners with State and Feds to Restore Monarch Population," "3...
Film addresses lessons and future strategies following Blanco River flood
The Texas Hill Country, known as “Flash Flood Alley”, is a semi-arid region known for extended periods of drought interrupted by significant flooding events. The Memorial Day flood along the Blanco River was one of the most devastating on record. Citizens and...
Needmore Ranch seeks giant groundwater pumping permit
CARD Urges Complete Evaluation and Public Meeting Just east of Wimberley along the Blanco River lies the 5,000 acre Needmore Ranch owned by McAllen businessman Greg LaMantia. This ranch made headlines in 2013 when the Texas Legislature approved a 4,000 acre Municipal...
Nurseryman Bill Neiman harvests native seed to restore Texas prairies
As a child growing up on the rural outskirts of Dallas in the 1950s, Bill Neiman loved to plant himself beneath the native horse apple trees in his family’s backyard. Water hose in hand, he created rivers and lakes for his imaginary little people in the make-believe...
Government Canyon State Natural Area Celebrates 10th Anniversary
“If you have never been to Government Canyon, you will be amazed”, says Government Canyon Superintendent Chris Holm. “Surprisingly, it’s only a few minutes from San Antonio. Many people don’t even know we are here but when they find us, they are amazed by the peaceful...