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
Paradise Lost: What the Texas Floods Swept Away
The flash flood warnings kept coming in over television. That is, until the power went out. The entire valley, I could see from my home on the hill, was plunged into pitch-blackness made all the worse by the sheets of rain. After a sheriff’s deputy came to the house...
Letting the River Heal
The good news is, the best thing you can do for your trees and river banks is to leave them alone. Please watch this video from Blanco Valley River Restoration Project and read this helpful information from the Texas Forest Service, Hays County Master Naturalists and...
Sen. Fraser Decides Against Running for Re-election
State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, announced Tuesday that he is not running for re-election, ending a tenure at the Capitol that has spanned four decades. "There comes a time when leaders must take a look at the trail they have blazed and reflect on all they...
Texas legislators mostly kept hands off local control
A simmering feud between state lawmakers and municipal leaders over local control never quite reached full boil this year. Spooked by Gov. Greg Abbott’s push against “unchecked overregulation” and by tea party Republicans who filed bills to limit local government,...
After Error, Hays County Groundwater Bill is Revived
A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents' water wells in light of a massive groundwater pumping project is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk —following an emotional week of political drama over an issue once considered local and relatively...
Legislative victory for Texas’ working lands
Texas Agricultural Land Trust: HB1925, authored by Representative Charlie Geren, will move the Texas Farm & Ranch Lands Conservation Program to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD is well-suited to ensure that the program meets its purpose,...