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
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm awarded REI grant to expand access to natural places in Texas
The Cibolo Nature Center & Farm was awarded a $10,000 grant from specialty outdoor retailer REI for recreational trail improvements to increase public access to wild, open places in Texas, executive director Carolyn Chipman Evans said Thursday. “We are honored to...
Finding Nature Near You Just Got Easier
Nature Rocks Texas is making it easier for families to get outside and connect with nature. The Nature Rocks Texas website brings together parks, nature centers, zoos, natural areas and nature-based programs and events all in one place. Did you know that Texas has 15...
Before Central Texas Flooding, Officials Sounded Alarm
When some residents of Wimberley woke up early Sunday morning to flooding inside their homes, the fear and surprise were palpable: The Texas Hill Country had been going through a record, multiyear drought. But just three months earlier, local officials had voiced...
Contested Case Hearing legislation signed by the Governor
Senate Bill 709, which will become law Sept. 1, scales back contested-case hearings, a process that allows landowners and the public to challenge industrial TCEQ permits such as sand and gravel operations and wastewater discharges in and along Hill Country rivers....
Award for Llano River Field Station
James Murr, The Junction Eagle: Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station in Junction has been selected for the “Education and Public Service Award” given by the Universities Council on Water Resources. The award recognizes “contributions to increased public...
Tomorrow: Public Forum – San Antonio’s Water Future: Better Alternatives (to the Vista Ridge deal)
Public Forum: San Antonio's Water Future: Better Alternatives (to the Vista Ridge deal) and better ways of engaging the whole community in deciding and realizing that Water Future Tuesday, May 19 -- 6:30-8:30 pm. Location: at Trinity University, in Northrup Hall 040...