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
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...
EAA recognizes TerraScena as “Aquifer Smart” community
TerraScena is a new 100% rainwater harvesting community in Dripping Springs. In addition to rainwater harvesting, the community focuses on green building materials and preserved natural green spaces. The Edwards Aquifer Authority has recently recognized TerraScena as...
How to save Texas’ crumbling parks
Andy Sansom: Having served as the executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the 1990s, I’m acutely aware of the chronic funding shortfall for Texas’ magnificent state and local park system. One of the most important things I learned during those...
San Antonio Voters Approve Conservation Funding
San Antonio voters overwhelmingly approved two conservation propositions today. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, which uses a one-eighth cent sales tax to purchase conservation easements over the aquifer's recharge zone, was approved by 78 percent of voters....
‘Tiny House Compound’ in Texas Goes Viral as ‘Bestie Row’
Fred Zipp was an editor of the Austin-American Statesman for 32 years. So when it came time for him and some friends to build a series of vacation homes outside Austin, alongside the Llano River, he was well aware of the conservation and environmental issues facing...