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
New Commitment to Bring Back the Monarch
This week the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced what many have noticed for the past 20 years- monarch butterfly numbers are on a precipitous decline. Over the past 25 years an estimated 970 million monarchs have disappeared, largely due to loss of...
Dripping Springs residents strategize how to stop proposed concrete plant
A plan to build a concrete batch plant northwest of Dripping Springs has created an uproar among some residents. The plant, which would be operated as Dripping Wet Concrete, has received a preliminary approval for an air quality standard permit, according to documents...
Austin selected for 2015 Designing Cities conference
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) – considered one of the country’s most innovative transportation organizations – has selected Austin as the site of its 2015 Designing Cities Conference. Read more from Statesman.com.
Hays County Passes Water Resolution
On February 3 Hays County Commissioners’ Court took an important first step, in order to, start the process for legislation to address un-regulated commercial pumping of our groundwater resources. Commissioner Conley is encouraging all jurisdictions in Hays County and...
Stormwaters Brewing on the Llano River
“I am a rural Texan family farmer. I am a downstream stakeholder/landowner. I have surface water rights that run with my land. These rights and this river I guard intensely, for they are integral to my livelihood and my children’s future. As some say, they are...
NASA Satellite Will Improve Drought Forcasting With a Little Help From Texas
A satellite launched by NASA over the weekend could help people around the world tackle the challenges of drought. Researchers at the University of Texas will play a part in that mission that could also help forecast flooding and allow officials to better manage...