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
Defending Local Control
by Leo Tynan Letter to the Editor of the Fredericksburg Times Standard In a recent speech to the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Governor-elect Greg Abbott had some things to say that should leave the people of the Texas Hill Country uneasy. Stating that some Texas...
Hill Country Science Mill Grand Opening, February 14
The Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City will be hold its Grand Opening Celebration February 14 from 10am -6pm. Included will be a presentation by Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve as well as live music and fun activities. Proceeds from the Grand Opening will...
Edwards Aquifer Dispute forum on Tuesday in San Marcos
The pumping of water from the Edwards Aquifer, the enormous underground cave system beneath Central Texas, has long been a topic of fierce dispute, involving property rights, endangered species, and drinking water needs. Leading policy-makers, scientists,...
Unregulated Pumping Threatens Trinity Aquifer
“These wells are being drilled THROUGH and BELOW the Edwards Aquifer into the underlying Trinity Aquifer, the aquifer that supplies the groundwater for western Hays County, including the Wimberley and Dripping Springs areas (not to mention most of Blanco, Kendall,...
Greater San Antonio Area residents eliminate more than 1 million vehicle trips in 2014
Residents of Greater San Antonio area reduced the number of vehicle trips taken on area roads by more than 1 million during 2014, according to AACOG, who sponsors NuRide, an online carpool matching, alternative transportation tracking, and reward system. The...
New York executive tapped to lead Waller Creek Conservancy
Peter Mullan, who helped lead the critically acclaimed redevelopment of New York City's High Line park, has been tapped to lead the Waller Creek Conservancy, which is itself looking to dramatically reshape Waller Creek into a lush greenbelt park running through...