Our Work

Oak trees sprawl out, casting shade over a yellow field of tall grass.

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.

Sunset fades over red trees and the flowing water of a rocky creek

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.

The Milky Way illuminates a brilliant blue, starry sky over a Hill Country river.

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.

A little boy in cowboy boots and a button down shirt swings a rope in the middle of a rodeo arena.

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

2013 Water Conservation News

October 20, 2013 Which activities use the most water? In April, 2013, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), utility provider for the New Braunfels area, created a water usage exhibit to educate the community on which activities use the most water. Learn More August 15, 2013...

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2013 Rainwater Harvesting News

November 12, 2013 Sustainability focus of Rainwater Revival “We’re dealing with so many water challenges in the state, particularly here in the Hill Country. There are a lot of unknowns like how to solve the complex water problems and rainwater harvesting is just a...

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2013 Groundwater News

December 13, 2013 2014 Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship Scholarship Essay Contest The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) is now soliciting applications and essays for the 2014 Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship...

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2013 Drought News

December 4, 2013 Is the Drought Over Yet? Across the Hill Country, other aquifers, which provide vital spring water for many rivers, are very low and many of their springs and seeps have dried up. These aquifer-fed springs are not only key to local ranchers, but to...

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2013 Children in Nature News

September 26, 2013 Connecting Kids with Nature – Mike Mecke What’s Best for Texas? Electronics Whiz Kids Who Are Houseplants, or Computer-Savvy Kids Who Know and Love Nature? Don’t miss Mikes recent columnin Ranch and Rural living Magazine. August 16, 2013 Tools for...

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2013 Transportation Planning News

December 29, 2013 Saving Rural Roads: One-Man Mission Turns to Island-wide Effort Think of our scenic Hill Country roads as you read this story of rural character preservation from Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Gazette. November 5, 2013 CAMPO encourages more community...

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