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
2011 Billboard News
November 2, 2011 Scenic Texas at Work This month’s “Scenic Views” a newsletter from Scenic Texas features an announcement of “This Space Available,” a feature documentary exploring grassroots efforts to deal with visual pollution worldwide. Learn more from Scenic...
November 2011 News Archive
November 30, 2011 It could take years for state's aquifers to fill A historic drought has depleted Texas aquifers to lows rarely seen since 1948, and it could take months — or even years — for the groundwater supplies to fully recharge, scientists who study...
Preserve created to help warbler, Camp Bullis
The San Antonio Express News reports: “An intricate land deal has been completed that will protect the military missions of Camp Bullis as well as habitat of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler north of San Antonio, officials said Wednesday. Three years in the...
October 2011 News Archive
October 17, 2011 Texas ranchers, farmers, seeing record losses in grip of drought, say, 'These are desperate times' Agricultural losses attributed to the drought have reached a record $5.2 billion, according to a report prepared by Texas A&M System's AgriLife...
September 2011 News Archive
September 28, 2011 DAVE MCNEELY: It's time to stop taking water for granted The water shortage in Texas can certainly use some prayers, and maybe even some rain dances. But it's going to take more than that — much more. That was the conclusion Saturday of panelists at...
Lake Travis Economic Impact Report unveiled
The lake dropped to its third lowest level in recorded history this week. It is currently sitting just below 630 feet. The Lake Travis Coalition, which compiled Thursday's report, found that when the lake falls below 661 feet, there's a big hit to those who rely on...