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

2010 Land Stewardship News

December 28, 2010 Texas Land Conservancy announces Llano County easement Joyce Lucas, owner of the Birk-Sommerfeld Heritage Ranch (Llano County), donated a conservation easement on the 444-acre working ranch in December 2010 in order to protect it forever from the...

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2010 Habitat Conservation News

November 22, 2010 Critics of Habitat Plan are Spouting Nonsense The most important thing the public needs to know about the proposed plan is that it is completely voluntary. No one who doesn't want to participate would have to do so at any price.” Read SA Express-News...

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2010 Conservation Easement News

December 28, 2010 Texas Land Conservancy announces Llano County easement Joyce Lucas, owner of the Birk-Sommerfeld Heritage Ranch (Llano County), donated a conservation easement on the 444-acre working ranch in December, 2010 in order to protect it forever from the...

read more

2010 Water Quality News

August 9, 2010 TCEQ Draws Flak for Studies That Might Result in Weaker Water Quality Standards The efforts of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to weaken water quality standards for numerous Texas streams through so-called “recreational use” studies...

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2010 Water Planning News

January 25, 2010 Gov. Perry Names Timmerman Chair of Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors Read more here. November 17, 2010 Will Water Rights Be on the Legislature's Agenda? Next legislative session, during the few minutes not taken up with the budget,...

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2010 Water Conservation News

December 16, 2010 Water Conservation Council to continue and loan offered for Bastrop area water Sunset Advisory Commission chair Glenn Hegar opted on Thursday to withdraw a suggestion that the state Water Conservation Advisory Council be abolished. Read full...

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