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
Texas regulators report more than 250 new cases of groundwater contamination
Texas agencies reported 252 new cases of groundwater contamination during 2023 in the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee annual report. The latest report compiles 2,870 open cases of groundwater contamination, some of which date back decades. Nearly every county...
Austin has little to no ‘forever chemicals’ in its drinking water. What did the city do right?
New testing results show Austin has little to no traces of forever chemicals in its drinking water. Exposure to these chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, have been linked to prostate and kidney cancers, thyroid conditions, decreased...
Comal County officials, other Hill Country leaders discuss solutions for groundwater management
The Hill Country Alliance, a nonprofit organization based out of Dripping Springs, brought the diverse coalition together in an effort to preserve the natural resources the Texas Hill Country has to offer. The group discussed critical issues related to sustainable...
Environmentalists raise concerns about 1,100-home Hill Country project
A proposed 1,100-home development in the Hill Country has residents and environmental groups raising questions about the project's potential impact on the local water supply and the environment. Miami-based developer Lennar Corporation filed a permit application with...
City of Boerne co-sponsors One Water Conference, emphasizes sustainable water management
The conference underscored the importance of regional collaboration in water management and highlighted the City’s dedication to sustainable water management. “Effective water management isn’t just about what’s happening in one city; it’s about creating resilient...
Hill Country leaders gather for a meeting on water challenges and One Water solutions
On Wednesday, November 13, city leaders and staff from across 15 cities in Central Texas gathered for the second “One Water in the Hill Country” meeting, co-hosted by Hill Country Alliance (HCA) and the City of Boerne. This annual event provides the opportunity for...