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 approves $29M for water, wastewater projects
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has recently approved financial assistance totaling $29,784,375 for four regions’ water, wastewater, and flood projects...The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with...
‘A theme park’: Brackenridge neighbors protest expanding Sunken Garden Theater in San Antonio
Blanquita Sullivan grew up in the River Road neighborhood she still calls home — next to Brackenridge Park just north of downtown and off Broadway. Living next to the park has given her the chance to chat with bird-watchers and observe Easter holiday celebrations, car...
Rapid development of Comal County brings concerns about the aquifer
Comal County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and it’s no secret why. The scenery is beautiful. But for some, that is exactly why development is concerning. Much of Comal County sits over the contributing and recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer....
How does the Edwards Aquifer work & why is it so heavily regulated? KSAT Explains
SAN ANTONIO – If you’re a regular KSAT 12 viewer, you’ve seen it before - our Weather Authority team reporting on the Edwards Aquifer’s water levels. The aquifer is the primary source of water for millions of us around South Central Texas and the Hill Country. Its...
Hill Country State Park sees additional protection from land development threat
New conservation protections are being added in Comal County thanks to the combined efforts of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to safeguard Honey Creek Spring Ranch from...
High-end, luxury home’ community coming to Dripping Springs
A new luxury master-planned community is coming to Dripping Springs, with Nashville-based developer Southern Land Company (SLC) promising “high-end” homes in the Texas Hill Country. On Monday, SLC announced it closed on its first land acquisition in Dripping Springs,...