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
Clemente Guzman’s celebration of river life selected for 2021 Texas Book Festival poster art
The Texas Book Festival selected a painting titled Viva Texas Rivers! by San Antonio-based artist Clemente Guzman as the featured poster art for the 26th annual Texas Book Festival, held in Austin Oct. 25-31, 2021. The artwork celebrates the state’s life and culture...
This water is my water
An old fight over water is coming to a boil in Central Texas, a fight with all the conflict and character of an old western movie. There are farmers up in arms and big-city charmers, empire builders and nervous politicians. The very life of the prettiest river in...
Water worries in Texas, worldwide as weather extremes multiply
Water worries are a central element of growing concerns about climate change, which sometimes contributes to meteorological situations with far too much rain and sometimes to others with way too little. Either way, both flooding and drought/heat wave conditions, along...
Expert says a $3 billion infusion won’t solve the state’s water infrastructure problems — ‘but it’s a good start’
Water infrastructure systems across Texas are falling into disrepair. This year, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state’s drinking water infrastructure the not-so satisfactory grade of a C-minus. And as Texas’ population continues to grow, experts say...
Nature can reduce costs, extend life of infrastructure projects
A newly published article could prompt discussion around adoption of construction designs and methods that utilize nature to cut costs, extend project lifecycles and improve ecological synergy, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist. The lead author...
Texas groundwater supplies in danger, reports say
Across Texas, groundwater is being pumped out of aquifers so quickly that more wells are in danger of going dry, and more springs and surface water may begin to dry up, according to two reports released on Tuesday. Statewide, Texas is losing groundwater at nearly...