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
Oppenheimer to speak on land stewardship
The public is invited to attend a talk sponsored by the Hill Country Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists in Kerrville on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. featuring Daniel Oppenheimer, land program director at the Hill Country Alliance. Oppenheimer will be presenting “Land Stewardship...
City, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance continue battle against Hill Country wastewater plant
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality voted Wednesday to grant a contested case hearing to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) and landowner Ann Toepperwein in opposition of a wastewater permit for a plant...
Central Texas water company under fire again for wanting to raise prices for customers
Aqua Texas is proposing a rate hike for water and wastewater services in the Wimberley area, and customers aren't thrilled. The Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings hosted a hearing on Wednesday to consider the proposition. The water utility company wants to...
50 murals in 50 small towns: How public art can revive communities
In the Spring, Emma Durand-Wood, a longtime Strong Towns contributor, concluded the same while planning a neighborhood walk. “We typically think of public art as about adding character, personality, beauty or visual interest to a place. Part of that can be...
Shield Ranch Barton Creek named the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas
DarkSky International officially certified Shield Ranch Barton Creek as an Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP). Shield Ranch joins three neighboring designated International Dark Sky Places; Dripping Springs and Bee Cave, Texas – both International Dark Sky Communities – and...
Shield Ranch Barton Creek named first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas
“Shield Ranch is Texas’s 20th International Dark Sky Place certified in the International Dark Sky Places program. In addition to three Developments of Distinction, there are now 23 internationally recognized sites in the state that have gone above and beyond in the...