Hill Country Alliance

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Hill Country Alliance

Working for the land, water, starry night skies, and thriving communities of the Texas Hill Country

06/19/2026

New video alert! 🎥

Ligustrum and chinaberry are two of the most common invasive woody plant species found in the Texas Hill Country. These non-native trees spread quickly, crowd out native plants, and can negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem function.

In our newest video, HCA's Landowner Outreach and Stewardship Manager, Lauro Martinez, joins Texas Parks and Wildlife to show you how to identify these invasive species and explore practical methods for removing them and restoring healthy riparian areas.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/fpErRKDV9gg

06/18/2026

Last month, HCA’s Leadership Institute gathered in New Braunfels for a conversation on engaging with the state legislature. Local leaders from across 8 Hill Country counties connected with executive leadership from Texas Parks and Wildlife and representatives of 7 legislative offices, including Representative Don McLaughlin (District 80).

As we discussed effective ways for the Hill Country as a region to engage with the Legislature, we were inspired by all the speakers and local leaders who joined the Institute for the day’s programming. Capitol staffers spoke candidly about the best ways for local leaders to be heard by their representation at the Capitol, encouraging engagement now during the interim rather than just during the session.

Major thanks to Headwaters at the Comal for hosting us in such an inspiring spot, and to guests Mayor Yvonne Flores-Cale (The City of Kyle, TX - Local Government) and Mayor James Mayer (City of Spring Branch) for joining and greatly contributing to the conversation, and to 2026 Leadership Institute member Candace Morrison, Councilmember from Junction, TX.

06/10/2026

The River Will Heal!

Last November, we stood alongside nearly 50 flood-impacted landowners along the banks of the Guadalupe River at the Riverside Nature Center Association, looking out at a landscape that had been dramatically changed by flooding. In that moment, it was hard to imagine what recovery would look like, but we shared a message of hope: The river will heal.

A few months later, we partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M Forest Service to harvest and plant live stakes along the same stretch of river. Since then, nature has been quietly doing what it does best. Today, the once-barren riverbank is coming back to life with wildflowers, native grasses, and budding tree stakes.

These photos are a powerful reminder that restoration takes time. Rivers recover one season at a time, one native plant at a time, and one community effort at a time.

If your property was impacted by the floods, we invite you to join us on July 12–13 for our next native plant distribution. We'll be giving away more than 8,000 native potted plants to help restore riverbanks and strengthen the health of our waterways. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/NativePlantsGiveaway

Together, we're helping the river heal!

06/09/2026

Native plants are putting on quite a show across Texas right now!

HCA recently hosted a meeting at Headwaters at the Comal, and we couldn’t help but stop and admire the incredible display of wildflowers outside. While recent rains haven’t erased the impacts of years of drought, they have created the perfect conditions for native plants to thrive.

Drought tolerant natives like prairie coneflowers, verbena, firewheel, mealy blue sage, and standing cypress can survive with limited rainfall — but when spring rains arrive, they really show off!

Native landscaping doesn’t just add Texas beauty to your yard. It can also:
✔️ Reduce outdoor irrigation
✔️ Support pollinators
✔️ Create a more resilient landscape during drought

Interested in bringing native plants into your own landscape? Join us next Tuesday, June 16, for our free Native Landscaping Templates webinar! We’ll share practical tools and resources —including our new resource "Native Landscaping Templates for the Hill Country"— to help you get started.

🎟️ Register today bit.ly/NativeLandscapingWebinar

06/08/2026

Looking for practical ways to conserve water this summer? Our partners at RainBees are hosting educational programs throughout the summer on topics like rainwater harvesting, wicking container gardening, finding leaks, and native landscaping. These hands-on sessions are a great way to pick up practical tips for conserving water at home.

Learn more and view upcoming programs: https://www.rainbees.com

06/03/2026

What does it mean to create an aging-friendly Hill Country?

That question brought more than 40 community members together in Bandera on Saturday for a meaningful day of conversation, learning, and connection at our Rural Roundup. From inspiring presentations by representatives of 13 organizations across the region to group Chair Yoga, Silver Sneakers balance exercises, and thoughtful discussions about how we support our elders in the Rural Hill Country, the day was filled with curiosity and collaboration.

A heartfelt thank you to Village of Hope, Sharla Morrison, Ben Hidalgo, our incredible speakers, TJ’s Old Forge, our steering committee, and our partners at the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country for helping make this special event possible.

Together, we're exploring how to reframe aging, strengthen support for our elders, and build a more connected and welcoming Hill Country for people of all ages. 💚

05/31/2026

LAST CALL for the 2026 Home in the Hill Country Photo Contest! 👏 Today is the last day to submit your four best photographs spotlighting the people, wildlife, and plants that call the Hill Country home.

Landscape-style submissions from photographers of all skill levels and styles are accepted. In addition to internet fame, winners will receive a cash prize AND a spot in the 2027 Hill Country Calendar!

Thank you to all who have already entered and participated in this year's contest — we have seen some STUNNING work. Learn more and submit your photos: contest.hillcountryalliance.org

📸: John Pace - Singing for a Mate

05/29/2026

We’ve been LOVING these slow, gentle rains across the Hill Country these past several weeks. How much rain have y’all received lately? Share your totals in the comments below, Hill Country! You can also check the Texas Water Development Board’s Texas Mesonet for the latest rainfall totals and river flow information across the state: https://www.texmesonet.org/

📸 Michelle Graham, “Dew & Sun-Kissed Grasses After a Rain” (2025)

05/28/2026

Do you own or help steward property along the Guadalupe River or one of its tributary creeks? On June 12-13, the Hill Country Alliance and partners will be hosting a FREE native plant distribution event in Center Point for landowners impacted by the July floods across the Guadalupe River Basin.

More than 7,000 native grasses and sedges were specifically chosen to help stabilize streambanks, improve water quality, and support long-term river recovery. Registration and access moist riparian areas are required to participate and revegetate the river. Participation is open to landowners with access to moist riparian areas suitable for revegetation. Registration is required and space is limited!

Register here: bit.ly/NativePlantsGiveaway

Special thank you to all of our partners: The Community Foundation, Kerr County River Foundation, KERR Together, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, and Mosty Brothers Nursery

📸 Jerry Sargent

05/27/2026

🗣️ Time is running out! There are only a few days left to enter our 2026 Photo Contest before submissions close this Sunday, May 31.

From spring wildflowers and scenic landscapes to diverse wildlife and Texas skies, we want to see your favorite Hill Country views through your lens! 📸

And don’t forget — voting is open to everyone, whether you’ve submitted a photo or not! Cast your vote for your favorite Hill Country photo and help one talented photographer win the People’s Choice Award, a cash prize, and a feature in the 2027 Texas Hill Country Calendar.

Don’t miss your chance to submit, vote, and celebrate the beauty of the Texas Hill Country with us! contest.hillcountryalliance.org

Address

1322 West Highway 290, Suite D
Dripping Springs, TX
78620

Telephone

+15128942214

Website

http://www.hillcountryalliance.org/

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