The Watershed Association

Hill Country Living Festival + Rainwater Revival
2020-04-04 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, Texas, 78620
Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in 2020:

100+ vendors, exhibitors, and demonstration sites
Hill Country Marketplace for artists, artisans, and pop-up shops
Native plant sale from Hays County Master Gardeners
Citizen Science Circle – where science and citizens connect
Interactive Workshops

Build Your Own Rain Barrel (registration required)
Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping (registration required)

Raindrop Stop for Kids – hands-on, nature-based activities
Texas Night Sky Festival exhibits and demonstrations
The Mobile River from Colorado River Alliance
Acoustic music stage
Hill Country wine tasting
Tricked-out travel trailers
The Chicken Farm — and more!

The FESTIVAL is held Rain or Shine
Our event location is inside of the expansive Dripping Springs Ranch Park. All vendor and Marketplace booths are inside with concrete floors. The arena is also inside, but with compact dirt floor – perfect for boot scootin’ and easy walking!

Be a part of it!
Click here to become a vendor.
Click here to become a sponsor.
Click here for a list of last year’s sponsors.
Questions? Email: info@hillcountryalliance.org

Prairie Restoration Workshop
2020-02-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne, United States
Many grasslands in the Texas Hill Country have been badly degraded by poor stewardship and, and we are in bad shape. Fortunately, there are land restoration strategies that can be applied to increase the diversity and abundance of wildlife on the land. This workshop will cover land stewardship practices, preparation of old fields for restoration, selecting and sourcing native seeds, as well as grants and programs to assist with land restoration.
Presenters: Rufus Stephens, Ben Eldredge.

Register Now

Location: Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne

Contact Information:

Laurie Brown

laurie@cibolo.org

830.331.2210

7th Annual Amplify Austin Day
2020-02-29 - 2020-03-01 | Anywhere You Are!
Amplify Austin Day is the Central Texas region’s day of giving. It is a local generosity movement that connects individuals, families, businesses, and foundations with the causes they are passionate about to create real, lasting change for the local nonprofits that address our most pressing needs. On Amplify Austin Day, your gifts have the opportunity to be amplified through matching gifts and challenges, hourly prize incentives, and through the I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Fund, which is distributed to all participating nonprofits. Over the past seven years, Amplify Austin Day has raised more than $57 million for hundreds of local nonprofits. When you join your neighbors in giving back on Amplify Austin Day, you are helping your hometown thrive for decades to come!

Austin Cave Festival
2020-02-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739, United States
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 (10am-3pm)
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739rr
This free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, cave tours, live music, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a cave and see how water makes its way to the aquifer and Barton Springs, learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home, try on caving gear, and learn how to protect and conserve Austin’s water resources.
Austin Cave Festival is hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and the City of Austin (Austin Parks and Recreation Department; Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division and Watershed Protection Department).
In addition to caving, there will be lots of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, so the event will be held rain or shine!

Creating a Land Legacy: Comal County Landowner's Workshop
2020-02-21 09:30 - 15:30 | Anhalt Dance Hall, 2390 Anhalt Rd, Spring Branch, Texas, 78070
Click here to register for this event.

One Water: Cutting Costs & Protecting Our Aquifers
2020-02-14 09:00 - 15:30 | Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
The least expensive water is the water we already have. Communities can build water resilience through creative and thoughtful use of groundwater, surface water, rainwater, storm water, and wastewater. At this event, hear the latest success stories, learn from Texas water experts, and identify new collaborators. There’s not a minute to lose. Please join us.
Your registration is underwritten by the Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation. Registration is limited, so sign up now to join us.

Explorer's Guide Release Party
2020-02-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Oddwood Ales, Austin, TX, United States
The Explorer’s Guide to the Hill Country Oasis is here, come celebrate with us and pick up your very own copy! Continued thanks to all of our sponsors and contributors, who allow us to provide this resource to the public for FREE!
This print and online (https://explorersguide.org/) resource will help you become the explorer you want to be. It highlights sites that tell the story of our eco-region, a beautiful oasis of land and water! We hope that you will use and share it!
Beer, wine, and food for purchase on site. Food menu consists of thin crust pizza and other delicious Italian fare. Plus, Oddwood Ales has generously agreed to donate $1 from every beer sold to help SBCA fundraise for our efforts and for help in publication of the guide. Yay!
Don’t miss out on this fun event with our friends at Oddwood Ales and the Texas Brewshed Alliance (Wimberley Valley Watershed Association)! Come join us! Agenda to be posted soon.
**If the parking lot is full, feel free to park across the street on Theo, in the neighborhood behind Oddwood Ales on Manorwood Rd. Be careful when crossing Manor on foot!

Cold Ones for Conservation
2020-02-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Real Ale Brewing, 231 San Saba Ct., Blanco, Texas
Come join the Hill Country Alliance for a fun day in Blanco!
During the first quarter of 2020, Real Ale Brewing Company is partnering with the Hill Country Alliance and Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky on a special project: a single batch of their OG Full Moon Pale Rye Ale!
This will be on tap only, and $1 from every pint sold at the Blanco taproom will benefit the Hill Country Alliance. Come out and celebrate with us on Saturday, February 8th to meet the crew, and drink a few cold ones for conservation!
In 2020, HCA, BCFNS, and Real Ale Brewing Company are also working together to install a permanent sky quality meter at the Real Ale brewery. This device will measure the darkness of the night sky every night; the data collected will help all of us measure the impact of new development on our Hill Country night skies and give us an important teaching tool as we work together to minimize that impact. To celebrate, we will have a table with educational materials set up from 11 – 4 and HCA staff will give a brief presentation at 2:00 to unveil the new night sky quality meter.
The event is meant to be informal and FUN! Hill Country Alliance staff will be around to talk about our mission, what we do, and how you can get involved.
Click here for the Facebook event.

San Marcos & Blanco Riverine Flood Mitigations Project: Public Meeting
2020-02-06 18:00 - 19:00 | San Marcos Activity Center, San Marcos, 78666, United States

Blanco: Stop the Pipeline Community Potluck
2020-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Arnosky Family Farm, 13977 FM 2325, Blanco, TX, 78606, United States
Join Blanco Stop the Pipeline for their monthly Community Potluck !
⭐️Bring food to share, beverage of choice, folding chairs and enthusiasm to stop the Permian Highway Pipeline.
Remember, it’s NOT a done deal!
6:00 PM – Arnosky Family Farm, 13977 FM 2325, Blanco, Texas 78606

Water Conservation Symposium
2020-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 | ABOR Member Event Center, 4800 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX, 78759, United States
10th Annual Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium
Collaborating for Success: Planning & Programs that get Results
The Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. Learn from state and national experts about the latest approaches, what is coming next and best practices for maximum efficiency gains.
Thursday, February 13, 2019
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
VIEW AGENDA

Wimberley Art & Soul
2020-01-24 08:00 - 2020-01-26 17:00

Wimberley Art and Soul
2020-01-24 - 2020-01-26
You’re invited to be a part of it.

THE THIRD ANNUAL WIMBERLEY ART & SOUL!
Designed to bring visitors to Wimberley during a slow time of year, this combined group of events will be marketed and promoted throughout Texas. Chamber member businesses are invited to provide an event or experience. Last year more than 40 events, hosted by 30 businesses brought visitors from near and far to enjoy the creative community in Wimberley. It will be even bigger in 2020! Wimberley Art & Soul will be promoted by a team of social media experts, the chamber, a website and you!

Want more recognition for your fabulous business? You provide an event or an experience and let our new marketing team help you promote it!
Sponsorships are also available.

Join the 3rd Annual Wimberley Art & Soul! Learn more HERE

BSEACD & HTGCD Neighborhood Site Visits
2019-11-14, 2019-11-12, 2019-11-07, 2019-11-05, 2019-10-31, 2019-10-29
Neighborhood Site Visits
Water level tracking is particularly important in Edwards and Trinity wells, because water levels fluctuate substantially during drought and wet periods. When home owners know the depth of their pump, a water level measurement can show how much water is above the level of the pump.
2019 Neighborhood Site Visits
This year’s Neighborhood Site Visit program is brought to you by a collaboration between the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
Participating landowners not only get the opportunity to learn more about their well, but measurements taken during the visits also provide a useful snapshot of water levels in the area and aid in identifying wells that could serve as periodic monitoring sites.
Site visits are free of charge. During visits, staff will take a water level measurement (if possible), measure basic water quality, and share these data with well owners.
The three site visit areas include:
• Oct. 29 & 31: Falconwood, Summer Mt. Ranch, Hugo, RR12 South
• Nov. 5 & 7: Hilliard
• Nov. 12 & 14: Saddleridge
Ready to participate? SIGN UP HERE

Check available dates and sign-up for a slot for your neighborhood.
Before your site visit: Staff will research well records prior to the visit (See tips and tricks to search for well records online). If you do have any well drilling records or pump depth information ready, this would assist staff on the day of your site visit. Reminder emails will be delivered prior to your site visit date. Limited spots are available so, if you must, please cancel, or update your signup promptly.
During the visit: Staff will take a water level measurement (if possible), measure basic field parameters (pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, etc.) and screen for nitrate/nitrites. All records and results are shared with the participating well owner.
After the visit: Participating well owners will receive a results letter documenting their specific measurements and an overview of area observations.

Protect Our Blanco: Membership Event
2019-10-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US-281,, Blanco, TX

Bluegrass and Beer - Keep Sewage out of Barton Creek
2019-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | jester king brewery, 13187 FITZHUGH RD, Austin, TX
Come to Bluegrass and Beer to listen to bluegrass music and learn more about how sewage pollution is threatening Long Branch, Barton Creek, and waterways across the Hill Country. The informational program about the sewage pollution problem and ways to get involved will start at 7 PM. Throughout the event, beer and food is available for purchase.
We invite those that want to learn more, want to know how to get involved, or just wanting to have a fun Friday night to join us! Let’s work together to protect our Central Texas creeks.
All pours of Petit Prince beer will benefit Save Barton Creek Association’s (SBCA) work against sewage pollution! Additional donations are accepted and donations can be made prior to the event through our Go Fund Me page www.gofundme.com/f/keep-sewage-out-of-barton-creek.
A special thanks to the Texas Brewshed Alliance and Jester King Brewery for organizing this event with us.
More about the Campaign:
A wastewater discharge permit has been filed, seeking permission to dump sewage effluent into the Long Branch tributary of Barton Creek. This would cause algae blooms, risks to aquatic life, and potential danger to recreational users downstream. There has never been a discharge of wastewater effluent in the contributing zone of the sensitive Edwards Aquifer. One individual’s profit motive shouldn’t be allowed to ruin the creek for the miles of downstream users.
Unfortunately this pollution threat is not limited to this single permit. Our friends are fighting similar threats into waterways region-wide including in the Blanco River and Honey Creek.
That’s why SBCA and others formed the No Dumping Sewage campaign prevent the direct discharge of sewage into our creeks and advocate for better wastewater management. This campaign is a group effort with several other organizations including Wimberley Valley Watershed Alliance, Clean Water Action, and Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. Learn more: https://nodumpingsewage.org
We hope to see you at the event and thank you for your support.

Fall San Marcos River Cleanup
2019-10-04 08:30 - 11:30

6th Annual Hydro Geo Workshop
2019-10-04 08:00 - 2019-10-06 17:00 | Cave Without A Name, Boerne, Texas
Spend the weekend in real-world field settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience!
The Texas Hydro-Geo Workshop is centered on the collection, processing, analysis and evaluation of hydrologic and geologic field data. It serves as an excellent introduction for aspiring geology, hydrology, and environmental science students, as well as a refresher for seasoned professionals.
The Workshop was created to bring students and professionals together in a field setting for a hands-on learning experience. This is a special opportunity to work with leading researchers and practitioners from across the state and nation. Participants have the opportunity to explore many different techniques for collecting data from soil, rock, and water media. This includes drilling rigs, surface and borehole geophysics, stream gauging, water quality instruments and more.
Participants can select from the various modules depending upon availability. Please note that participation may be limited in some modules for safety reasons, to maintain a high participant/coordinator ratio, or for resource protection.
The Workshop will take place at and around Cave Without a Name near Boerne, Texas. Most activities will be centered at the campsite and pavilion.
Visit their website for more information & registration: http://hydrogeoworkshop.org/index.php

Caring for Your Land – Incentives for Stewardship and Conservation
2019-10-04 | Gem of the Hills, 2233 US-281,, Blanco, TX
Hosted by the Hill Country Conservancy and the partners of the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network. Presented by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
October 4th, 9:30 – 1:30 (lunch provided) at Gem of the Hills, Blanco TX
Register (Free) & More info: https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/caring-for-your-land

Hill Country Leadership Summit
2019-09-26
Come join the Hill Country Alliance for our 2019 Leadership Summit on Thursday, September 26th at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX. Get your tickets today – our special early bird registration price of $85 is only available through Wednesday, July 31st!

Fall Native Plant Sale
2019-09-21 09:00 - 13:00
Fall Plant Sale- Hays County Master Gardeners
September 21, 9 am-1pm, San Marcos Details

Water's Of Central Texas Beer Tasting
2019-09-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Craft Pride, 61 Rainey St,, Austin, 78701
Great beer begins with clean water! Come taste how your water affects your beer.
For this event 3 of your favorite brewers, Real Ale, Vista Brewing and Black Star Coop have all brewed an American Lager with the same recipe and 3 different water sources: Austin City Water, Trinity Aquifer Water and rainwater.
Thank you to Texas Yeast Labs and Yakima Hops for their generous sponsorship!
Come enjoy some delicious one of a kind craft beers for a good cause.
Real Ale Brewing Company, Vista Brewing, and Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery will all be donating $1 from each pint of their variant to support the Texas Brewshed Alliance, which promotes and empowers watershed conservation statewide. Craft Pride has generously offered to match these donations, so $2 from each pint sold will go directly to the Texas Brewshed Alliance fundraising efforts.
6PM – 9PM at Craft Pride in Austin

Austin Underground Beer Release at Black Star COOP
2019-09-19 16:00 - 23:00 | black star coop, Austin
Come taste the Austin Water version of the “Waters of Central Texas” multi-brewery cause brew with our favorite Austin Brewpub, Black Star Coop.
In collaboration with the The Texas Brewshed Alliance, they have brewed another water focused beer alongside Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco, TX and Vista Brewing in Driftwood, TX. Each brewery used the same American lager recipe and ingredients, with water being the only changed variable. Highlighting the differences in each location’s water source, what we got was a subtle, drinkable lager perfect for the end of Summer. 5.0%ABV 11IBU

One Water Summit
2019-09-18 - 2019-09-20 | JW Marriot, Austin
Join hundreds of top water leaders in Austin for One Water Summit 2019. It is the premier national conference focused on sustainable, integrated, and inclusive approaches to managing water, our most precious natural resource. With inspiring plenary sessions, skills-building institutes, interactive workshops, mobile tours, and unparalleled networking opportunities, One Water Summit 2019 is not to be missed.

Check out the One Water Summit 2019 Site here.

Check out the agenda for One Water Summit 2019 here.

Check out the Delegations Guide here.

Benefit for Comal County Conservation Alliance
2019-09-17 16:00 - 20:00 | Gruene Grove
Our sister organization in New Braunfels is hosting a fun event at the Gruene Grove which is a lovely patio bar behind the red brick antique shop, 2 doors to the left from Gruene Hall. This event is from 4-8pm on Tuesday the 17th. The purpose of this organization is very similar to ours in that it strives to help keep the Comal Springs flowing. There will be lots of delicious food, silent auction items, music and drinks! Go check it out! This is free to the public so anyone is welcome!
