The Watershed Association

Fix-A-Leak Week
2021-03-15 - 2021-03-21 | Online
Leaks are problematic in so many ways. Not only do they waste water, but they create needless extra work for water well pumps and septic systems. This can have an impact on your water bill or even shorten the life of your equipment. This week we encourage everyone to fix that pesky leak and celebrate a job well done!

Wild Neighbors webinar: Animal Tracks and Signs
2021-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Join Austin Wildlands on Friday, March 12 from noon to 1pm for this month’s Wild Neighbors webinar: Animal Tracks and Signs: The Language of Nature with Jonah Evans, State Mammologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He’ll talk about how tracks can tell stories about the hidden lives of animals.
Register for the webinar here.

Groundwater Awareness Week
2021-03-07 - 2021-03-13 | Online
Stay tuned this week for aquifer information, well maintenance tips, spring flow trends, and more! We’re planning to highlight the essential role of groundwater in the Hill Country in honor of National Groundwater Awareness Week!

Climate and Weather Trends in the Hill Country (HTGCD Speaker Series)
2021-03-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has announced its 2021 Water-20 Speaker Series. Subject matter experts will discuss a variety of water topics important to Hays County residents.
Hays County is listed by the US Census Bureau as the second fastest growing county in the United States. Great schools, good housing, proximity to growing business opportunities, and a beautiful landscape are all drivers for our growth.
Its most precious resource is water. The Trinity Aquifer deep below has a limited recharge capacity and will not support the growth coming in the next 20-years. The County needs to maximize efficiency of use and diversify its water supply portfolio to keep local communities healthy and viable long into the future.
Rainwater is already being collected on homesteads and larger buildings across Hays County. Water-wise landscaping, land conservation, and climate trends are all important parts of a strategy to protect our aquifers.
Speakers will present at 5:30 live and online. Dial-in information will be on the District website www.HaysGroundwater.com the week before each presentation. Check the schedule for upcoming dates.
Topics will include:

March 4, 2021: Scalable Solutions — Rainwater Harvesting with James Grizzard, Harvest Rain
May 6, 2021: Water Wise Lawns and Gardens with Hays County Master Naturalists
July 1, 2021: Climate and Weather Trends in the Hill Country: John Nielson-Gammon, State Climatologist

Additional topics to follow:

Benefits of Land Conservation on Water Resources: Lori Olson, Texas Land Trust Council
Wimberley One-Water School – Innovative Conservation Design with Nick Dornak, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Amplify Austin - Day of Giving
2021-03-04 | Online

Tuesday Night Arts (Wimberley Parks and Rec)
2021-02-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2021-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Tuesday Night Arts is a new program from Wimberley’s Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (WVACA) created to support artists during COVID and provide a venue for our community to become familiar with the fabulous artists who live here. Jointly produced with WVACA, the two-hour interview and demonstration program will highlight an artist from each of 4 areas: Visual, Literary, Culinary, and Performing Arts.
The programs will take participants “behind the scenes” into the studios of accomplished professionals, who will share their own artistic journeys and talents and offer advice to aspiring painters, actors, musicians, writers, chefs and creatives of all kinds – and provide enjoyment for all who join.
Every second Tuesday of the month, tune in to view the work from 4 different artists, musicians, writers, poets, or chefs from their home studios. A new artist goes live every 30 minutes so come for your favorites or stay to see them all.

Economic Development in Hays and Caldwell Counties - Virtual Discussion
2021-02-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
The Greater San Marcos Partnership will host a virtual discussion on Economic Development in Hays and Caldwell Counties. On Thursday, Feb 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 am they’ll host a FREE virtual event where Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden will discuss their plans regarding economic development in our region and what they plan to achieve in their next two years of their terms.
The conversation will be moderated by GSMP president Jason Giulietti.

Economics of Water webinar (Texas Water Journal)
2021-02-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Texas Resources Water Resource Institute (Texas State-San Marcos) will host a webinar discussing recently published research on the economics of water on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 10 AM. Todd Vottler will moderate then facilitate a round table discussion.
You can learn more about the webinar at https://twj.media/water-journal-webinars/
Justin Thompson, in the Earth Resources Graduate Program at UT, has recently published a paper on his thesis through the Texas Water Journal. The paper is titled “Exploring Groundwater Recoverability in Texas: Maximum Economically Recoverable Storage “. Senior author for the paper is Justin, and is coauthored by Michael Young and Charlie Kreitler. The formal reference is Thompson, Kreitler and Young, 2020, Exploring Groundwater Recoverability in Texas: Maximum Economically Recoverable Storage, Texas Water Resources Institute Texas Water Journal, Volume 11, Number 1, December 10, 2020 Pages 152-171.

Hays Co. Transportation Plan Public Comment Period Closes
2021-02-07 | Online
Your time is now to comment on Hays County’s Transportation Plan update, which has been in development since the summer. Virtual Open House Round 2 and public input survey (due by Feb. 7) are available online: https://www.haystransportationplan.com/open-house-2
Here’s the WVWA synopsis of projects: Survey Window Opens for Draft Hays County Transportation Plan – Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (wimberleywatershed.org)

Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District meeting
2021-01-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING
HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 26, 2021 6:00 PM
Via Teleconference
AGENDA

Call to Order – 6pm.
Public Comments To address the Board of Directors, please complete and submit a Public Participation Form to District staff. Comments will be limited to this section of the agenda.
Announcements (no discussion or possible action)
Discussion and Possible Action:

1. Proposed draft amendments to the District Enabling Act……………………………………Holly Fults

Adjournment

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:
Telephone Conference Opens at 5:45 p.m.
Registration for Public Comment requires submitting a Public Participation Form to staff3@haysgroundwater.com before the meeting begins. Properly registered speakers must limit Public Comments to 5 minutes for all topics. All Public Comments will be made during the Public Comments section of the meeting. Any person participating in the meeting must be recognized and identified by the Presiding Officer each time they speak. The District will accept written comments by 4pm the business day before the Board Meeting. Written comments may be submitted on any item by mail to PO Box 1648, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 or by email to staff3@haysgroundwater.com.
Attendees can reach the meeting via telephone at 1 (877) 568-4106, access code: 868-180-029. Agenda items may be taken in any order at the discretion of the Board. HTGCD agendas, Public Participation Forms, approved meeting minutes, and any available backup materials are posted on the District website, www.haysgroundwater.com under Quick Links/Agendas/Meeting Year/ Meeting Date.

Incorporating Mushrooms into Restoration (BCP Forest Restoration Webinars)
2021-01-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve is hosting the last two webinars in their BCP Forest Restoration series. The goal of this series is to share best practices and build a community of trained volunteers who will join them on the BCP to enhance and restore functional ecosystems from the ground up. The webinars are free and open to anyone.
Learn more and register for the next webinars through links below:

Soil Biology & Geology- Jan. 11, 6-7:30pm – register here
Incorporating Mushrooms into Restoration – Jan. 25, 6-7:30pm – register here

Please note that you need to register for each individual webinar you want to attend in this series. Catch episodes you missed on their YouTube channel.

Woodcreek Citizens' Comprehensive Plan Committee
2021-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Camp Young Judea, 121 Camp Young Judaea Rd, Woodcreek, TX, United States
The City of Woodcreek is updating their comprehensive plan. This Citizens’ Comprehensive Plan Committee will meet to provide input to the City Council. Agenda and full details about the meeting are available at the link below.

Soil Biology & Geology (BCP Forest Restoration webinars)
2021-01-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Online

Seed Harvesting: Onion, Water Quality Protection Land
2020-12-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2020-12-01 13:00 - 16:00 | City of Austin Water Quality Protection Land
**To reduce the spread of the coronavirus, participants must bring their own face mask and work gloves, and practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet between each person at all times during the event.
Each adult participant must register themselves for an event and cannot register guests at this time. If you would like to request a space for a child/children, please email Audrey (Audrey.Stewart@austintexas.gov) with the number of spaces requested and the event you are attending.**
Join Austin Water Wildland Conservation staff to harvest native grass and wildflower seeds that they will later use on the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) as part of ongoing grassland restoration efforts to establish strong, native grasslands that improve water quality and quantity in the Barton Springs recharge zone. They aim to harvest all of the seed we use locally, and volunteers play a huge role in the success of this grassland restoration.
Located on FM 967 near FM 1626. Directions and details sent upon registration. Masks and distancing required during events. Learn more about the WQPL at austintexas.gov/WQPLstory

Seed Harvesting - Little Bear, Water Quality Protection Land
2020-12-11 09:30 - 11:30 | TX

OpenET Webinar
2020-12-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts is pleased to present a free educational webinar for TAGD members and the greater water community.
Presenters:

Matt Bromley, Assistant Research Scientist, Desert Research Institute
Robyn Grimm, Senior Manager of Water Information Systems, Environmental Defense Fund
Dana Rollison, Senior Outreach Specialist, Environmental Defense Fund

Access to consumptive water use data for irrigated agriculture has been limited and expensive, keeping it out of the hands of most water users and decision-makers. OpenET is a collaborative effort to develop an online platform for mapping evapotranspiration (ET) at the scale of individual fields. A partnership between NASA, the Desert Research Institute, and Environmental Defense Fund, and Google Earth Engine, OpenET aims to use the best available science and publicly available data to increase access to satellite-based ET and consumptive water use information for farmers and water managers.
Click here to view a two-page summary of OpenET. Click here to read some Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information about OpenET, please see: https://openetdata.org/.

Rehydration of the Landscape - City of Austin BCCP Reforestation Series webinars
2020-12-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Desertification is not only a worldwide issue, but a local problem as well. Massive clear-cutting in Central Texas has led to erosion, soil compaction, and loss of biodiversity.

Join us on December 7th at 6pm for this installment of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Reforestation Series – Rehydration of the Landscape, as Dr. Nico Hauwert addresses the effects of deforestation from global to local impacts. Biologist Jim O’Donnell will then demonstrate techniques to rehydrate degraded landscapes on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/337AikL

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

#GivingTuesday
2020-12-01 | Online
Support Wimberley Valley Watershed Association on #GivingTuesday!
The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization. In order to carry out our mission, we rely upon generous donations by people like you who care about protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the glorious valley. Your contributions are tax-deductible.
Three ways to show your support:

Make a financial donation to boost land and water protection and building connections that will inspire and ensure a bright future for the Hill Country.
Select Wimberley Valley Watershed Association as your Amazon Smile charity to support each time you order. You shop. Amazon gives.
Share our story with your network.

The Future of Buildings, Transportation and Power
2020-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Special guest Roger Duncan, co-author of the new book, The Future of Buildings, Transportation and Power.
About this Event
Buildings, transportation and power generation account for roughly 75% of energy conversions in our economy. Understanding the energy trends governing these sectors will help us develop a more sustainable future.
Join TPA for a special T5 webinar with energy efficiency pioneer Roger Duncan who will discuss his new book, The Future of Buildings, Transportation and Power, co-authored with Dr. Michael Webber.
Roger Duncan is a former Research Fellow at the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the former General Manager of Austin Energy, the municipal electric utility for Austin, Texas. Prior to that, he served as executive manager for several City of Austin departments, including the Environmental and Conservation Services department and Planning and Transportation.
Roger was also elected to two terms as Austin City Council member in the early 1980’s. In 2005, Business Week magazine recognized Roger as one of the 20 leading “carbon reducers” in the world, and in 2009 National Geographic recognized him as an international thought leader in energy efficiency.
PLEASE NOTE: The webinar meeting link will be sent prior to the event. Please email any questions to admin@texaspaceauthority.org
Thu, November 19, 2020
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST

Wildfire and Eco Restoration - SBCA Happy Hour
2020-11-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Save Barton Creek Association will host a happy hour chat with James Duff, the Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator at the Austin Fire Department, Wildfire Division on Thurs., Nov. 12 from 6:30-8pm. They’ll cover wildfire, eco restoration with the removal of invasive species, and the role that the Wildfire Division plays.

The Wildfire division addresses the potential threat of wildfires through public education, fuel (vegetation) management, and effective firefighting response. The Wildfire division also assists neighborhoods in becoming Fire Adapted Communities through public education by incorporating Firewise principles during community assessments and presentations conducted by our Firewise Program Coordinators. This will be an educational and informative event! You don’t want to miss it!

Vetran's Day
2020-11-11 | TX
Contributions from all perspectives, skillsets, cultures and backgrounds are what make the U.S. an exceptional nation. Thank you to all those who have served!

14th Annual North Texas Regional Water Conservation Symposium
2020-11-10 08:00 - 2020-11-11 17:00 | Online
Free online event hosted by North Texas Regional Water Providers
A one-of-a-kind virtual symposium experience for water professionals to learn, collaborate and network to advance conservation goals.
Speaker Program

Carl Lepper, Director, Utilities Intelligence, J.D. Power – “Understanding the Needs of Water Utility Customers to Drive Overall Satisfaction”
Sean J. Upshaw, PhD, Assistant Professor of Visual Information and Persuasion in Health Communication, The University of Texas at Austin – “I.P.S. and Water Conservation: A Social Marketing Approach for Public Engagement”
Jennifer Walker, Deputy Director, Texas Coast & Water Program, National Wildlife Federation – “North Texas Focuses on the Lawn – A report from the North Texas Outdoor Watering Summit”
Tia Lebherz, Executive Director, California Water Efficiency Partnership – “California Makes Water Conservation a Way of Life”
Melinda Knuth, PhD, Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Florida – “Water Conservation Messaging in the Horticulture Industry: Communicating Through the Supply Chain”
Kevin Kluge, Director of Innovative Water Strategies, Texas Water Development Board – “TWDB Conservation 2020 Unmasked”
Tamara Lawless, Water Conservation Manager, City of Flagstaff – “Flagstaff’s Water Conservation Program – Saving water in the Mountains of Arizona”
Hugh Sinclair, Section Manager – Asset Management, WSSC Water – “Water / People / Service”

Jacob's Well Natural Area Guided Tour
2020-11-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Jacob’s Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt. Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Tours are led by Master Naturalist volunteers from the local Hays County Chapter who have a passion for all things natural. The guides will speak in-depth about the history of Jacob’s Well and the aquifer system that sustains it as well as the local wildlife and vegetation found here.
FREE guided morning tours are available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of November at 9 a.m.
Guided morning tours last approximately one (1) hour and will lead you on various compacted granite and natural surface trails. While we do not consider our tours to be strenuous, you will travel up and down several inclines and walk on rock ledges. Please be aware of your own personal limitations.
Tours will begin at the Jacob’s Well Nature Center at 9 a.m. If you are interested in a guided tour please call ahead or email to sign-up: katherine.sturdivant@co.hays.tx.us or call (512)-214-4593.

Our Water, Our Future, Ours To Protect
2020-11-04 11:30 - 13:30 | Upper Guadalupe River Authority auditorium, 125 Lehman Drive Ste 100, Kerrville, TX., 125 Lehman Drive Ste 100, Kerville, TX, United States
The Texas Master Naturalists present a roundtable, Our Water, Our Future, Ours To Protect. (formerly “The Near Future and Water Sustainability” and HOPE panel). as the culminating 2020 Certification Class program on Wednesday November 4 from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Upper Guadalupe River Authority auditorium located at 125 Lehman Drive Ste 100 in Kerrville.
The goal is to both inform as well as to inspire the students to engage in actions in their communities to relieve the threats to our watersheds. Conservation, good stewardship and intervening in these threats are all actionable options for us as Hill Country citizens.
We believe this Roundtable is an excellent way for Texas Master Naturalist students to learn from individuals who represent citizen engagement to halt ecological threats. Daniel Oppenheimer, Hill Country Alliance Land Program Manager, is the moderator. Margo Denke representing the efforts of the Friends of Hondo Canyon, David Baker founder of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and Annalisa Peace who directs the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and represents the Friends of Honey Creek are the three panelists.

Election Day
2020-11-03 07:00 - 19:00 | TX
Vote, vote, VOTE!
https://hayscountytx.com/departments/elections/current-year-elections/nov-3-2020-general-election/

History of Water in Texas - author panel
2020-10-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
The interface between land and water has a long history of grounding our economy, patterns of growth, and our quality of life here in Central Texas.
Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense Coalition for a visit with two authors whose books describe the interdependence of land and water and the need to conserve these resources.

Boo! Hole Halloween
2020-10-24 16:00 - 19:00 | Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX, 78676, United States
Get ready for a night of fun and frights at (Drive-Thru) Boo! Hole Halloween 2020!

Boo! Hole Halloween has become a tradition for Wimberley residents. Last year, they had over 1,300 people attend the event with 30 local businesses and organizations handing out candy and providing fun carnival games. This year, we will have a Drive-Thru event where families and friends can drive around the recreation loop at Blue Hole Regional Park and local businesses and organizations can pass out candy or small prizes in the open trunks of the cars to maintain social distancing. We will also have a car costume contest and a booth decorating contest so get creative!

Hill Country Living Festival and Rainwater Revival
2020-10-24 10:30 - 16:30 | Online
Join in for green-living tips, rainwater harvesting information, natural resource news, community science opportunities, learning activities for kids, musical entertainment, and conservation conversations over cocktails!
Of particular interest are:

Virtual Tour of the Wimberley ISD One Water School (10:55am)
What you need to know about rainwater harvesting (11:35)
Caring for Riparian Habitat (3:15pm)
Wonderous water-saving wicking gardens (3:45)

Saturday, October 24, 2020 – Program
Morning: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Afternoon: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Platform: Zoom Webinar + Facebook Livestream
Tune in for engaging hosts, prerecorded video segments, live Q&A, and panel discussions!
https://www.hillcountryalliance.org/rainwaterrevival/
