August 2020
Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission Projects Discussion
Hays County is hosting two free, public webinars to learn about the Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) recommendations on projects and a bond package for new parks, trails, open spaces, natural areas, water quality and flood mitigation lands. The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association proposed 2 projects that would improve protections for groundwater in western Hays County. The presentations and materials are available online: Colemans Canyon Preserve page Regional Conservation Fund page Please join the discussion and…
Find out more »Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program – Cypress Creek Watershed
The Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program aims to improve and protect surface water quality by enhancing awareness and knowledge of best management practices for residential landscape. At workshops, attendees will learn about the design and installation of residential rainwater harvesting systems and appropriate turf and landscape species based on local conditions. The free event will be online from 1-5 p.m. August 6. Interested parties should register through the Tx Agrilife page to receive workshop updates, instructions to join the…
Find out more »Hays County Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission Project Discussion
Hays County is hosting two free, public webinars to learn about the Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) recommendations on projects and a bond package for new parks, trails, open spaces, natural areas, water quality and flood mitigation lands. The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association proposed 2 projects that would improve protections for groundwater in western Hays County. The presentations and materials are available online: Colemans Canyon Preserve page Regional Conservation Fund page Please join the discussion and…
Find out more »HTGCD Board meeting
The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District will be conducting the August Board of Directors Meeting tonight starting at 6:00 pm. Please see the attached document for the Meeting Agenda and Public Hearing Notice. The meeting will be held via teleconference, details are below. Agenda includes: Possible drought declaration Public Hearing on Rule change INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Telephone Conference Opens at 5:45 p.m. Note: If you plan on participating in the meeting during the public comment period…
Find out more »September 2020
HCA Leadership Summit
The Hill Country Leadership Summit is the Hill Country Alliance’s premiere annual gathering, and provides an opportunity for learning, networking, and being inspired among our region’s top community leaders, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers. While historically a one-day event, this year’s online format allows the Summit to spread out over the course of three days – Wednesday, Sep. 23 from 2-4 PM, Thursday, Sep. 24 from 10-12 PM, and Friday, Sep. 25 from 10-12 PM. This new format will allow an expanded…
Find out more »LWV Candidate Forum: District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor
The League of Women Voters is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing political candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. Their mission is Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Sign up now for the Candidate Forums using these links. September 22 - Wimberley ISD & Woodcreek http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD September 24 - District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor Forum http://bit.ly/Judges-TaxAssessor September 29 - Hays County…
Find out more »LWV Candidate Forum: Hays County Commissioner #3 and County Constables
The League of Women Voters is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing political candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. Their mission is Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Sign up now for the Candidate Forums using these links. September 22 - Wimberley ISD & Woodcreek http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD September 24 - District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor Forum http://bit.ly/Judges-TaxAssessor September 29 - Hays County…
Find out more »October 2020
LWV Candidate Forum: Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees
The League of Women Voters is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing political candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. Their mission is Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Sign up now for the Candidate Forums using these links. September 22 - Wimberley ISD & Woodcreek http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD September 24 - District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor Forum http://bit.ly/Judges-TaxAssessor September 29 - Hays County…
Find out more »North Texas Outdoor Watering Summit
The first-ever North Texas Outdoor Watering Summit is a three day online conference featuring peer-to-peer learning and expert technical assistance for North Texas cities and utilities currently implementing or interested in adopting programs to reduce outdoor watering as a water efficiency practice. We are focusing on North Texas, but any utility interesting in implementing or improving programs to reduce outdoor watering should plan on attending. Many North Texas cities have yet to put in place programs to limit outdoor watering.…
Find out more »LWV Candidate Forum: House District 45 & Hays County Sheriff
The League of Women Voters is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing political candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. Their mission is Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Sign up now for the Candidate Forums using these links. September 22 - Wimberley ISD & Woodcreek http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD September 24 - District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor Forum http://bit.ly/Judges-TaxAssessor September 29 - Hays County…
Find out more »LWV Candidate Forum: San Marcos City Council and SM CISD
The League of Women Voters is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing political candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. Their mission is Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Sign up now for the Candidate Forums using these links. September 22 - Wimberley ISD & Woodcreek http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD September 24 - District Judge, County Court at Law #3, & Tax Assessor Forum http://bit.ly/Judges-TaxAssessor September 29 - Hays County…
Find out more »Webinar: Environmental enforcement by local governments
RSVP to cfraser@environmenttexas.org to join the webinar.
Find out more »TWCA Fall Conference
Texas Water Conservation Association is a nonprofit association of Texas water professionals. Our members represent river authorities, municipalities, all kinds of water districts, water users, associations, and other organizations with water interests. TWCA's MISSON: To be a trusted resource promoting sound water policy for the state. Its mission is to educate members, build consensus among water stakeholders, and advocate solutions to Texas water matters. The Fall Conference offers attendees a format similar to our Summer Conference for panel and committee…
Find out more »Imagine A Day Without Water
No water to drink, or wash your hands with. No water to shower, flush the toilet, or do laundry. Hospitals would close without water. Firefighters couldn't put out fires and farmers couldn't water their crops. Disease would spread. This year, as communities across America faced the public health threat of the coronavirus pandemic, water and wastewater systems continued to do their job, 24/7, keeping the water flowing. Many Americans take water for granted every day. But what would a day…
Find out more »Hill Country Living Festival and Rainwater Revival
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…
Find out more »History of Water in Texas – author panel
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.
Find out more »November 2020
14th Annual North Texas Regional Water Conservation Symposium
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"…
Find out more »Wildfire and Eco Restoration – SBCA Happy Hour
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…
Find out more »The Future of Buildings, Transportation and Power
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.…
Find out more »December 2020
#GivingTuesday
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…
Find out more »Rehydration of the Landscape – City of Austin BCCP Reforestation Series webinars
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.…
Find out more »OpenET Webinar
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…
Find out more »January 2021
Soil Biology & Geology (BCP Forest Restoration webinars)
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…
Find out more »Tuesday Night Arts (Wimberley Parks and Rec)
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…
Find out more »Incorporating Mushrooms into Restoration (BCP Forest Restoration Webinars)
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…
Find out more »Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District meeting
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:…
Find out more »February 2021
Hays Co. Transportation Plan Public Comment Period Closes
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)
Find out more »Economics of Water webinar (Texas Water Journal)
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…
Find out more »Economic Development in Hays and Caldwell Counties – Virtual Discussion
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.
Find out more »March 2021
Climate and Weather Trends in the Hill Country (HTGCD Speaker Series)
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…
Find out more »Groundwater Awareness Week
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!
Find out more »Wild Neighbors webinar: Animal Tracks and Signs
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.
Find out more »Fix-A-Leak Week
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!
Find out more »Wimberley Valley Trails Initiative Virtual Public Meeting
Virtual Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 25th from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and kicks off the public comment period. Find out more and register for the meeting (or view the archived video post-meeting) here: Public Meeting | Wimberley Vly Trails (wimberleyvalleytrails.com) What is Wimberley Valley Trails? The Wimberley Valley Trails Study is a planning effort by Hays County and the City of Wimberley to increase safety, mobility, and connectivity in the Wimberley and Woodcreek areas through a…
Find out more »Our Water, Our Environment and Our Way of Life: Economic Drivers for the Wimberley Valley
The Cypress Creek stakeholder's semi-annual public stakeholder meeting includes a special online event, “Our Water, Our Environment and Our Way of Life: Economic Drivers for the Wimberley Valley.” that features round table discussions with Wimberley Valley experts and keynote speakers: Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Dr. Joni Charles, Associate Professor of Economics at Texas State University Charlie Flatten, General Manager of the Hays-Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Stick around after the presentations to hear updates on the Cypress Creek…
Find out more »May 2021
Protecting Air & Water Through Pipeline Leak Detection
The Pipeline Safety Trust is planning for a return to an in-person conference in 2022, they will continue with virtual conferences. They have two sessions planned for May. The event flyer details topics, speakers, and panelists. Please go to the Conference Page to register. Look for events on the Pipeline Safety Trust Facebook page for more information and updates as the conference gets closer. May 18, 11am -1pm CDT: In the first session, discussions will focus on methane, a potent…
Find out more »June 2021
Call for Artists – Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition submissions due
Calling all artists! Please submit concepts for art kites by October 1. Artists will receive $1,000 for a selected artwork for the Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition, recognition in the exhibition and accompanying catalog in print and online, as well as in press promotion and community events connected with the touring schedule. The Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition is the inaugural program of Art4Water, an initiative to advocate for environmental protection through the lens of art. The exhibition is a collaboration between Wimberley Valley…
Find out more »What’s Next for Texas Water?
Texas' underground water supplies are struggling. That creates long-term uncertainty for landowners who rely on groundwater, the rivers and streams that are fed by it, and the plants and wildlife that will die without it. Yet the Legislature has done little in the 2021 legislative session to address Texas' water future. So what's next for landowners, local governments, sensitive ecosystems and the rest of the state? On June 7, please join a panel of landowners, policy leaders and wildlife experts…
Find out more »July 2021
Financing Nature-Based Solutions: Role of Environmental Credits (webinar)
You probably know carbon markets are heating up rapidly (no pun intended) and demand to buy carbon credits is skyrocketing. But what do you know about the supply chain of carbon credits (and other environmental credits)? How are they originated, who creates them, and how do they get to market? On Thursday, July 29 at 1pm (Central Time) panelists will delve into the ins and outs of environmental credits such as carbon credits, biodiversity credits, and water credits. If you've…
Find out more »Cypress Flows: Stakeholder Meeting
Hello Cypress Creek Friends and Neighbors, Due to concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and out of an abundance of caution, we will be moving our Stakeholder Meeting to an online format. Please RSVP to the meeting, to receive instructions on how to join the Zoom meeting. Cypress Creek Project Stakeholder Meeting July 29th, 2021 | 6:00 pm Topics for discussion include: • A video tour of Blue Hole Primary School by the students. • Water quality ordinances and new development.…
Find out more »September 2021
Diving Deep into Karst webinar
As part of the Deep in the Karst of Texas education initiative, WVWA and TESPA hosted a lunchtime webinar on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Presenters discussed the International Year of Caves and Karst, Texas karst and conservation initiatives, and recent well visits. From global to local, this discussion is insightful and entertaining. We hope you enjoy! The recording of the webinar is available:. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUu-_DNgMv8 Presentations and links in the order they appeared: Diving through Jacob's Well, Jacobs Well Exploration Project…
Find out more »January 2022
Flooding, Carbon, Climate — Oh MY! (CCCA Virtual Community Program)
Ever wonder what we can do about flooding, carbon in the air, and climate? Debbie Reid will talk about how conserving land in a watershed can reduce downstream flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere, thus helping avert the worst consequences of a changing climate. Healthy soils in parks, open spaces, and undisturbed natural areas can hold vast amounts of water and capture a remarkable amount of atmospheric carbon — just two of the many public benefits of keeping land…
Find out more »February 2022
Old Kyle Road Improvements: Wimberley Valley Trails Initiative Virtual Public Meeting
Old Kyle Road in downtown Wimberley is one of the busiest and most congested roads in the Valley. Parking, pedestrian access, traffic, bike routes, and stormwater runoff make it a particularly tricky improvement project. This is an opportunity to improve and protect water quality in Cypress Creek, make walking and biking safer, and enhance the downtown experience. The Wimberley Valley Trails Initiative is going to hold a Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.…
Find out more »April 2023
Environmental Justice Leaders Roundtable Virtual Discussion (US EPA)
The US EPA announced a Virtual Discussion at the Environmental Justice Leaders Roundtable with the Regional Administrator, Dr. Earthea Nance and EJ team. Questions or input about the virtual discussion can be emailed directly to Kathryn Vogle at Vogle.Kathryn@epa.gov. Join by Zoom: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1606326835
Find out more »