Behold the splendid and fragile beauty of the Hill Country’s keystone river

Behold the splendid and fragile beauty of the Hill Country’s keystone river

From April through October, I swim in the Blanco. It is one of the greatest pleasures I know. It’s a pleasure I share with growing crowds of both locals and visitors who converge on the river’s cypress-lined banks at places like Blanco State Park in Blanco; Blue Hole...
Barton Creek Habitat Preserve conservation to continue ‘in perpetuity’ following Austin acquisition

Barton Creek Habitat Preserve conservation to continue ‘in perpetuity’ following Austin acquisition

A 10-0 vote by Austin City Council on June 3 ensured the permanent preservation nearly 4,100 acres of land home to one of the area’s unique wildlife habitats and key sources of drinking water. Council via consent June 3 approved the purchase of a conservation...
New Braunfels one step closer to hike-and-bike trail

New Braunfels one step closer to hike-and-bike trail

New Braunfels is one step closer to a new hike-and-bike trail. On May 20, the New Braunfels Economic Development Board approved a $375,000 deal with San Antonio-based engineering firm Bain Medina Bain to finalize design on a portion of the Dry Comal Creek Hike and...
Texas could give landowners more say in eminent domain negotiations under bill sent to Greg Abbott’s desk

Texas could give landowners more say in eminent domain negotiations under bill sent to Greg Abbott’s desk

The Texas Legislature approved a bill early Thursday that will revise eminent domain negotiations between landowners and companies — such as railroads, pipeline and utility companies — that are seeking to condemn land, requiring that landowners be given the terms of...
After the storm: Legislative solutions to Texas’ water infrastructure emergency

After the storm: Legislative solutions to Texas’ water infrastructure emergency

My Austin apartment has always been drafty, hard to heat when it’s cold out, and hard to cool in the summer. But on February 17th, our third day without power, when I ventured into the kitchen for some bread my roommate and I could eat for breakfast, I found ice...