Seizing the moment for rural water infrastructure

Seizing the moment for rural water infrastructure

In February, 2021, Winter Storm Uri shined a light on the fragility of our state’s infrastructure as an energy crisis quickly evolved into a water crisis. However, even before Texas was plunged into the ice, our state’s water infrastructure systems received a C- for...
100-mile nature trail connecting Austin to San Antonio springs into next phase

100-mile nature trail connecting Austin to San Antonio springs into next phase

The Great Springs Project has released its Trails Plan, another step along the path to a proposed 100-plus-mile network of trails from the Alamo to the Capitol.The project, launched in 2018, aims to create a corridor of protected lands over the Edwards Aquifer...
Rethinking our relationship with Hill Country water, before it’s too late

Rethinking our relationship with Hill Country water, before it’s too late

Editorial by Jennifer Walker, National Wildlife Federation Water is an integral part of the Hill Country fabric, and it is embodied in the rivers and springs that make this region special. It is also the single most limiting factor in the Hill Country. The region’s...
There oughta be a law (But there’s probably not!)

There oughta be a law (But there’s probably not!)

Editorial by Francine Romero, University of Texas at San Antonio After visiting Gruene recently and encountering the explosion of new housing developments along the old rural roads leading to downtown, I was further disheartened to read that 252 duplex units on 22...
Is Texas Hill Country in danger of being ‘loved to death’?

Is Texas Hill Country in danger of being ‘loved to death’?

Deep in the heart of Texas, the traffic is backed up for almost a mile. It’s a jarring sight for long-time residents of the Hill Country, a rural oasis of scrubby green hills, crystalline water, and bright white limestone west of Austin and San Antonio. But it’s not...
Open Space is the key to keep the Hill Country thriving

Open Space is the key to keep the Hill Country thriving

Editorial by Frank Davis, Hill Country Conservancy Anyone who is familiar with the natural areas of the Texas Hill Country will attest to their beauty and wondrous nature. Crystal clear spring-fed streams, steep canyons and bluffs, majestic forests, and...