Warm Wishes for the Holiday Season!
As 2016 winds to a close, I have found myself both reflecting on the significant milestones that HCA achieved in the past 12 months as well as looking ahead to the promise of all that 2017 holds. Sitting in the audience at a Rural Planning and Development workshop that HCA hosted this month in Bandera, I was struck by the immense energy and creativity emanating from the crowd of community leaders that had gathered from around the region. It was clear from the conversation that day: there is a growing recognition of the need to take action to protect the Hill Country and all it gives back to the State of Texas.
Last year HCA experienced tremendous growth largely thanks to your support. We hosted our largest ever annual Leadership Summit, launched a Rural Planning and Development workshop series with events in Blanco and Bandera, hosted our 7th Annual Rainwater Revival and raised more than $4,000 to fund our school grant program for rainwater harvesting projects. We connected more than 60 landowners in the upper reaches of the Pedernales River basin to restoration efforts to combat the invasive Arundo donax plant, launched the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in the Hill Country, and participated in regional water planning processes. We responded to emerging threats to water quality, and advocated for the management of water resources that preserves springflow and minimizes drawdowns.
The Hill Country Alliance is at a critical crossroads and your support is more important now than ever. Would you consider a 2016 year-end gift of $50, $100, or whatever amount you are comfortable with to further the work we do for the long-term protection of the Central Texas Hill Country?
Our work is only accomplished with support from folks like you—generous, invested individuals who recognize the need to work together for a vision of open spaces, starry night skies, clean, abundant water resources and vibrant communities. The future of our region depends on alternatives to business-as-usual growth and development patterns. Let’s agree to work together for a Hill Country we are proud to pass on to future generations.
In closing, I wish you and yours a warm and joyous holiday season. I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the Texas Hill Country with friends and family. Thank you for all you do – for the Hill Country and the state of Texas!
See you in the new year,
Katherine Romans
Executive Director | Hill Country Alliance
Katherine@hillcountryalliance.org
Director’s Notes: December 2016
