Monthly Archives: January 2018

Managers of the Rainwater Revival School Grant Program were happily overwhelmed with 6 grant applications from Hill Country schools this year. Though all projects had merit, the three judges made difficult choices and picked two deserving high schools in Mason and Center Point to receive a combined $4,000 of grant funds. The school grant program is run in association with the Rainwater Revival + Hill Country Living Festival, a daylong educational event that takes place every fall at a Hill…

John Dupnik is leaving his position as the general manager of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Dupnik has held that position since 2013 and, prior to that, was a regulatory compliance team leader for the district. He announced his resignation to move on to a new position at the Texas Water Development Board as the deputy executive administrator of the Water Science and Conservation Division… Read more from austinmonitor.com

A new study by Chad Furl, postdoctoral research associate, and Hatim Sharif, professor of civil and environmental engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio, delves into the 2015 Wimberley, Texas floods that destroyed 350 homes and claimed 13 lives. Furl and Sharif researched the factors that led to the catastrophic flooding and shed light on new ways people in flood-prone areas can protect against future tragedies. On Memorial Day weekend in 2015, the Blanco River rose to a…

In late 2017, the Spillman family, descendants of Hill Country pioneers and namesakes of Spillman Ranch, put under contract 20 acres of land located at 14310 W. Hwy. 71 in the city of Bee Cave, Realtor Jerry Stein said. As part of the sale the family will retain 4 acres, reserving them for future commercial development. Stein, who is with Buyers Incentive Real Estate in Lakeway, said those 4 acres are zoned for community services use and have 800 feet of…

South Llano River State Park is excited to announce its First Annual Birding Festival, sponsored by the Friends of South Llano River State Park, to be held Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29th, 2018. The Festival will feature guided bird walks, including Golden-cheeked Warbler walks and Birding the Riparian, and will also offer guided photography sessions in the park’s four popular bird blinds. On Saturday afternoon, the festival will offer a live birds of prey presentation by Last Chance…

Save your space now! The 4th Kent Butler Summit is being planned for April 4th 2018. With a theme of Pipes, People, Pavement, and the Future of Water in the Hill Country, we will cover some of the major issues determining the future of our region and its resources. You won’t want to miss it. Wednesday, April 4th 2018 from 9am-4pm LBJ Student Center Ballroom, Texas State University (directions) Early Bird Rate: $45 (until February 1st) Full Price Rate: $65…

As we start a new year, I am looking forward to what 2018 holds for all of us and the Hill Country. Last year was a record-breaking year for HCA – which included the largest year-end giving campaign for HCA. Thank you to the more than 70 families that donated more than $40,000 to support our work. We are honored by your commitment to HCA, to the region, and to the future of the Hill Country! We also sold a…