Reaching all of Hays County
Our video team’s goal is to give folks pride in our natural resources with a mix of humor, wonder, and education.
Master Naturalists Support TPWD
HCMNs work to conserve and educate others about the wildlife and plants that grow on the Texas landscape. But have you ever looked below the surface—the surface of the water, that is?
Natural Allies
The Hill Country Alliance successfully hosted its 11th annual Leadership Summit, From Vision to Action, bringing together Hill Country leaders and conservationists eager to learn from one another. Three HCMNs were invited presenters.
Texas Master Naturalist
Members of the HCMN had the opportunity and delight to attend the 2023 Texas Master Naturalist Annual State Meeting. There were simply not enough hours to drink it all in!
About the Cover…
Remember hearing that distinctive “Bob-White” whistle? When I hear that beautiful sound, I recall long past days of sitting on the porch and whistling the notes in reply.
Appreciating Native Grasslands
Here in Hays County and across the rest of the Hill Country, we are rapidly losing our natural grasslands. So it has become even more incumbent on land stewards to protect and restore the ones we have.
Water Quality Protection Lands
Savanna restoration is not only good for conserving the historical biodiversity of central Texas, but also the best management technique for the optimization of our water quality and quantity of recharge back into the aquifer.
Westcave Preserve Honors
Come meet the photographer behind the lens of many of Westcave’s incredible images.
Charro Ranch Workday
We had the pleasant surprise of a visit from Scout Troop 4 of the Dripping Springs American Legion. On everyone’s mind are two upcoming rare solar events. Don’t miss the first one—October 14!
Scary Squash
The story of the Jack-o’-lantern goes back hundreds of years and has its roots in Irish folklore. Happy Halloweeeeeeen!
Arachnophobia
YIKES! Click on any photo and scroll through our arachno-gallery for a closer look—if you dare!
Collecting Seeds to Protect an Aquifer
Our ability to remain and thrive in this place that we love is dependent on groundwater conservation and protection. But what does that have to do with collecting seeds?
Do We Have Enough Water?
The ongoing drought is having serious impact to the aquifers and the people living in the Texas Hill Country. Action is the best medicine. What can we do?
Documenting Drought
Hays County Master Naturalists are uniquely positioned to look out over our little piece of heaven and document this brave new world. Trees and plants that were still green on August 6 are stressed now and even dying.
A Perspective on Our Drought
We work almost daily trying to keep our bit of Texas as free of non-native plants as possible and to support high quality habitat for all critters that cherish, as we do, a Hill Country place of their own.
Naturalists at Summer Camp
We inspire children of all ages to increase habitat for wildlife, preserve the health of our streams and aquifers, learn about geology, and protect our night skies from light pollution.
The Irritable Back
“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” So says Dr. Seuss and I agree that the creature known as the irritable back—the North American porcupine—is one of those funny things. Here are some of my trail camera photos and fun facts about our wild friend.
About the Cover…
“San Marcos Springs and Spring Lake are rare ecological jewels among Texas water resources.” I invite you to walk with me along the boardwalk at this unique wild sanctuary.
Summer of Drought
The Cypress Creek low water table is several feet below the creek bed. I cannot recall seeing the water level at Jacob’s Well so low.
Water! Water! Water!
I am always asked, “How do you attract so many birds to your yard?” The answer is…