Hill Country Conservancy

Kordzik-Sheppard Ranch, a historic 732-acre family homestead, captures the beauty of the Texas Hill Country with its sweeping views over the Pedernales River valley and Fredericksburg. The Pedernales, a critical water source for over a million people downstream, flows through this ecologically rich land. The Kordzik-Sheppard land has been in the Kordizk family since the late 1800s. In recent years, the family saw their sleepy hometown transform into a buzzing tourist destination while of the properties around them were subdivided and sold as real estate. To safeguard their land’s water resources, wildlife habitats, and scenic beauty, the family partnered with Hill Country Conservancy to establish a conservation easement. This partnership permanently protects the ranch’s views, ecosystems, and water resources, contributing to Hill Country Conservancy’s legacy of conserving over 14,000 acres in the Hill Country. ??: Rich Kostecke? #HereForever #Fredericksburg #Water

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for Open Preserve Day at Pecan Springs Karst Preserve last Saturday! With about 70 attendees, perfect weather, and the support of more than five amazing community partners leading guided activities, it was a day filled with exploration, connection, and celebration of the beauty of nature. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Pecan Springs Karst Preserve for more adventures in 2025. Stay tuned!

At Hill Country Conservancy, we work to protect the land that protects our water. Polls show that, out of all environmental issues, Americans consistently rank water quality and pollution as their biggest worries. There’s a deep connection between the health of our land and the purity of the water that flows from it. When we protect our natural land cover, we’re actually giving nature the tools it needs to filter and protect our water sources. This natural filtration can reduce pollution, maintain healthy ecosystems, and even lower the need for costly water treatment facilities. By protecting open spaces, we’re helping to ensure clean water for future generations—water we can all count on. ??: Rich Kostecke? #HereForever #WaterWednesday #CleanWater

At our recent celebration of the Violet Crown Trail Phase I ribbon cutting, attendees had the unique opportunity to walk alongside trail builder Tim Eischen at our new La Crosse Trailhead. Tim shared insights into the construction process, showcasing how he skillfully crafted the latest trail segment using minimal equipment and prioritized preserving the tree canopy. By keeping as many trees as possible and maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape, Tim demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful trail design. #VCT #VioletCrownTrail #HereForever

When you hit the trail, do you prefer to go solo or with a group? No matter your style, the Violet Crown Trail is waiting for you this Take a Hike Day! #VCT #VioletCrownTrail #AustinTX #TakeAHikeDay

Signed, sealed, delivered – Make a Texas-sized impact this holiday season! Give your loved ones (or yourself!) a gift that makes a difference—a symbolic adoption of the Texas Hill Country! Whether for a loved one or yourself, this meaningful gift helps protect the beauty of the Texas Hill Country for generations to come. With each adoption, you’re not only sharing the beauty of Texas but also helping protect it for future generations. What’s included with your adoption? ?? Personalized Adoption Certificate – Signed and delivered in the recipient’s name, featuring details about the unique Hill Country treasure you’ve helped protect. ?? Elegant Notecard Set – Sealed with care, these stunning notecards showcase the natural wonders of the Hill Country, perfect for sharing or cherishing. Adopt today and give a gift that lasts forever! Place your order by November 29 to ensure they are delivered in time for the Holidays. Click the link to learn more and adopt now: https://lnkd.in/gc-6ZZz3 #HereForever #GoldenCheekedWarbler #Wildlife

If you've noticed the increasing development in our local green spaces and want to help but don't know where to start, here are four ways you can get involved TODAY: Volunteer with Us: Participate in hands-on activities like trail cleanups and tree planting to make a direct impact on our local environment. Become a Trailblazer: Join our monthly/annual membership program and help support our mission while enjoying exclusive benefits and events. Join EPIC: Become a part of our Emerging Professionals in Conservation group and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about protecting our natural spaces. Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay informed about our latest initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and conservation efforts by signing up for our newsletter. Ready to get started? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gnaFTKqn #HereForever #HillCountry #Volunteer

Lazy Bend Ranch, a 150-acre gem outside of Dripping Springs, is combined with nearby conservation easements, expanding the protected lands in the upper Onion Creek watershed to over 5,000 acres! This combined effort safeguards vital waterways, indigenous Texas wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. The landowners, passionate about restoring native habitats, have carefully nurtured the land for 25 years, now home to imperiled birds like the Painted Bunting, Northern Bobwhite, and the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. Their stewardship has protected the natural beauty of this iconic Hill Country ranch. With support from the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program and @texasparkswildlife, this conservation easement ensures the legacy of Lazy Bend Ranch will be preserved for generations to come, protecting local water resources and wildlife habitat. #HereForever #LazyBendRanch #TexasWildlife

This Sunday, our partners at Whole Earth Provision Co. and Austin Sunshine Camps are hosting Film Night Under the Stars at the Zilker Lodge from 5-7:30 PM! Gather the family for a cozy evening with food, drinks, inspiring Patagonia films, and exciting raffles! Tickets start at just $25, and all proceeds support the amazing work of Austin Sunshine Camps, which have offered life-changing outdoor experiences to Austin youth for almost 100 years. Click the link to get your tickets now and enjoy a night of adventure, family, and giving back to our amazing community partners: https://lnkd.in/dukQqVJU

If you grew up in the Texas Hill Country, you likely have cherished memories of evenings filled with the flickering light of fireflies. You may have spent carefree summer nights running around with these glistening lightning bugs. Or perhaps you simply sat and admired the bewitching beauty of these magical beetles, as they flickered bright lights in a dark Texas sky.