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Phase II of Storm Ranch Conservation Easement Complete!

Hill Country Conservancy is pleased to announce that a land preservation agreement was finalized recently on Phase II (1318 acres) of the historic Storm Ranch located in northern Hays County. HCC is proud to be part of the conservation of this beautiful 5675–acre working cattle ranch with ancient rock fences separating rolling hills and pastures of native grasses, magnificent live oaks and numerous creeks and streams. Conservation of open space in the region is particularly important for protecting local drinking water and the waters, flora and fauna of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, the only known habitat for the endangered Barton Springs salamander.

HCC extends grateful thanks to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife staff for their hard work to provide habitat acquisition funding for this public–private partnership that preserves the extraordinary conservation values of this ranch. We are also eternally grateful to the late Lynn Storm and the Storm Family for their commitment to keeping their ranching legacy alive and well in the Texas Hill Country.

To read the entire article, click here

Prescribed Burn at the Storm Ranch

In June, Hill Country Conservancy project manager, Frank Davis, performed the first of a series of experimental burns at Storm Ranch to gauge the effects of summer fire on King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica), an exotic invasive species. In addition to working full time for HCC, Frank is partnering with the Storm family on his Masters’ thesis project, intended to help local land managers and ranchers learn how to better control the ubiquitous grass.

To help with future prescribed burns, please email Frank Davis.

To read the entire Prescribed burn article and learn more about King Ranch Bluestem, click here

King Ranch Bluestem

King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica) is an exotic, invasive species that occupies large portions of the Southern Great Plains and Texas Hill Country. Native to Central Europe and Asia, King Ranch bluestem was introduced to the southern United States in the 1920s for ranching and erosion control because of its abundant forage production, grazing tolerance and easy establishment. The competitive ability of King Ranch bluestem lowers species richness and diversity, altering habitat structure for threatened and endangered grassland birds and other native animals.

Click Here for the complete article to learn more about King Ranch bluestem.

2008 Farm Bill Enacted!
Includes provision for the extension of Federal Tax Incentives through 2009

Hill Country Conservancy would like to thank Senator Hutchinson and Representatives Johnson, Brady, Thornberry, Doggett, and Rodriguez for their ongoing support of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. One key provision, affecting land trusts nationwide, extends the federal tax incentives for conservation easement donation through December 31, 2009, which expands qualifying incentives for farmers and ranchers, and doubles funding for the Farm and Ranch Protection Program (FRPP).

For the complete article Click here or
visit the 2008 Farm Bill Website.

The EPIC program blazes a trail for future leaders of the Environmental and Business Community!

After 8 tremendous months, EPIC continues to engage future leaders in land conservation. With 109 members and counting, these enthusiastic leaders have already engaged in hiking, kayaking, and wine tasting, while simultaneously learning valuable lessons about the environment. Through participation with (EPIC), members have a better understanding of the need for environmental change in our community, as well a richer passion for the land and all that it can offer. To join or find out more information about the EPIC program, visit www.hillcountryconservancy.org/epic.php. All those interested in the program are encouraged to attend the September 16th Lunch & Learn about Solar and Wind Energy.

September 16: Lunch and Learn about Renewable Energy at The Belmont

BECOME A MEMBER of HCC and begin receiving the NEW Monthly E-newsletter, Vast Open Spaces!

Advantages of the Vast Open Spaces e-newsletter will include:
• HCC conservation updates,
• Up-to-date information regarding land conservation projects,
• The Walk for a Day trail system,
• Monthly volunteer opportunities,
• Members-only family ranch days,
• The HCC Conservation calendar,
• A chance to be the HCC member of the month

Your membership contribution allows HCC to continue conserving working ranches, scenic vistas, retain rural Hill Country heritage, and conserve precious water resources in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer. Become a local hero and click here to discover more about membership levels and opportunities.

Through September 19th only- Discounted tickets are available for Hill Country Nights, HCC’s Annual Fundraiser. Buy your $50 individual tickets today, before the price increases to $75! Hill Country Nights 2008 will be on Friday, November 21st at the Texas Disposal Systems Game Ranch and Pavilion.
Click here for more information and tickets.

Join the HCC Running Team!
Info session in the Green Room of the Headliners Club
September 24, 2008: 5 PM

Are you a marathon runner? Have you ever wanted to become one? Please consider joining the HCC running team for the AT&T Full or Half Marathon, scheduled for February 15! Hill Country Conservancy is so excited to have been chosen to participate in this year’s marathon program, 26 Miles for 26 Charities. Runners on the HCC team will receive complimentary training sessions, cool race-day clothing, monthly treats from our team sponsors, and invitations to pre and post race celebrations. For more information, please email Andrea Rado.

“Family Friendly” Volunteer Workdays at the Nalle Bunny Run Preserve
Sept 7 (1-5pm)
Oct 18 (9am-12:30pm)
Nov 2 (1-5pm)

Help HCC enhance and restore a portion of the habitat and hydrology at the 35-acre Nalle Bunny Run preserve. Hill Country Conservancy would like to thank REI for their generous equipment support!

To sign up for a volunteer day or for more information, please email Cheyenne Pitts.

PARD Arbor Day Tree Planting
Saturday, October 25 (10 AM - 1 PM)

Join HCC and PARD for a celebration surrounding trees and the vast benefits they provide to our community! Help us make a positive change in the environment by volunteering to plant trees in our city’s parks and learn more about what trees can do for you and the community!

Click here to learn more about this event.

Austin Cave Festival
October 25
(9 AM- 4PM)

Learn about the importance and sensitivity of the aquifer and its recharge features at the Western Oaks Karts Preserve. Come by the HCC booth, enjoy hands-on-activities, and win prizes - and admission is FREE!

Click here to view the event flyer.

Thank you to Bury + Partners for Donating Office Space to HCC