Hill Country Conservancy

Migratory birds are traveling again. Help protect our feathered friends by turning off all non-essential lighting outside and inside from now through October 29th from 11 pm to 6 am each night. Want to know how your community can participate in Lights Out Texas? Check out this FAQ: https://lnkd.in/e_ReV_9v #LightsOutTexas #Birds

Are you passionate about conservation? We’re looking for a Conservation & Science Specialist to join our team! In this role, you'll support the acquisition and stewardship of our conservation easements and manage ecological assessments of prospective projects using GIS and landscape conservation software. You’ll assist with monitoring conservation easements, build relationships with rural landowners, and provide guidance through workshops and presentations. Ready to make a positive impact on land conservation? Click the link to view the full job description and apply now! https://lnkd.in/g-EZWysa

Did you know that the bridge at Slaughter Creek on the Violet Crown Trail is specifically designed to withstand the flash floods common in our area. It features cables on one side that break away, allowing debris to pass through while keeping the bridge stable during heavy water flow. #Vct #VioletCrownTrail #TrailTuesday

At first glance, this may seem like just another dry creek bed, but look closer and you'll notice an ancient footprint left by dinosaurs millions of years ago. 🦕 These fossilized tracks at Cherry Spring Ranch are a powerful reminder of why it's crucial to conserve our natural landscapes and protect the environments that hold these remarkable treasures. Happy #NationalFossilDay!⁠ #HereForever #Geology #Fossil #Dinosaur #WonderWednesday

For 25 years, Hill Country Conservancy has worked to preserve the water, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. One of our signature projects, the Violet Crown Trail, has reached a major milestone with the completion of Phase I—13 miles connecting Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! To celebrate, join us on Saturday, November 9, from 9-11 AM at the La Crosse Avenue cul-de-sac for a special ribbon cutting, snacks, and hikes along the newest 1.7-mile segment. Don’t miss this unforgettable event as we mark this exciting chapter in our journey! Click the link to learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/gmr_rE5n

Did you know that the bridge at Slaughter Creek on the Violet Crown Trail is specifically designed to withstand the flash floods common in our area. It features cables on one side that break away, allowing debris to pass through while keeping the bridge stable during heavy water flow. #Vct #VioletCrownTrail #TrailTuesday

Stunning Black-capped Vireo in action, feasting on insects! It’s World Migratory Bird Day! This year's theme, "Protect Insects, Protect Birds," emphasizes the vital role insects play as food for migrating birds. Insects are key to healthy ecosystems, serving as a primary food source for many bird species. For insect-eating birds, changes in insect populations directly impact their migration, influencing where and when they stop to refuel on their journey. 📸: Rich Kostecke #HereForever #Wildlife #WorldMigratoryBirdDay

Go Lights Out Texas for migration! Birds need our help for safe travel at night from now until October 29th. By turning off or dimming non-essential landscape, interior, and exterior lighting from 11 pm to 6 am each night, you can help prevent bird collisions – and it saves you money! Learn more and join communities across Texas going Lights Out for birds: https://lnkd.in/e_ReV_9v #LightsOutTexas #Birds

A recharge zone is an area where water seeps into the ground to refill our aquifers. This process is essential because aquifers provide drinking water and irrigation for crops. When water falls in these zones, it filters through the soil and rocks, making its way down to store for later use. In the Texas Hill Country, recharge zones are especially important due to the unique limestone landscape, which allows water to flow quickly underground. These areas help maintain the Edwards Aquifer, a crucial water source for many communities in Texas. However, as urban areas expand, pollutants from construction sites, roads, and agricultural activities can easily seep into these vital water intake areas. By taking care of land sitting on these recharge zones, we support the health of our water resources in the Texas Hill Country. #HereForever #Aquifer #WaterQuality #WaterWednesday

How did the Violet Crown Trail get it's name. Also- why is the term Violet Crown so popular in Austin? Well, it came from an extensive survey period where Austinites were invited to submit and vote on potential new names for the trail, which was originally called the Walk For A Day Trail. The Violet Crown Trail name originated out of this process but the term ‘Violet Crown’ has its own history in our town. According to Austin History Center, the term "Violet Crown" first appeared in an Austin Daily Statesman article on August 8, 1894, referencing a vote to build a granite dam across the Colorado River. While many believed O. Henry popularized the phrase in his 1894 short story Tictocq, published in The Rolling Stone, it was used even earlier to describe Austin’s identity. In Tictocq, O. Henry describes a high-society event in Austin, referring to it as the "City of the Violet Crown.". While its exact origin remains disputed, most agree that the phrase captures the stunning lavender hue of the hills to the west during an Austin sunset. #TrailTuesday #Austin #VioletCrown #VCT