On The Web

Dear HCC Supporters,

Is 2009 really almost over? When I began service as President of the Hill Country Conservancy, I knew it was going to be an exciting year, but I had no idea how far we would come! In 2009, monumental progress was made on the Walk For A Day trail vision. In March, we hired a project manager to oversee the project on a daily basis. We also received over $400,000 of federal funds for the first phase of the trail, and we continue to apply for additional federal, regional and local grants. We have also hired one of American's premier trail planners, Greenways, Inc., to design Phase 1, and construction of Phase I will begin this winter.

We also closed the purchase of a critical conservation easement on the Ragland Ranch in Hays County. Preserving this historic ranch is among the most important achievements for our community, with 297 acres, some of which is situated over the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer, being preserved. The original homestead on the property dates back to the 1800s - reminding us that HCC is working to protect not only our open space and the quality of our water but also the rich heritage of our region.

As I write this letter, we are nearing closing of the Dahlstrom Ranch conservation easement, which is a 2,300-acre working ranch with 372 acres that will be designated for public access, a first for our region! HCC initiated the efforts to preserve the Dahlstrom Ranch by securing funding from the City of Austin, Hays County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bringing these partners together for the first time on a conservation project of this magnitude.

This enormous progress would not be possible without your support. So, please accept my sincere Thanks for all that you do! The volunteer hours, financial contributions, and advocacy for "open space" really makes a difference, so please keep it up. We have done a lot but we still have a long way to go!

I hope that you and your family will consider HCC in your year-end giving. If each person that receives this email donated only $10, we would more than cover our closing costs for the Dahlstrom Ranch. If everyone gave $35, we could cover the entire HCC operating budget for an entire year!

Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to serve as your President in 2010.

Sincerely,

Nikelle Meade

Have you been wondering what is really going on with all of the improvements at Barton Springs Pool? Before the winter cleaning of the pool begins, join City of Austin staff to find out what is planned for the crowned jewel of the city!

Green Pastures
811 W Live Oak
Austin, TX 78704

Registration begins at 11:30
Lunch begins at 12:00

HCC extends grateful thanks to the Stillwater Foundation for their support of our 2009 Lunch & Learns.

Calling all interested hikers and runners to join the HCC half and full marathon teams. This is your last chance to join the team and support HCC just by putting on your running shoes!
The Marathon team is a great way to get in shape, aid Hill Country Conservancy's land and water conservation initiatives, and get awesome HCC active gear. For more information about the HCC marathon team and how you can get involved, please contact Cheyenne or check out the HCC Website.

Not on the Team?
Support HCC by Volunteering during the 2010 Austin Marathon!

HCC is looking for 60 volunteers to help us pass out water and Powerade to over 15,000 runners during this year's Austin Marathon, Sunday, February 14, 2010. This is a great way to support HCC and cheer on the thousands of participants!!

This Friday, December 11th, Backwoods and Patagonia will be celebrating the conclusion of a month-long national sales competition with a generous gift to Hill Country Conservancy. The $3,000 cash award was offered to the non-profit of choice, designated by the store that sold the most Patagonia products through the month of November. We hope that you will join HCC and Backwoods for a check presentation and special holiday party at the Backwoods Hill Country Galleria Store. Enjoy free gear give-aways, and special promotion of 15% off any one item in the store.