Sunday, February 17th, HCC participated in the AT&T Austin Marathon. With a team of 17 runners and nearly 40 volunteers, we ran, cheered, passed out water, and spread the word about HCC and our land conservation message to over 15,000 runners! Thanks to all that came out to help at the race and also to those who donated to the team. We are so proud of the performance by the running team and by the efforts put forth by our volunteer team!

Special thanks to Carlotta McLean at Land Advisors Organization for sponsoring the HCC mile of the race and taking such good care of the volunteers!

HCC Running Team:
Abe Dashner, Andrea Rado, Angela Houdyshell, Austin Greene, Catherine Tramuto, Celest Bowden, Corby Jastrow, Elena Schimming, Emily Brown, Jen Ohlson, Kirk Watson, Matt Epple, Mike Luigs, Ryder Jeanes, Scott Youngs, Steve Caruso, Susan Hewlett.

In January 2008, Hill Country Conservancy launched Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) a program targeted towards educating future business leaders in our community about our surroundings. EPIC has recruited 80 new young members, and is continuing to grow daily. Annual membership levels begin at $200 for EPIC I and cap at $1000 for EPIC III. Each level includes monthly activities, such as; sponsored informational lunches on environmental topics and HCC projects, networking events, excursions and volunteer opportunities.

In February, EPIC members attended their first lunch and learn to develop a better understanding of the Hill Country Conservancy’s mission and history of ensuring a healthy environment and economy in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer region by preserving natural areas. April 19th EPIC will be sending a team of volunteers down to help with the Earth Day celebration. Future events include camping at Storm Ranch in May and kayaking in June with HCC’s own George Cofer. Participation in the field trips will hopefully create a richer passion for the Texas Hill Country and all that it has to offer, and also educate the need for environmental change in our community.

Click here to learn more about EPIC membership.

Upcoming EPIC events:
May 3rd Enchanted Rock hike
June 25th Climate Change Lunch and Learn with Mayor Wynn

Hill Country Conservancy and several partners and other stakeholders have made a great deal of progress during the past few months toward creating a new trail system known as “Walk For a Day,” which will connect Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake Hike & Bike Path) to the Onion Creek Natural Area in Hays County - via a system of multi-use trails.

WFAD represents a unique intersection of environmental, business, and recreational interests in a beautifully “wild” and ecologically diverse region of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This 34-mile trail will provide Central Texans with outstanding bike-to-work, general recreational and educational opportunities.

More than $100 Million of City of Austin voter-approved bond funds have been spent during the past ten years acquiring the trail corridor, including the City’s recently announced acquisition of a key tract that closes a “gap” in the trail corridor. Hill Country Conservancy applauds the City of Austin and the Nature Conservancy of Texas for their perseverance in completing this complex transaction.

With the City firmly invested in securing the corridor for the trail, HCC is now pursuing state and federal funding for the construction of a few miles of the trail system in 2009/10. If you or your company would like to learn more about the opportunities to provide local matching funds for these state and federal grants to complete “Phase I” of Walk For A Day, please contact George Cofer, HCC Executive Director.

HCC extends grateful thanks to the City of Austin, community leaders and companies who have contributed their time and professional services to initiate the process through which this trail vision will become reality!

Click here to read more about the Walk-For-A-Day trail project.

With grapes topping the list of the most chemically “sprayed” categories of produce on the market today, more and more vineyards are going organic or biodynamic. This results in not only “healthier” vines, but in wines with greater flavor, more distinct terroir character and at times a noticeable cost-savings on their bottom line. Plus, a wide variety of fine bottles are now available right here in Austin!

If you prefer white wine we recommend Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay. This elegant Chardonnay has luscious aromas of baked pear, lychee nuts and honey.

If you prefer red wine, or just prefer to buy local, try picking up a bottle of Texas Hills Vineyard’s locally grown “Kick Butt Cab.” Grapes from 22-year old vines lend this wine a taste of blackberry jam and the American oak gives it a hint of spiciness. Full depth and long finish with subtle tannins and rich color & body make this a Cab that can hold its own against the best-rated wines in the country.

www.texashillsvinyard.com

We are happy to announce that H-E-B has again selected Earth Share of Texas to be the beneficiary of its Central Texas in-store coupon promotion for April, in recognition of Earth Day. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill. Hill Country Conservancy will benefit from this because the contributions will be divided equally among 28 Earth Share of Texas organizations with program work in Central Texas.

Look for the Earth Share of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in 140 Central Texas H-E-B stores and the two Austin Central Market stores beginning April 1 or a few days earlier. And help support Earth Share of Texas and the Central Texas environment!