The Watershed Association, in partnership with the Mothering Earth Podcast, Hays County, and the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek, will begin “Water Wise,” a new community education series designed to cultivate water resiliency in the Hill Country.
The first event, October 25, will open with a conversation on Aquifer Health and the State of Our Water. Speakers from the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, and the Hays County Master Naturalists will reflect on the current state of Wimberley Valley water resources and explore the pathways to protecting it for future generations.
How to cultivate abundance even in drought?
To help answer this question, “Water Wise” will bring together voices from across the region to spark dialogue, share practical solutions and empower residents to become stewards of the land and water we all depend on.
October 25th Beneath the Surface: Aquifer Health & Water Flows 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wimberley Village Library
The Hill Country is in sustained drought, and outdoor water use is increasingly limited. This session offers a clear, placebased look at where our water comes from, how much we have, and how the ground beneath us functions as both source and reservoir. We’ll explore the science of regional water flows, why conservation matters now, and which everyday choices make the biggest difference. The program concludes with a live demonstration of how an aquifer works that shows underground processes participants can see and understand. A question and answer session with speakers follows, so bring questions and leave with the practical insight to use at home and in your neighborhood.
Keynote speakers include Linda Kaye Rogers, Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; Adam Berglund, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment; and Sarah Carlisle, Hays County Master Naturalist.
November 8th Roots and Flows: Water Wise Native Plant Gardens 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location to be announced.
As drought stretches on, many are asking how to keep a beautiful yard without constant watering. This outdoor “show and tell” walks through a water-wise demonstration garden — earthworks and native plantings designed to slow, spread and sink rainfall. You’ll see how to shape outdoor spaces to hold moisture in the soil and which native trees, shrubs and groundcovers bring color, pollinators, and long-term resilience with minimal irrigation. Wear boots that are able to get dirty. Location to be announced soon.
Keynote speaker is Chris Jones, Symbiosis.
November 15th Water Wise by Design: Integrating Native Landscapes in Your Neighborhood 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wimberley Village Library
Many neighborhood landscaping rules were written for a different era of fewer people and more water, and often favor large, mowed lawns that don’t hold up in drought. This session introduces the Hill Country Alliance’s new guidance for property and homeowners’ associations, tailored to today’s climate realities. Participants will see practical examples of landscape standards that reduce turf and welcome native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, tall grasses and groundcovers for beauty that thrives without heavy outdoor watering. A local realtor will also discuss how waterwise landscaping can enhance curb appeal and long-term property value. Keynote speakers include Katherine Romans, Executive Director, Hill County Alliance and Clay Ewing, Century 21
January 17 Seeds of Resilience: Wicking Gardens and Seed Saving 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wimberley Village Library
Drought runs through this series for a reason. This session shows, step by step, how to build a wicking garden bed that sips water while growing healthy, vigorous plants, perfect for Hill Country conditions. After the live demo, seed saving will be explored and will demonstrate how it deepens your knowledge of native plants and stretches the garden budget. Participants will learn how to use the Wimberley Village Library’s Seed Catalog, both to find regionadapted seeds and to contribute seeds for neighbors to grow. Bring questions and leave with plants you can plant.
Keynote speakers include Janet Bradford, Wimberley Garden Club and Kat Locke, President, Keep Wimberley Beautiful.
For questions, contact: zane@watershedassociation. org. The series is free, but RSVP at https://events.humanitix. com/waterwise- educational-series.
