Dear Friend of the Watershed,

Protecting the iconic Jacob’s Well spring and the land and water of the Hill Country has been our focus for over thirty years. The crystal-clear flowing spring is a timeless source of inspiration and a symbol of gratitude for the gift of water. Water truly connects us all. Jacob’s Well serves as a reminder of the Hill Country’s natural beauty and the delicate balance we as a community must achieve to avoid spoiling what we love. This year the drought and over pumping of the Trinity aquifer caused by continued growth in the critical recharge zone has caused Jacob’s Well to stop flowing for over 30 days, the longest period of zero flow in history.

The relentless and excessive heat, drought, and wildfires this past summer had a devastating impact on wildlife, aquatic recreation, and the local tourism economy. The Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park were forced to close access for public swimming because of lack of flow and concerns of water quality. As we move into the winter season, months after the heat of the summer, flow at Jacob's Well has returned (though just as a trickle) and segments of the Blanco River remain dry.

Amid all the environmental challenges we have faced this last year, our programs have expanded, more acres of land have been preserved, and our policy and advocacy initiatives have increased as we have deepened our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and community outreach through new programming for Art4Water. We continue to build on our success implementing One Water building strategies locally in order to have a greater impact across the region. The desire to execute our mission has never been greater in the face of monumental challenges. Recent rains offer hope and awareness of nature’s regenerative power to heal and restore life.

The Watershed Association’s Winter Program Updates provides a snapshot of the wide range of our impactful programs and initiatives to protect our land and water and connect individuals and organizations focused on the long-term health and sustainability of the communities we serve. From land conservation and restoration to watershed education, from water quality monitoring to making scientific research relevant, and from task forces to public comment, the Watershed Association continues to be a regional leader in land and water conservation, scientific research, environmental planning, policy, and regenerative education. 

The Watershed Association thrives through generous expertise and dedicated efforts of our board and countless partners, supporters, and volunteers. Whether you donated, volunteered, participated in one of our programs, or shared the Watershed News, YOU have been part of our many successes. 

Together, we can share a vision for human and ecological health, economic sustainability, and an enriched community, and renewal of the human spirit. Thank you for standing with us and leading a movement to sustain our land, water and healthy communities!

For the love of water,

Executive Director

There will be two presentations and discussion of the next steps/projects for the stakeholder group. Robin Gary of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association will give an update on drought status and groundwater pumping and Sandra Arismendez with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will present results from the lower Cypress Creek bacteria monitoring project.

RSVP to reserve your sandwich and join us to catch up on news and lend your perspective on Valley priorities. Details and RSVP: Cypress Creek Stakeholder Meeting

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