Water and Natural Resources Stewardship The Hill Country of
Central Texas enjoys picturesque rural landscapes interspersed
with beautiful springs, creeks, streams and rivers that provide
habitat to an abundance of aquatic and riparian species. The two
major aquifers of the region, the Trinity and the Edwards,
supply water to rural and metropolitan populations. However, due
to increasing population centers, stress on wildlife and
ecosystems, and diminished creek and spring flows, the Hill
Country is a region threatened by difficulties in maintaining
water sustainability for all inhabitants. Groundwater is a
mostly unseen and unexperienced part of our lives. As the recent
drought has shown, groundwater helps to form the basic flows of
rivers and springs in the Hill Country. When groundwater levels
drop, creeks can dry up and springs cease to flow. Dry wells can
be devastating for rural landowners and their livestock. Land
and water stewardship are a part of the Hill Country heritage of
settlers, ranching and ru