Community News see more »

After a summer of severe drought, we have come to value the wonderful water resources of the Hill Country more than ever. In appreciation of our magical springs, creeks, rivers and lakes, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) is hosting its First Annual Water Celebration and fundraiser, featuring Eliza Gilkyson, award-winning Hill Country singer/songwriter at the Salt Lick Pavilion in Driftwood, Texas.

The event also features a conservation fair and an auction with fabulous items including: a ski vacation at the exquisite Fanz Klammer Fairmount in Telluride; a weekend at Dancing Waters Retreat at the Jacob’s Well Natural Area; and a weekend stay at the Galvez Hotel in Galveston, including a spa package, dinner and historic tour. The auction also includes unique art works including a framed 9 7/8”x 40” photograph by David Gibson titled “Morning Along Cypress Creek” and a “waterwise” landscape plan donated by King Feed.

“We are hosting a celebration because the waters of the Hill Country -- its springs, creeks and rivers -- are its lifeblood, and they are worthy of celebrating,” says David Baker, WVWA’s executive director. “They also are worthy of our protection, and it’s needed now more than ever.”

Our water resources have been threatened by the drought and by rapid development over our aquifers.  Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that flows from the Trinity Aquifer and is the source of Cypress Creek. The spring continued a healthy flow through the last drought of record in the 1950s. What’s different this time is that 6,500 wells that have been drilled into the Trinity Aquifer. Much of that water is wasted as it flows through leaky pipes, and is used to water lawns and golf courses.

This summer as Cypress Creek dries up and ancient Cypress trees turn brown, the tourist and real estate industry slows to a trickle. The heart and soul, and quality of life of the Wimberley Valley are in jeopardy. Urgent conservation measures are needed that include rainwater harvesting and conservation easements for the lands in the Jacob’s Well recharge area.

“The rain has lifted our spirits but the drought is still a critical issue for our area. Water conservation continues to be important way of life,” says Al Sander, event chair for the Hill Country Water Celebration.

The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association is dedicated to protecting the water quality and quantity of the aquifer by promoting sustainable watershed management through community education, conservation, and land protection. The Association has purchased 55 acres surrounding Jacob’s Well to restore and protect the flow of Cypress Creek. The land acquisition brings together dozens of parcels of land previously in private ownership into the Jacob’s Well Natural Area. The preserve serves as a site for education, scientific research and land protection. Programs focus on protecting aquifer recharge, spring flow, and the clean water flowing in the Cypress Creek and lower Blanco River.

“I am looking forward to performing and participating in this event because this is an opportunity to put our cards on the table and celebrate together our commitment to be responsible stewards of the land we inhabit,” Gilkyson says.

The 1st Annual Hill Country Water Celebration will benefit WVWA. Join us 5-9 pm, Sunday, October 18, to support clean water and land conservation. Tickets for the event are $55 and include dinner. Please purchase your tickets by October 10 online at www.visitwimberley.com/water or at the Wimberley Visitors’ Center. To purchase seating for a table (8 people), call 512-847-2380.