Living in the Hill Country: Classes and Workshops

Living in the Hill Country:   Classes and Workshops

This popular series offers valuable information for Hill Country landowners. Below is a sampling of Classes that are offered throughout the year, changing with the seasons, and we're always adding new programs to our schedule. Check our master calendar for specific dates, then sign up by email or online or by phone at 830/249-4616.

Grasses Workshops

No matter how much or how little you know about Texas Hill Country grasses and wildflowers, this workshop is for you. Bring your grasses and wildflowers for identification by the experts.

Wildflowers and Prairie Restoration

Learn how to start and maintain a wildflower meadow or a native grass and wildflower prairie on your property. A local expert presents a slide show on prairie restoration, followed by a leisurely walk to identify and study native plants.

Wildlife Field Research

Landowner volunteers receive hands-on experience doing plant and animal surveys that help monitor the effectiveness of our land-management practices: burning, mowing, exotic plant removal and more.

Deer Management

Learn the basics of white-tailed deer management in the Hill Country. This program covers development of practical management goals; conducting a deer census; developing harvest strategies; techniques for monitoring plan results.

Butterflies of the Hill Country

The Hill Country has a wealth of butterflies that you can attract to your property. See an extraordinary slide show of these delightful creatures and learn about the native plants that are essential for their survival. Includes a walk to collect and release some species that are active in the area.

Plant Communities of the Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is made up of many different plant communities. A professional botanist presents a slide show of major natural communities and the components that make them unique. A walk through the Nature Center property allows identification of local plants.

Hill Country Geology

A two-part class led by a noted geologist who will discuss the 100-million-year-old formation of Hill Country limestone and the subsequent events that have shaped the landscape. Information about the influence of our limestone bedrock on soil, vegetation, topography and underground aquifers.

Trees and Understory - Food and Cover

All over the Texas Hill Country, land is being cleared for development and an excessive white-tailed deer population is preventing regeneration of hardwood trees. Learn the dynamics of forest ecology and how hunting and other land management practices can benefit native plants, as well as the wildlife that depends on them for food and cover.

Backyard Wildscape

A wildscape is an area that provides wildlife with basic habitat needs: food, water and shelter. Learn about creating a haven for songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plants provide food and shelter for wildlife while creating a low-maintenance and water-conserving landscape.

Rainwater Collection for Wildlife and Landscape

Rain is an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation. This workshop covers rain tank selection, system design and problem solving. Water can be harvested for use by wildlife. No electricity? No problem. Learn about using guzzlers and other devices in remote locations.

Build a Backyard Pond

Providing water in your yard for wildlife is easy. Learn some easy ways to have clean water year-round and get details on how to build a backyard pond.

Native Plants for Birds and Butterflies

Discover the importance of Hill Country trees, shrubs and wildflowers for attracting songbirds, hummingbirds and butterflies to your property. Learn about using native plants as medicine, fiber and dyes. Take a leisurely walk and learn to identify native plants at the CNC.

Hill Country Landscape Design

Learn about the special problems that face every gardener in the Texas Hill Country: drought, heat and alkaline soil. We use several landscape plans and styles to show a variety of solutions, including a traditional yard with xeric plants and a wildscape yard designed especially for birds and butterflies.

Cedar Management Workshop

Methods, equipment and choices in cedar clearing recommended by the Forest Service, Parks and Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation Service. See cedar management in action and choose the best combination of methods for your land.