Water Wise Educational Series

The Watershed Association, in partnership with the Mothering Earth Podcast, Hays County, and the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek, is excited to announce Water Wise—a new community education series designed to cultivate water resiliency here in the Hill Country.

Water conservation efforts are crucial in our community, yet many people remain unaware of the simple steps they can take to protect water in their daily lives. As we know all too well, Jacob’s Well has seen historic declines in flow, wells are running dry, and our aquifers are under increasing stress.

The realities are urgent, but they are also an invitation.
How can we 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.

The series will continue into 2026, offering workshops that inform, inspire, and equip our community with tangible ways to conserve our most precious resource—water.

Come as you are. Leave as a steward. Let’s fall in love with this land all over again—and show that even in drought, our landscapes can be places of beauty, resilience, and renewal.

The Series at a Glance:
**All events will be hosted at the Wimberley Village Library unless otherwise noted**

November 8th

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Roots and Flows: Water Wise Native Plant Gardens

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.

Lin Weber, Hays County Master Naturalist, and Salwa Khan, founder of Mothering Earth podcast, will be present to answer questions and share insights on native plants and native plant landscapes.

Keynote speakers include:
Chris Jones // Symbiosis
**This event will be held at Triangle Park in Woodcreek**
Address: 1 Brookhollow Dr., Woodcreek, TX

November 15th

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Water Wise by Design: Integrating Native Landscapes in Your Neighborhood

Many neighborhood landscaping rules were written for a different era—fewer people, 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. You’ll see practical examples of landscape standards that reduce turf and welcome native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, tall grasses, and groundcovers—beauty that thrives without heavy outdoor watering. A local realtor will also discuss how water-wise landscaping can enhance curb appeal and long-term property value.

Keynote speakers include:
Katherine Romans // Executive Director, Hill County Alliance
Clay Ewing // Century 21

January 17th

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Seeds of Resilience: Wicking Gardens and Seed Saving

Drought runs through our 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, we’ll explore seed saving: how it deepens your knowledge of native plants and stretches your garden budget. You’ll also learn how to use the Wimberley Village Library’s Seed Catalog—both to find region-adapted seeds and to contribute your own for neighbors to grow. Bring your questions and leave with plans you can plant.

Keynote speakers include:
Janet Bradford // Wimberley Garden Club
Kat Locke // President, Keep Wimberley Beautiful

Questions? Contact:
Zane Liston: zane@watershedassociation.org
Salwa Khan: salwakhan@vcyes.com