NewsDrop-May-June-2026

EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY

Today , the EAC continues its work to support the EAA by facilitating partnerships for financial and in-kind support, which enhances aquifer research and education, protects key landscapes within the aquifer’s watershed, and accelerates existing and new conservation practices. This work is setting the stage for the next era of the EAC as it continues to build its own legacy supporting the EAA. Have you considered what legacy you want to leave for the next generation?

No legacy is achieved alone.

By: Sara Beesley EAA Chief Development Officer

For the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy is here to support the mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer system.

The Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) is the nonprofit support organization for the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity as defined by the IRS. It is a Type 1 Support organization, which

means it exists exclusively to support the EAA and only engages in activities that benefit the EAA.

Photo: 2026 EAC Board members: left to right; Deborah Carington, Rachel Sanborn, Carol Patterson, Ben Youngblood, Abe Salinas, and Byron Miller.

Photo: On January 27, 2016 executives from Cemex awarded the EAC with the first of three annual $45,000 donations to fund a series of hands-on educator workshops.

Is the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy already in your estate plans? Interested in exploring additional or unique giving options?

Consider a bequest to the EAC to help continue its legacy. A simple and common form of legacy giving, a bequest involves leaving a portion of your estate — whether cash, property, or investments — to charity in your will, in this case, the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy. Naming us as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account (like an IRA or 401(k)) is another way to leave a meaningful legacy. In addition to cash or property, you can also leave your legacy through donating your groundwater rights. As the EAC plans into future, your support is critical to the sustainability of the Edwards Aquifer system.

In 2013 , the EAA staff began exploring opportunities for revenue generation beyond that of aquifer management fees to enhance its financial and programming capacity and flexibility to sustain and enhance its mission. Staff explored potential corporate sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, but it became clear in order for potential partners to make a monetary gift, it would need to be to a tax exempt nonprofit organization. In 2014 , the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy was created and in 2015 , achieved its tax-exempt status from the IRS.

For the past 10 years , the EAC has been operating to facilitate additional income to execute key EAA programs, including the Groundwater Conservation Grant program, Education Outreach Center bus transportation grant program, and supporting the research at the Field Research Park, which the EAC owns. Because of its nonprofit status, the EAC was able to accept the donated property now known at the Field Research Park from the City of San Antonio, to conserve this key landscape on the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer.

Contact us at: EAC@edwardsaquifer.org or visit our website at: eaconservancy.org for more information.

Or if you simply want to be a part of the contributing zone and donate today.

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