Halley Ortiz, left, of Manchaca, was presented the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s annual Water Conservation Award by BSEACD President Mary Stone at a recent event. Halley and her husband, Thomas, were honored with the award due to their experiences from striving to live a sustainable lifestyle in Central Texas.
The two set up a vigorous square-foot gardening system to help feed the family. Halley then wrote about the healthier and less expensive results. The couple’s native landscaping, conservation practices and rainwater harvesting efforts allow the family to use far less water than required by their water system in the depths of the drought. Halley is an outspoken advocate about the need for individuals and communities to conserve water resources. (Courtesy photo)
