HISTORY OF THE CONSERVANCY
The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike - and - Bike Trail for the benefit of all.
1971: Town Lake Beautification Committee formed by Lady Bird Johnson & Ann Butler
1972: The first section of the Trail construction was completed – extending roughly two miles from the Rainey Street area to Barton Creek
2003: Town Lake Trail Foundation formed
2011: Town Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail renamed to Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
2022: The Trail Foundation renamed to The Trail Conservancy
THE TRAIL CONSERVANCY TODAY
THE HIKE-AND-BIKE TRAIL
5 Million+ visits to the Trail annually
Fun Facts:
• This is the same number each year as the Grand Canyon!
• It is more visits than the Appalachian Trail.
• Almost more than Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks combined!
OUR WORK
OUR WORK – ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
110+ Acres of Natural Areas: TTC Staff manages these areas through volunteer programs, restoration contractors, grants, local partnerships, and our INCREDIBLE Conservation Team.
2023 Volunteer Program:
● 90 events (public + private)
● 3,852 volunteers participated
● 8,330 hours of work
● 485 cubic yds of mulch
● 8,178 new plants and trees
● 18,304 lbs of trash removed
● $233K value of work
115 Acres of Wildflowers Maintained
Wildflower meadows are an important and crucial habitat for a myriad of native insects including bees and butterflies.
Our rain gardens treat approximately 1 million gallons of water that would otherwise enter LBL untreated. Additionally, each rain garden can individually remove 483 lbs of trash from the system before it enters the lake!
~1 Million Gallons of Stormwater Treated
TTC manages 6 rain gardens across the Park. The gardens treat approximately 1 million gallons of water and can individually remove 483 lbs of trash before entering the lake.
OUR WORK – CAPITAL PROJECTS
OUR WORK – CAPITAL PROJECTS
Rainey Street Trailhead
STATUS: Under Construction TIMELINE: Anticipated Opening June 2024
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $1,117,318 (includes 5 years of Maintenance & Operations)
OUR WORK – CAPITAL PROJECTS
Holly Shores Projects
FISHING PIER
STATUS: Construction begins in May 2024 TIMELINE: Anticipated opening in late Fall
TRAILHEAD, TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS, & PLAY AREA
STATUS: Currently in the schematic design & community engagement phase
DESCRIPTION: Based on the Holly Shores / Edward Rendon Sr. Park Vision, this series of projects will complete the vision for the revitalized open space in the area of the decommissioned Holly Street Power Plant.
OUR WORK – CAPITAL PROJECTS
Comprehensive Signage Plan
STATUS: Schematic Design & Community Engagement TIMELINE: Anticipated completion June 2024
OUR WORK – SEAHOLM WATERFRONT
OUR WORK – SEAHOLM WATERFRONT
In 2018, Austin City Council approved the Seaholm Waterfront concept plan born out of extensive community engagement which illustrates the full completion of the project. Full access to the Intake will begin upon completion of Phase 2, bringing the facility to life and providing the amenities and maintenance needed for daily operations.
The Trail Conservancy launched a $15,000,000 capital campaign in early 2023 to fund Phase 2 and will begin the construction of this phase once the campaign goal has been reached.
OUR WORK – ON TRAIL PROGRAMMING
VOLUNTEER DAYS
HOLIDAYS ON THE TRAIL
PARTNERSHIPS FOR PROGRAMMING:
• Keep Austin Beautiful
• Mexican American Cultural Center
• Move Texas
• TreeFolks
• Travis Audubon
• Neighborhood Associations
• Austin Public Libraries
• Austin Texas Musicians
• Violet Crown Cycling
TRAILFIT
TREE ID WALKS
BIRD WATCHING TOURS
KIDS ON BIKES IN PARKS
…. AND MORE
MUSIC ON THE TRAIL SERIES
OUR WORK – ON TRAIL PROGRAMMING
ARTS + CULTURE
Temporary Artwork
Performances/Cultural
Events
TEMPO ON THE TRAIL
Planning/Engagement
• Adrian Landon Brooks – mural under the Drake Bridge
• Chroma Collective – mural under the IH-35 Bridge
• Raul Buitrago –wheat paper mural under Lamar Bridge
• Diego Miro-Rivera – lawn art at International Shores
• Johnny Walker – sculpture at Auditorium Shores
• Juliet Whitsett – sculpture at Holly Lakefront Trail
• Ani Bradberry – light art displayed through Seaholm Intake Building
GET INVOLVED
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
Funding Facts
● The Trail does not receive funds from the City of Austin as part of our operating agreement.
● The Trail does receive government funds in the form of grants, which we apply for, or Parkland Dedication Fees, which are fees paid by developers that the city uses to purchase new parkland.
● More than half our funds for operations, maintenance, and capital projects come from individuals who use and love the Trail.
WAYS TO JOIN US
JOIN AS A MEMBER
Join a like-minded group of Austinites who care about preserving and protecting the Trail for future generations.
SPONSOR A PROGRAM
Get your company or group to sponsor an event or program –or buy a table to our annual gala.
SUPPORT CONSERVATION & TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Fund conservation work, including invasive species removal, native plantings, and quality Trail maintenance.
JOIN A COMMITTEE
Lend your time and talent to support Park Ops, Marketing, Development, Governance, Projects, and more.
INVEST IN A CAPITAL PROJECT
Help transform a park section by funding a new trailhead, seating area, or feature.
PARTICIPATE IN AN EVENT
Run in the Moonlight Margarita 5K, volunteer during Earth Day, or join us for fitness in the park.
OUR WORK – SIGNATURE EVENTS
MAUDIE’S MOONLIGHT MARGARITA RUN
June 5 | Auditorium Shores
• 21st annual
• 5K Fun Run and Celebration Party
• Runners from 20 states participated
• 2,500 attendees
EARTH DAY CLEAN UP + JUBILEE
April 19-20 | International Shores
• Land & Lake Clean-Up for 1,800 (3 locations)
• Jubilee is a free, family-friendly celebration
• Live Music, Family Activities, Local Food & Drink
• Partner Activations & Makers Market
TWILIGHT ON THE TRAIL
October 27 | Four Seasons
• Annual gala – largest fundraising event each year at the Four Seasons
• “Cocktail on top, Trail on bottom” signature attire
