Trail Connect is an annual half-day conference that brings together community leaders, local governments, the real estate and land use community, conservationists, and trail enthusiasts for meaningful discussions on trails, transportation, growth, and environmental stewardship in our rapidly growing corridor. This year’s conference will focus on the Great Springs Trail as a connector for communities and include a keynote address by Josh Winkler on protecting iconic springs in Central Texas and a discussion on the impact of HB 4230 – The Texas Bicentennial Trail Bill. We expect 300 attendees at this year’s event.
Event Details
Date: November 5th, 2025
Check-in: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Conference: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Social Hour: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location:
New Braunfels Civic Convention Center
375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Conference & Sessions
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Neal Linnartz | New Braunfels Mayor
Jonathan Packer | New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Deep in the HeartThe Landscape and Wildlife of Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country
Andy Sansom introduces Josh Winkler of Fin & Fur Films
Josh talks about the natural wonders, landscape, and wildlife of Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country
The Great Springs TrailA Legacy Project for all of Texas
Elizabeth High & David Bemporad, RS&H | Garry Merritt & Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Project
Highlight of natural, historic and cultural places on the trail + explanation of how trail segments are being prioritized + the work being done to get segments ready for funding and construction
Connecting With Parks and Trails A Legacy of Collaboration
Moderated by Sara Villarreal, Great Springs Project
Panelists include:
- Morgan Hammer | Hays County Commissioner
- Lisa Swint | Garden Ridge Mayor
- Garry Ford | New Braunfels Director of Transporation & Capital Improvements
- Chad McKeown | CAMPO Deputy Executive Director
Discussion of challenges and opportunities of local governments working together to connect communities through parks and trails, including city to city and city to county
Reflecting NatureA Legacy in the Built Environment
Introduced by Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Project
Moderated by Elaine Kearney, TBG Partners
Panelists include:
- Ted Flato | Headwaters at Comal, Austin Public Library
- Christine Ten Eyck | Indigenous Cultures Institute, Buda Garison Park
- Elaine Kearney | Managing Principal of the San Antonio of TBG Partners
Discussion of how nature-based design contributes to more sustainable and valued developed projects, with an emphasis on particular projects along the Great Springs Trail
Investing in Important Places A Legacy of Conservation
Moderated by Emma Lindrose-Siegel, Great Springs Project
Panelists include:
- Elizabeth Love | Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation CEO
- Marshall Bowen | Shield Ranch Vice President & General Counsel
- Robert Potts | Dixon Water Foundation
Discussion of the value proposition for philanthropic, private sector, and landowner investment in conservation.
The Texas Bicentennial Trail Celebrating Texas
Garry Merritt from GSP and Jonathan Ogren from Siglo Group provide an up-close look at the Texas Bicentennial Trail.
Thank you & Closing Remarks
Garry Merritt
Networking Social
Connect and Collaborate
Join fellow attendees, speakers, and community leaders for networking and refreshments.
Confirmed Speakers and Panelists
David Bemporad
Transportation Planner, RS&H
Transportation planning professional working alongside Great Springs Project Corridor Study and other infrastructure planning initiatives.
Kyndel Bennett
CEO, Cayetano Development | Board Member, Great Springs Project
Real estate development veteran with 35 years of experience, specializing in affordable residential communities and complex real estate investment projects throughout Texas.
Marshall Ayres Bowen
Vice President & General Counsel, Shield Ranch
Fourth-generation Shield-Ayres family member leading conservation efforts and advocacy for legacy ranch preservation.
Ted Flato
Founder, Lake Flato
Renowned architect known for integrating natural landscapes into architectural designs.
Garry Ford Jr.
New Braunfels Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements
Expert in urban planning and infrastructure development with a focus on sustainable transportation solutions.
Mikey Goralnik
Trails and Transportation Planner, GSP
Planner and landscape architect managing projects throughout the corridor to promote Edwards Aquifer vitality through trails and active transportation.
Morgan Hammer
Commisioner, Hays County Precinct 3
Long-time Hays County resident and Texas State alumna focused on environmental sustainability and natural resource protection.
Elizabeth High
Principal Transportation Planner, RS&H
Transportation planning expert leading the Great Springs Project Corridor Study and regional mobility initiatives.
Elaine Kearney
Managing Principal, TBG Partners
Environmental planning and landscape architecture expert with extensive experience in Edwards Plateau eco-region design and sustainable development.
Emma Lindrose-Siegel
Chief Development Officer, Greast Springs Project
Experienced fundraiser and former Barton Springs Conservancy Executive Director with expertise in conservation development and capital campaigns.
Neal Linnartz
Mayor, City of New Braunfels | Attorney
New Braunfels native and community leader focused on local development and governance.
Elizabeth Love
CEO, The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation
Leader in philanthropic initiatives focused on conservation and cenvironmental health.
Chad McKeown
Deputy Executive Director Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Transportation planning leader with over twenty years of experience developing multimodal transportation plans for the Greater Austin area and Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Garry Merritt
CEO, Great Springs Project
Former Real County Judge and corporate attorney leading conservation initiatives across Texas with expertise in real estate law and water rights.
Jonathan Ogren
Principal, Ecological & Conservation Planner, Siglo Group
Conservation planning expert specializing in natural area management and ecological restoration across Texas and the American West.
Jonathan Packer
President & CEO, Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
Strengthen the community and economy through business advocacy, destination marketing, and strategic economic development.
Robert J. Potts
Board Member, Dixon Water Foundation | Former President & CEO
Water management expert and former Edwards Aquifer Authority General Manager focused on watershed health and groundwater conservation.
Patrick Rose
President, Corridor Title | Board Member, Great Springs Project
Conservation advocate and former Texas legislator with extensive regional development experience.
Andrew Sansom, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State University
Renowned Texas conservationist and former state agency leader dedicated to freshwater resource management and environmental education.
Lisa Swint
Mayor, Garden Ridge
Fourth-term Garden Ridge City Council member and current mayor focused on preserving community charm and smart growth.
Christine Ten Eyck
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Founder | FASLA
Landscape architect pioneering contemporary regionalism in the southwest, celebrating the inherent beauty of Texas landscapes.
Sara Villarreal
Director of Program Strategy, Great Springs Project
Strategist in real estate development executive with nearly two decades of multi-sector experience.
Josh Winkler
Founder & Producer, Fin & Fur Films
Texas Hill Country native and documentary filmmaker specializing in land, water and wildlife conservation storytelling.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Sponsor Today!
Limestone | $1,000
10 opportunities available SOLD-OUT
- 2 complementary conference registrations
- Name & tag in a social media post
- Name recognition on newsletter
- Name on event signage
- Option for a vendor booth at trail race
- Name recognition on webpage
Topaz | $2,500
- 3 complementary conference registrations
- Name & tag in a social media post
- Name & logo recognition on newsletter
- Recognition on event signage
- Option for a vendor booth at conference
- Logo recognition on webpage
- Option to have one item in event swag bag
Quartz | $5,000
- 4 complementary conference registrations
- Name & tag in a social media post
- Name & logo recognition on newsletter
- Recognition on event signage
- Option for a vendor booth at conference
- Logo recognition webpage
- Option to have one item in event swag bag
- Verbal recognition at conference
- Reserved table at front of venue
Marble | $10,000
- 6 complementary conference registrations
- Social media post featuring logo and tagged name
- Name & logo recognition on newsletter
- Recognition on event signage
- Prominent location for vendor booth
- Logo recognition on webpage
- Option to have two items in event swag bag
- Verbal recognition at conference
- Reserved table at front of venue
Presenting Sponsor | $25,000
One opportunity available
- 10 complementary conference registrations
- Exclusive social media post featuring logo & tag
- Recognition on event signage
- Name & logo recognition on newsletter
- Prominent location for vendor booth
- Logo & link recognition on webpage
- Several promotional items in event swag bag
- Verbal recognition at conference
- Reserved table at front of venue
- VIP Invitation to GSP events
- GSP Trails Plan recognition
- Speaking opportunity at Trail Connect
Great Springs Project is always looking for partners and supporters to continue our mission and our work in the Texas Hill Country. If you are interested or want to learn more about ways to get involved with Great Springs Project, the 100 + mile trail network, and the 50,000 acres conservation plan,
contact Chief Development Officer, Emma Lindrose-Siegel (emma@greatspringsproject.org) to discuss opportunities for donorship and future partnerships.
Click here for our 2025 Partner Opportunities.
For further information, see contact details below.
Payment for event sponsorships may be submitted by check or EFT. Checks may be delivered to:
Proyecto Great Springs
Apartado de correos 12331
Austin, TX 78711
To contribute by EFT or for additional information on event partnerships, please contact development@greatspringsproject.org.
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