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.
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
Neal Linnartz, New Braunfels Mayor
Jonathan Packer, New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
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
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
Moderated by Sara Villarreal, Great Springs Project
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
Introduced by Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Project
Moderated by Elaine Kearney, 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
Moderated by Emma Lindrose-Siegel, Great Springs Project
Discussion of the value proposition for philanthropic, private sector, and landowner investment in conservation.
A discussion of the Texas Bicentennial Trail bill and what developments will flow from the bill now law.
Garry Merritt
Join fellow attendees, speakers, and community leaders for networking and refreshments.
Transportation Planner, RS&H
Transportation planning professional working alongside Great Springs Project Corridor Study and other infrastructure planning initiatives.
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.
Vice President & General Counsel, Shield Ranch
Fourth-generation Shield-Ayres family member leading conservation efforts and advocacy for legacy ranch preservation.
Marshall Ayres Bowen serves as the Vice President and General Counsel for Shield Ranch. In this role, he leads advocacy initiatives for Shield Ranch’s legacy ranches, manages legal affairs, and supports conservation efforts related to land and water.
A fourth-generation member of the Shield-Ayres family, Marshall is deeply committed to preserving Shield Ranch for future generations. He serves as secretary of the Shield Ranch Foundation, secretary of the Shield-Ayres Foundation, and vice chair of the board and policy chair for the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT).
Prior to joining Shield Ranch, Marshall was in private practice at Butler Snow LLP in Austin, where his practice focused on appellate law, commercial litigation, and government affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in theology from St. Mary’s University, and a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Founder | FASLA
Landscape architect pioneering contemporary regionalism in the southwest, celebrating the inherent beauty of Texas landscapes.
Founder, Lake Flato
Renowned architect known for integrating natural landscapes into architectural designs.
New Braunfels Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements
Expert in urban planning and infrastructure development with a focus on sustainable transportation solutions.
Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project
Commisioner, Hays County Precinct 3
Long-time Hays County resident and Texas State alumna focused on environmental sustainability and natural resource protection.
Managing Principal, TBG Partners
Environmental planning and landscape architecture expert with extensive experience in Edwards Plateau eco-region design and sustainable development.
Chief Development Officer, Greast Springs Project
Experienced fundraiser and former Barton Springs Conservancy Executive Director with expertise in conservation development and capital campaigns.
CEO, The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation
Leader in philanthropic initiatives focused on conservation and cenvironmental health.
Principal Transportation Planner, RS&H
Transportation planning expert leading the Great Springs Project Corridor Study and regional mobility initiatives.
Elizabeth High is a Principal Transportation Planner in RS&H’s San Antonio office, where she leads the Texas Transportation Planning Team. With 16 years in transportation and environmental planning, Elizabeth brings deep expertise in project management and a wide variety of planning work.
Elizabeth manages and works on a diverse portfolio of projects including active transportation plans, safety action plans, and roadway feasibility studies. She is currently leading the consultant team developing the Great Springs Project’s Corridor Study, integrating constraints and opportunities into a tiered project list and funding-ready PS&E packages. Her leadership was instrumental in RS&H’s delivery of the 2024 Vision Zero Action Plan and the 2025 Bike Network Plan for San Antonio, the seventh largest city in the U.S.
A passionate advocate for inclusive mobility and sustainable design, Elizabeth emphasizes community engagement and data-driven planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Haverford College and Master of Science in Environmental Science from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is a Certified Planner (AICP), Certified GIS Professional (GISP), and Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP). She is also a dedicated member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) San Antonio Region, where she has contributed since 2017 through mentorship, professional development, and scholarship initiatives.
Founder & Producer, Fin & Fur Films
Texas Hill Country native and documentary filmmaker specializing in land, water and wildlife conservation storytelling.
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.
Andrew Sansom is one of Texas’s leading conservationists, dedicated to the management and protection of natural resources. He is a former Executive Director of both the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy of Texas. In recognition of his contributions to conservation, Dr. Sansom has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Chevron Conservation Award, the Chuck Yeager Award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Pugsley Medal from the National Park Foundation, the Seton Award from the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Nature Conservancy. He is also a Distinguished Alumnus of Austin College and Texas Tech University.
Currently, Dr. Sansom serves as a Research Professor of Geography and Executive Director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. In this role, he oversees university research and policy related to freshwater resources, manages the headwaters of the San Marcos River, administers Texas’ most extensive freshwater environmental education program, and coordinates the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteer water monitors across the state.
Mayor, Garden Ridge
Fourth-term Garden Ridge City Council member and current mayor focused on preserving community charm and smart growth.
Lisa Swint is in her fourth term on the Garden Ridge City Council and is currently serving as Mayor. Before taking on the role, she served three terms as Mayor Pro Tem, chosen by her fellow Council Members for her steady leadership and collaborative approach.
Originally from Houston, Lisa grew up with a love of learning and service thanks to her parents, a NASA engineer and a teacher. She’s passionate about preserving the unique charm of Garden Ridge and helping the city grow in smart, thoughtful ways.
With a background in English Literature and Community Counseling, Lisa is all about clear communication and community connection. She’s been an active volunteer for years’ working on projects like updating park equipment at Paul Davis Park and writing the grant that brought in $133,000 for a walking trail there.
Lisa has completed several local leadership and civic programs, including Comal County University, the Hill Country Alliance Leadership Institute, and the Garden Ridge Police Academy. She’s also a proud member of the Lions Club.
Lisa and her husband, Todd Vagi, have a blended family of six kids Jonah, Jack, Sophie, Henry, Wyatt, and Quinn, and they love calling Garden Ridge home.
Mayor, City of New Braunfels | Attorney
New Braunfels native and community leader focused on local development and governance.
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.
President, Corridor Title | Board Member, Great Springs Project
Conservation advocate and former Texas legislator with extensive regional development experience.
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.
10 opportunities available SOLD-OUT
One opportunity available
Payment for event sponsorships may be submitted by check or EFT. Checks may be delivered to:
Great Springs Project
P.O. Box 12331
Austin, TX 78711
To contribute by EFT or for additional information on event partnerships, please contact development@greatspringsproject.org.