Trail Connect is a half-day conference dedicated to exploring the future of our regional trail network and the vital role of land conservation over the Edwards Aquifer. This event brings together key community leaders, developers, and conservationists to engage in meaningful discussions on how to balance growth with environmental stewardship. By fostering collaboration, Trail Connect aims to inspire innovative solutions that protect our natural resources while enhancing connectivity across the region.
Join us in shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for our communities and landscapes.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday November 5, 2025
Event Schedule:
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
Deep in the HeartThe Natural Wonders of Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country
Ben Masters of Fin & Fur Films will talk about the majestic landscape and wildlife of Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country.
The Great Springs TrailA Legacy Project for all of Texas
Highlights of particular natural, historic and cultural places on the Great Springs Trail, including detail of prioritization and funding of particular trail segments.
Connecting With Parks and Trails A Legacy of Collaboration
Challenges and opportunities of local governments working together to connect communities through parks and trails.
Reflecting Nature in the Built Environment A Legacy in the Built Environment
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 Through Investment
The value proposition for philanthropic investment in conservation and private investment in nature-oriented development.
The Texas Bicentennial Trail Celebrating Texas
The Texas Bicentennial Trail bill and what developments will flow from the bill now law.
Networking Social
Connect and Collaborate
Join fellow attendees, speakers, and community leaders for networking and refreshments.
Confirmed Speakers and Panelists
Garry Ford
New Braunfels Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements
Expert in urban planning and infrastructure development with a focus on sustainable transportation solutions.
Elaine Kearney
Managing Principal, TBG Partners
Environmental planning and landscape architecture expert with extensive experience in Edwards Plateau eco-region design and sustainable development.
Ted Flato
Lake Flato
Renowned architect known for integrating natural landscapes into architectural designs.
Elizabeth Love
CEO, The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation
Leader in philanthropic initiatives focused on conservation and cenvironmental health.
Patrick Rose
President, Corridor Title | Board Member, Great Springs Project
Conservation advocate and former Texas legislator with extensive regional development experience.
Neal Linnartz
Mayor, City of New Braunfels | Attorney
New Braunfels native and community leader focused on local development and governance.
Elizabeth High
Principal Transportation Planner, RS&H
Transportation planning expert leading the Great Springs Project Corridor Study and regional mobility initiatives.
David Bemporad
Senior Project Manager, 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.
- Hays County Commissioner Morgan Hammer
- Garden Ridge Mayor Lisa Swint
- Ben Masters, Fin & Fur Films
- Christine Ten Eyck, Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
- Marshall Bowen, Shield Ranch Vice President & General Counsel
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 Director of Development, Sarah Esserlieu Khalil (sarah@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:
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.
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