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

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 Heart

The 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 Trail

A 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 Nature in the Built Environment

A 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
  • Elizabeth High, RS&H

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 Through Investment

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

A Civic Gift for Texas

A discussion of the Texas Bicentennial Trail bill and what developments will flow from the bill now law.

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.

Christine Ten Eyck

Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Founder | FASLA

Landscape architect pioneering contemporary regionalism in the southwest, celebrating the inherent beauty of Texas landscapes.

Ted Flato

Founder, Lake Flato

Renowned architect known for integrating natural landscapes into architectural designs.

Garry Ford

New Braunfels Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements

Expert in urban planning and infrastructure development with a focus on sustainable transportation solutions.

Mickey Goralnik

Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project

Morgan Hammer

Commisioner, Hays County Precinct 3

Long-time Hays County resident and Texas State alumna focused on environmental sustainability and natural resource protection.

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.

Elizabeth Love

CEO, The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation

Leader in philanthropic initiatives focused on conservation and cenvironmental health.

Elizabeth High

Principal Transportation Planner, RS&H

Transportation planning expert leading the Great Springs Project Corridor Study and regional mobility initiatives.

Josh Winkler

Founder & Producer, Fin & Fur Films

Texas Hill Country native and documentary filmmaker specializing in land, water and wildlife conservation storytelling.

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.

Neal Linnartz

Mayor, City of New Braunfels | Attorney

New Braunfels native and community leader focused on local development and governance.

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.

Patrick Rose

President, Corridor Title | Board Member, Great Springs Project

Conservation advocate and former Texas legislator with extensive regional development experience.

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.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Sponsor Today!

Limestone | $1,000

10 opportunities available SOLD-OUT

Topaz | $2,500

Quartz | $5,000

Marble | $10,000

Presenting Sponsor | $25,000

One opportunity available

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:

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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