What you need to know about the 2023 State of the Trail

We’re hot on the trail — the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.

It’s been 20 years since the Trail Conservancy began caring for the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Looking at the organization’s 2023 State of the Trail report, let’s peek into what the last year has held for the trail.

A look back on 2023

Photo by ATXtoday

A 20-year anniversary and dozens of events later, it’s been a busy year for the Trail Conservancy. These are a few of the projects that changed the trail over the last year.

• Cumulative investments into the trail and adjacent parkland reached $24 million since 2003.
• A herd of 150 goats from Rent-a-Ruminant cleared 15.4 acres of poison ivy and other invasive plants on the trail.
• The Butler Shores Exercise Enhancement was unveiled, including brand new equipment, a solar-powered drinking fountain, and a seating plaza.
• Construction on the Rainey Street Trailhead began — crews planted 7,635 new plants and saplings, picked up 18,000+ pounds of trash, and spread 485 cubic yards of mulch.
• The Trail Conservancy reported that 3,802 volunteers worked 72 events, equivalent to 8,000 hours of work or $225,000 in labor support.
• The Arts + Culture Plan was introduced, ending a 10-year moratorium on arts on the Butler Trail.
• The Virtual 360 Tour launched — take the tour here.

Looking ahead to 2024

Photo by ATXtoday

That’s just the beginning — 2024 is already looking busy for the Trail Conservancy. Some items in the pipeline:

• Continued implementation of the Arts + Culture Plan, which entails creating site-specific art installations along the trail including The Current Underneath and Fortlandia
  
  • The plan also includes the TEMPO on the Trail program, which consists of eight temporary art installations made by local artists.
• Completing the Rainey Street Trailhead project
• Beginning the Holly Project shoreline and habitat restoration, which will include a fishing pier, native plant and urban forest restoration, and additional seating
• The Seaholm Waterfront Project, the ongoing transformation of an orphaned building into a community space
• Seeking funding for the Green Stormwater Infrastructure for phase one at Festival Beach
• Enhanced signage through the Comprehensive Signage Plan
• Appointing leadership, which includes finding a new Park Grounds Manager and new CEO

What would you like to see at the Trail in 2024? Let us know.