Great Springs Project

Sarah Esserlieu Khalil and I were honored to talk about our work at Great Springs Project with this great group of students.

Did you miss our first volunteer orientation? No worries – we’ve got you covered! We’re excited to announce another Virtual Volunteer Orientation coming up on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM. Here’s what you can expect in just 45 minutes: Overview of the Volunteer Program: ??In the first 20 minutes, get the full scoop on how you can contribute and make an impact. The remaining time will be for questions and networking with fellow volunteers! ??Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities: Learn about dates and events where we need your help. ??Volunteer Benefits: Find out what’s in it for you, from exclusive perks to the joy of giving back! ??Use this link to sign-up: https://lnkd.in/gGrHe8WP We hope to see you online with us soon! For questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Community Engagement Manager Emma C Parsley at [email protected]

Is your New Year's resolution to volunteer more? Well, GSP can help with that! From environmental restoration projects, trail building events, to even corporate volunteer opportunities for large organizations, GSP is happy to provide ways for you to connect with your community. Join us online on Friday January 17, 2025 from 12:00 - 12:45 pm for Great Springs Project's Lunch n Learn Volunteer Orientation, where we’ll serve up all the details on our program, introduce you to the chefs behind the scenes (aka the program managers), and plate out key upcoming dates— bring your appetite for impact! Use this link to sign up for the GSP's Volunteer Orientation: https://lnkd.in/gmhfjkbB Hope to see you online!

The Business Journal named Garry Merritt to the Texas 100 — the annual list of impactful Texans who will make headlines in 2025. Through creating connections and trailblazing conservation programs, Garry is blazing the way of the Great Springs Trail and expanding conservation in the San Antonio-Austin region. Congratulations, Garry! #Texas100 #trailblazer Austin Business Journal

Welcome Sara Villarreal, GSP's new Director of Program Strategy. In this pivotal role, Sara will oversee the planning and execution of GSP and partners' green space projects along the corridor, helping us conserve more natural lands and create public trails that connect people to nature and each other. After spending nearly two decades living and working in?Asia, Sara is back in her hometown of San Antonio.?She is a seasoned executive with a passion for driving positive change and has developed a deep understanding of delivering results in complex environments.?Her expertise spans the built environment, sustainability, business development, and operations.?With a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from Claremont McKenna College and executive education certificates through Columbia Business School and Berkeley Haas School of Business, she has honed her skills in strategy and innovation.?Committed to making a difference, she is a strong advocate of equitable access to high-quality education and actively gives back to her community?through mentorship, philanthropy, and nonprofit board work.?Sara is a family-lady, wellness enthusiast, lifelong learner, relishes a challenge, embraces adventure, and is honored to direct her energy to this Great State of Texas initiative. GSP is thrilled to have Sara join the team, join us in welcoming her! Sara Villarreal

This #GivingTuesday, give a gift to protect?land and water in the?Central Texas Hill Country. With your support, Great Springs Project is?conserving vital natural areas, safeguarding the Edwards Aquifer, creating healthier communities,?building new trail,?and connecting existing trails.??? Great Springs Project works with partners, municipalities, and stakeholders across Central Texas to create a unified?vision for the region's future. A future that includes new?parks and green space, sustainable development, and a 100+ mile trail from the Alamo to the Capitol! Your generosity fuels Great Springs Project and partners' mission and directly funds important conservation programs such as the Landowner Outreach Initiative. Join us in making a difference today! Give today by visiting?greatspringsproject.org?or head to the link in our bio.

Land use practitioners, urban planners, trail enthusiasts, and community stakeholders, please join Great Springs Project and?UTSA - The University of Texas at San Antonio?for an engaging half-day conference designed to strengthen connections, advance urban trail development, and explore the benefits of public-private partnerships regarding trails and urban development. This year's Trail Connect is sponsored by our partners at?Halff,?Bain Medina Bain, Inc.,?Raba Kistner, Inc., and?RS&H. ? Confirmed speakers and panelists include: San Antonio?Mayor Ron Nirenberg Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai Trish Deberry,?Centro San Antonio Lori Houston,?City of San Antonio - Municipal Government Frates Seeligson,?San Antonio River Foundation Alexandra Frey,?80/20 Foundation Connie Gonzalez,?Brooks?San Antonio Andres Andujar,?Hemisfair Mesha Millsap,?Historic Pearl Derek Boese,?San Antonio River Authority Randy Smith, Weston Urban?Legacy Park Corrina Green, UTSA Josh Gerken, UTSA ? The event is free but seating is limited so register here: https://lnkd.in/gyhRpjJj. Details: October 1 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at UTSA San Pedro I, 506 Dolorosa St, San Antonio, TX 78204. See you there!

Are you a detail-oriented, skilled writer? What if your job was to tell the story of the Texas Hill Country and help secure and manage funds for essential conservation and trail-building projects? Apply for our Grants Manager position today to join the Great Springs Project Team and make that a reality.