Projects

Parks & Greenspaces

For the last decade, as development and growth have expanded greatly in central Texas, SMRF  has advocated for protective development codes in critical aquifer recharge areas and has made land conservation its immediate concern, specifically in aquifer recharge zones that are critical to the San Marcos springs. SMRF, working with the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance (SMGA), regional experts, and local residents, developed a plan in the late 1990s to create a protective buffer of greenspace around the springs with parkland and private conservation easements, piece by piece. These natural areas would incorporate flood plains and sensitive recharge land, and the green spaces will lead to the development of a cross-city trail system, eventually linking to urban trails through the city and providing alternate options for transportation. This would also open up natural venues for local residents and visitors to explore the unique ecosystem that feeds Edwards Aquifer.

Twenty years later, much of this has been accomplished. Many acres have been set aside as natural parklands hosting miles of trails, and other properties in the Spring Lake area have adopted conservation easements. As a community, we have managed to preserve some of the most sensitive and desirable land in the area, which affords undeniable protection to the San Marcos springs and provides residents with important natural recreational space. The community and city continue to work together to obtain and protect other key properties that complete the green protection zone and allow cross-city trails to link up with popular urban trails and the 130 acres of river parkland.