Restoration Work
Ann and Roy Butler were instrumental in the beautification of the Trail. At the time, the banks of Austin’s Colorado River were nothing like the lush oasis they are now. The area was nearly barren and floods, common in the Hill Country at that time, regularly swept trees and brush away.
Today, the Trail is enjoyed by nearly 5 million visitors annually. Read more about the history of Austin’s most beloved attraction
Our Work
on the Trail
Ground Cover and understory improvement.
In areas with well-developed canopies, extensive work has been done to improve ground cover and understory and to minimize the impacts of invasive trees and aggressive vines. This work has resulted in improved shoreline and floodplain health along the lake, while still addressing the aesthetic concerns of Trail users. TTC is also working on expanding the woodland canopy around the lake following the Urban Forestry and Natural Areas Management Guidelines.
As the canopy expansion areas are generally within the Colorado River floodplain, this work also is improving floodplain health and function around the lake. In addition to increasing canopy cover, TTC manages greenhouse operations and propagates/grows commercially unavailable native plants for its restoration projects.
Nature &
Conservation
Protect, Connect, & Enhance.
Nature and conservation programs connect riparian corridors and preserve numerous protected areas along the lake. Learn how we are protecting the ecosystem along the trail.
Trail
Programs
Experience The Butler Trail
The Trail Conservancy provides free and engaging programming that connects individuals of every age to the Butler Trail. Many programs have ongoing installations for you to revisit on the trail.
Interactive
Trail Experience
Enhance your journey.
Use augmented reality and enjoy the Trail on a whole new level. The new interactive map helps you find points of interest that enrich your visit.
