Great Springs Project

What Great Springs Project does

Great Springs Project (GSP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a mission to conserve 50,000 acres of high-conservation-value land and build a 100+ mile spring-to-spring trail network linking four iconic Central Texas springs — Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs — along the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone between Austin and San Antonio. Its core operational products are the proposed Great Springs Trail, a Land Conservation program (conservation easements and acquisitions), the annual Trail Connect conference (300+ attendees), a Trail Race Series operated with Tejas Trails across four cities, a Volunteer Program for trail building and environmental restoration, and a tiered Corporate Partnership Program. The underlying technology is administrative and planning-oriented: the Great Springs Trails Plan and Corridor Study developed with Alta Planning + Design, an economic benefits analysis, and Title VI compliance infrastructure — there are no software products, APIs, or proprietary technology platforms.

GSP's business model is a multi-stream nonprofit funding engine combining individual monthly memberships and one-time donations, corporate partnerships with published tier menus (Trailblazer $10K through Conservation Champion $100K), event sponsorships (Trail Connect up to $25K, Trail Races up to $20K), trail race registration revenue through RunSignUp, and grants — most notably a $5.1M REPI Challenge Grant for Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, reaching stakeholders through volunteer programs, the Trail Race Series, Trail Connect, newsletter and social media, and earned regional media coverage. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, but the operating footprint (approximately 20 staff, multiple jurisdictions, multi-tier sponsorship packaging, federal grant receipts) is consistent with a mid-sized conservation nonprofit operating in the $5M-$10M annual budget range.

The organization serves four primary segments: individual supporters (donors, members, race participants, volunteers), corporate partners seeking brand visibility and ESG positioning in Central Texas, government agencies (river authorities, Edwards Aquifer Authority, NPS, TPWD), and landowners in the recharge zone interested in conservation easements. Strategic execution is anchored by partnerships with the National Park Service (RTCA program since 2020), Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, San Antonio River Authority, multiple river and water authorities, the City of Schertz, and corporate sponsors including H-E-B, General Motors, REI, and YETI. Leadership combines real estate law and government relations expertise (CEO Garry Merritt, former General Counsel to the Texas Association of Counties) with senior fundraising (Chief Development Officer Emma Lindrose-Siegel, CFRE) and active-transportation planning (Chief Programs Officer David Bemporad, Harvard urban planning).

Name

Great Springs Project

Legal name

Great Springs Project

Website

https://greatspringsproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Great Springs Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a 100+ mile spring-to-spring trail and conserving 50,000 acres over the Edwards Aquifer between Austin and San Antonio, serving individual donors, corporate partners, government agencies, and landowners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH)

Keywords

• Land conservation services
• Trail network development
• Watershed protection programs
• Habitat preservation services
• Environmental nonprofit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Memberships: Individual giving program with monthly memberships and one-time donations supporting land acquisitions, waterway protection, and trail construction. Financial contributions are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status.
2. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Corporate engagement with multiple partnership levels offering logo placement, brand recognition, event sponsorship, newsletter and social media acknowledgment, and website visibility. Includes event sponsorships for Trail Races and Trail Connect conference.
3. Event Revenue: Trail races generate revenue through participant registrations. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels for races and conferences provide additional funding streams.
4. Stock, Crypto, and Estate Gifts: Accepts gifts of stock, cryptocurrency, and planned giving including estate donations, employee giving programs, and corporate matching.
5. Grants: GSP has received significant grants including the $5.1 million REPI Challenge Grant for Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape, TPWD grants for trail projects, and other conservation-focused funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Great Springs Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pursues land conservation and trail network development across the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone between Austin and San Antonio. Its core offering is the planned 100+ mile Great Springs Trail connecting four iconic Central Texas springs (Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, San Antonio Springs), supported by a 50,000-acre land conservation program. The organization also operates engagement programs including trail races, an annual Trail Connect conference, volunteer activities, and corporate partnership sponsorships.

Product overview

Great Springs Project is a nonprofit conservation organization operating a unified portfolio of interconnected programs focused on land and water conservation between Austin and San Antonio. The core offering is the Great Springs Trail, a proposed 100+ mile trail network supported by land conservation efforts protecting 50,000 acres over the Edwards Aquifer. The organization complements its conservation mission with engagement programs including the annual Trail Connect Conference, Trail Race Series (in partnership with Tejas Trails), a Volunteer Program offering trail building and environmental restoration activities, and a Corporate Partnership Program for organizational sponsors. These programs work together to advance the organization's mission of creating a connected greenway corridor linking four iconic Central Texas springs while addressing water, land, wildlife, and public health challenges.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Great Springs Trail A proposed 100+ mile spring-to-spring network of hike and bike trails connecting four iconic Central Texas springs — Barton Springs (Austin), San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs — creating a greenway corridor over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone for public recreation, commuting, and tourism.
• Land Conservation Program Conservation easement and land acquisition program targeting 50,000 acres of high conservation value land over the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones, working with landowners to protect water resources, wildlife habitats, and open space.
• Trail Connect Conference

Quantifiable outcome

• Economic benefits projected to exceed $55.9 million annually for the Central Texas region
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Tejas TrailscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTejas Trails is the operational partner for Great Springs Trail Races, hosting trail running events along scenic routes in the Texas Hill Country. GSP works hand-in-hand with Tejas Trails to host Trail Races throughout Central Texas.
• H-E-BmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerH-E-B is a key sponsor providing support for Trail Building and Environmental Restoration volunteer programs. Their support enables GSP to cultivate a community of stewards and protect green spaces throughout the Texas Hill Country.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program selected GSP to receive community planning and technical assistance. NPS has been assisting with the 100-mile trail project from San Antonio to Austin since 2020.
• Texas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTPWD supports GSP's regional vision that honors and protects the rich history, culture, and natural resources of the Texas Hill Country. TPWD completed the Texas Trail Study in 2023.
• Alta Planning + DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlta Planning + Design provided expert guidance for the Great Springs Trails Plan and Economic Benefits Report, quantifying the financial return from the 100+ mile trail network and 50,000 conserved acres.
• Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerGBRA is a trail race sponsor and partner organization supporting GSP's conservation and trail-building mission in the Guadalupe River watershed region.
• Edwards Aquifer AuthoritymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerEdwards Aquifer Authority sponsors trail races and supports GSP's mission to protect water resources over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.
• Ancira Auto GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAncira Auto Group is a trail race sponsor, with Vice President April Ancira serving on the GSP Board of Directors.
• Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (W.O.R.D.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerW.O.R.D. enables the Canyon Lake Trail Race by providing access to Canyon Park. Their purpose is to improve the environment, conserve natural resources, improve public health, promote water safety, and operate public parks.
• Halff & AssociatesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHalff & Associates sponsored Trail Connect VI, the annual conference dedicated to exploring regional trail development and land conservation across Central Texas.
• REI Co-opmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerREI Co-op is a corporate partner supporting outdoor recreation and conservation efforts along the Great Springs Trail corridor.
• Southstar CommunitiesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouthstar Communities is a corporate partner supporting GSP's trail and conservation initiatives.
• San Antonio River AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSARA partners with GSP on trail connectivity projects and hosts the San Antonio River Symposium. The Authority collaborated on trail and park announcements in the region.
• RS&HmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRS&H consulted on parallel projects to GSP, including the San Antonio Bike Network and Vision Zero Plans, supporting regional active transportation infrastructure.
• INTERAmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerINTERA is a corporate partner supporting GSP's conservation and trail-building efforts.
• Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLCRA supports GSP's work along the Colorado River watershed. Their Director noted that protecting water quality in environmentally sensitive areas while enabling public use benefits everyone.
• New Braunfels Utilities (NBU)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerNBU is a corporate partner supporting GSP's conservation initiatives in the New Braunfels area.
• YETImajorGTM or Marketing PartnerYETI is a corporate partner supporting GSP's outdoor recreation and conservation mission.
• Raba-KistnermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRaba-Kistner is a corporate partner supporting GSP's trail and conservation projects.
• Pape-DawsonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPape-Dawson is a corporate partner supporting GSP's trail development initiatives.
• SWCA Environmental ConsultantsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSWCA is a corporate partner providing environmental consulting expertise supporting GSP's conservation work.
• City of SchertzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Schertz partnered with GSP to create a new 10.5-acre park on Dry Comal Creek at Bunker Street and FM 482. The park provides trail connectivity for the Great Springs Trail and connects to the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.
• Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (W.O.R.D.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerW.O.R.D. (Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County) enables the Canyon Lake Trail Race at Canyon Park. Their mission is to improve the environment, conserve natural resources, improve public health, promote water safety, and operate public parks in the district.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that creates parks and protects land for people, using conservation easements and land acquisition — the same core toolkit GSP uses for its 50,000-acre goal. Highly comparable operating model and funding structure.
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Nonprofit that maintains and advocates for a long-distance hiking corridor through multi-jurisdiction partnerships. Model structure (trail corridor plus conservation advocacy plus donor base) closely matches GSP's approach.
• The Conservation Fund: National nonprofit that works with landowners, government, and corporations to conserve land and create green infrastructure — overlapping GSP's land-acquisition-plus-partnership approach.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Nonprofit focused on converting corridors into public trails, with a similar advocacy, fundraising, and multi-jurisdiction coordination model. Highly comparable to GSP's 100+ mile spring-to-spring trail mission.

Emerging players

• Greenbelt Alliance: Regional nonprofit that protects open space and builds trails around a major metro region (San Francisco Bay Area). Shares GSP's playbook of combining conservation easements, advocacy, and urban-edge trail-building.

Broad incumbents

• National Parks Conservation Association: National advocacy nonprofit for parks and public lands, leveraging grassroots and donor support. Overlaps with GSP in conservation advocacy and the National Park Service RTCA partnership channel.
• The Nature Conservancy: The largest global conservation nonprofit, also working on aquifer protection, land acquisition, and conservation easements. Comparable mission but at vastly greater scale and geographic breadth than GSP.

Regional players

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation: Foundation that funds and amplifies Texas Parks and Wildlife Department priorities, including trails and habitat. Direct overlap with GSP's Texas-focused mission and its partnership with TPWD.
• San Antonio River Foundation: Local nonprofit supporting the San Antonio River watershed and trails. Comparable scale, geography, and donor/corporate partnership model to GSP within one of the same river corridors.
• Hill Country Conservancy: Texas Hill Country regional land trust focused on conserving natural lands and trails — directly overlapping GSP's geography and mission but with a smaller, more localized program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutu.be/_RXZlXYVabE
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreatSpringsProject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/great-springs-project-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Springs Project