Businesses keep Austin's public spaces thriving. When budgets stretch, it's local sponsors who step in with funding, time, and care. At Lyle Alexander, we sponsored a map-style mural of the Barton Creek Greenbelt by artist Emma C Schmidt — a functional artwork that guides visitors, celebrates native species, and improves how people move through the trails. It sums up three of our four Impact pillars: community, social, and environmental.
A working trail map with real impact
The mural is a working map that helps hikers orient around the greenbelt. You'll find it on Tacodeli's patio wall, a high-footfall spot where locals and visitors gather. The project came together with Austin Parks Foundation as presenting sponsor and partners including Rambler Sparkling Water and Hill Country Alliance.
Schmidt's process included research hikes along the Greenbelt, species identification checked with a local ecologist, and collaboration with the UT Bureau of Economic Geology to build an accurate geology chart. The result is a conversation piece and a working map.
Why businesses help out in Texas
Austin's parks and trails operate through a mosaic of city departments, nonprofits, and private sponsors. In a state where public funding models often leave gaps, businesses do a lot of the heavy lifting — funding amenities and information, and backing the legal and policy work that protects water and wildlife. Organizations like Save Our Springs Alliance run research, litigation, and education so places like Barton Springs remain clean, swimmable, and biologically unique.
Quality green space improves health
A large body of research shows that quality features in green spaces — not just acreage — are linked with better health outcomes. Two points stand out: tree canopy outperforms grass-only space for measurable benefits, and connectivity and amenities matter. Well-maintained paths, shade, seating, signage, and perceived safety correlate with improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological wellbeing.
Translation for employers: invest in elements people feel and use. Small upgrades with outsized effects on wellbeing, productivity, and retention.
How this project fits our Impact pillars
Community
Sponsoring a working trail map for the Greenbelt is a direct, local way to help people enjoy the place we call home.
Social
Clear, friendly wayfinding helps families, school groups, and new arrivals feel welcome and confident outdoors.
Environmental
Education on native species and the Edwards Aquifer, and support for local conservation partners, turns intent into action on the ground.
Effective Altruism
In Austin, that means backing groups like Save Our Springs Alliance whose legal and education work protects Barton Springs and the aquifer for everyone.
If this mural helps you find your way to the wilderness, that's the impact we hoped for. Huge thanks to Emma C Schmidt, Tacodeli for the wall, and our partners at Austin Parks Foundation, Rambler Sparkling Water, and Hill Country Alliance for making it possible.
Austin's public spaces work best when neighbours and businesses pitch in together. If you'd like to be part of that story, support Save Our Springs Alliance or talk to us about what we can build next.