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 really sums up three of our four Impact pillars at Lyle Alexander: 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.

Explore the project: Emma C Schmidt — Barton Creek Greenbelt Mural

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. Organisations like Save Our Springs Alliance run research, litigation and education so places like Barton Springs remain clean, swimmable and biologically unique.

If this project resonates, please donate to Save Our Springs Alliance. Your contribution funds the day-to-day advocacy and education that safeguard the springs and the aquifer.
Donate: link this text to SOS Alliance’s official donation page. Add UTM tracking if needed.

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.
Connectivity and amenities matter. Well-maintained paths, shade, seating, signage and perceived safety correlate with improvements in allergic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and with psychological wellbeing.

Both objective measures of quality and subjective user perceptions show associations with health outcomes. Translation for employers: invest in elements people feel and use. Shade trees near rest points. Clear trail connections. Practical signage that reduces confusion and risk. Small upgrades with outsized effects on wellbeing, productivity and retention.

Guidance for visitors and relocating candidates

The Greenbelt experience changes with rainfall, swim-friendly spots such as Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are best a few days after rain. Main access points include the trailhead at Zilker Park, Campbell’s Hole, Gus Fruh, Loop 360, the Twin Falls → Sculpture Falls section and the Hill of Life at trail’s end. Parking and conditions vary, so check local guidance before setting off and follow posted etiquette. The mural supports this by giving people a clear picture of the network before they step onto the trail.

Plan a visit: Austin Insider — Guide to the Barton Creek Greenbelt

Our philosophy

Our approach is simple, to create benefits for the community and avoid harm. We fund projects that improve access, environmental quality and social inclusion. We say no to anything that would degrade water quality or public access. Our business flourished in Austin, so we give back to the places and people that made that possible.

How this project fits our Impact pillars

Community Impact
Our commitment to creating positive growth extends to the communities we came from and live in. Sponsoring a working trail map for the Greenbelt is a direct, local way to help people enjoy the place we call home.

Social Impact
We aim to mirror the impact we make in business with a positive impact on society. Clear, friendly wayfinding helps families, school groups and new starters feel welcome and confident outdoors.

Environmental Impact
We’re conscious that our work has an environmental footprint. We measure and limit our carbon output and take steps to offset what we consume. Education on native species and the Edwards Aquifer, and support for local conservation partners, turns that intent into action on the ground.

Effective Altruism
We’ve pledged annual contributions to high‑impact causes. In Austin, that means backing groups like Save Our Springs Alliance whose legal and education work protects Barton Springs and the aquifer for everyone.

Learn more: Save Our Springs Alliance — Resources & Education

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.

Take a look at our other Impact work here

How Lyle Alexander Helped Raise Awareness About Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt