The wellbeing of Lady Bird Lake is intrinsically tied to that of Austin residents: not only is the lake a central city space for gathering + recreation, but it’s also a complex ecosystem home to dozens of species.

Local artists hope to soon illustrate that bridge between the lake’s environment and community, with the installation of floating wetlands along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Titled the Common Waters Project, the effort by The Trail Foundation in partnership with Austin’s parks department and Art in Public Places Program is inspired by Austin’s green spaces and the people that protect them.

To learn more about the initiative, we spoke with Charlotte Tonsor, the foundation’s Capital Projects Director. Here’s what you can expect:

Where art meets nature

The floating wetlands can provide habitat and improve water quality, Tonsor said, but it’s also a chance for the foundation to experiment with processes for its in-the-works Arts and Culture Plan, which will outline guidance for incorporating public art on the trail.

“Common Waters is really, for us, testing a process for art and working with artists,” Tonsor said. “It’s going to incorporate artistic components, as well as ecological function.”

Out of 37 applicants, the artists selected to work with environmental artist Stacy Levy on the project include:

Rejina Thomas — Longtime Austin artist and previous owner of the east side’s Pine Street Station studio.
Ruben Esquivel — Austin-born muralist and founder of East End Eclectic, a management + consulting agency for artists.
Taylor Davis — Landscape architect, artist, and curator with a focus on the intersection of natural and urban environments.

Participate

While the foundation doesn’t yet know where the wetlands will be installed, the organization will hold a public launch and a community celebration on May 14, Tonsor said.

The Trail Foundation wants to hear your input on its Arts and Culture Plan. Click here to share your thoughts on the effort.