We're hot on the trail — the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.

It's been 20 years since the Trail Conservancy began caring for the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Looking at the organization's 2023 State of the Trail report, let's peek into what the last year has held for the trail.

A look back on 2023

The goats are only gone for now — the Trail Conservancy hopes to bring them back in the fall. | Photo by ATXtoday

A 20-year anniversary and dozens of events later, it's been a busy year for the Trail Conservancy. These are a few of the projects that changed the trail over the last year.

Cumulative investments into the trail and adjacent parkland reached $24 million since 2003.
A herd of 150 goats from Rent-a-Ruminant cleared 15.4 acres of poison ivy and other invasive plants on the trail.
The Butler Shores Exercise Enhancement was unveiled, including brand new equipment, a solar-powered drinking fountain, and a seating plaza.
Construction on the Rainey Street Trailhead began — crews planted 7,635 new plants and saplings, picked up 18,000+ pounds of trash, and spread 485 cubic yards of mulch.
The Trail Conservancy reported that 3,802 volunteers worked 72 events, equivalent to 8,000 hours of work or $225,000 in labor support.
The Arts + Culture Plan was introduced, ending a 10-year moratorium on arts on the Butler Trail.
The Virtual 360 Tour launched — take the tour here.

Looking ahead to 2024

The Trail Conservancy plans to transform the once abandoned Seaholm Waterfront building into a community space with a cafe, public space, and Wi-Fi. | Photo by ATXtoday

That's just the beginning — 2024 is already looking busy for the Trail Conservancy. Some items in the pipeline:

Continued implementation of the Arts + Culture Plan, which entails creating site-specific art installations along the trail including The Current Underneath and Fortlandia
- The plan also includes the TEMPO on the Trail program, which consists of eight temporary art installations made by local artists.
Completing the Rainey Street Trailhead project
Beginning the Holly Project shoreline and habitat restoration, which will include a fishing pier, native plant and urban forest restoration, and additional seating
The Seaholm Waterfront Project, the ongoing transformation of an orphaned building into a community space
Seeking funding for the Green Stormwater Infrastructure for phase one at Festival Beach
Enhanced signage through the Comprehensive Signage Plan
Appointing leadership, which includes finding a new Park Grounds Manager and new CEO

What would you like to see at the Trail in 2024? Let us know.