SAN MARCOS NATURAL AREAS
Nature is known to connect us to the world, to others, and to ourselves. The new Limestone Link Trail helps connect two existing public natural areas together, allowing nature lovers even more access to the beauty that is the Texas Hill Country. The trail spans 1.3 miles within a 102.8 acre tract within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The trail connects the existing Ringtail Ridge Natural Area and the River Recharge Natural Area. This project has been years in the making with the efforts from the Great Springs Project, the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance, the city of San Marcos, the property owners, The San Marcos River Foundation and countless volunteers who put in time to create this trail. It took a connected team of dedicated nature lovers to bring to life this trail connection, which will be used for generations to come.
The grand opening ceremony was held last week at the trail head located at 1807 Old Ranch Road 12. Garry Merritt, Great Springs Project CEO, started the event off with introductions and acknowledgements of the dozens of people who made this trail possible.
“Great Springs Project has been proud to help bring together conservation stakeholders and investors, the other property owners, Hays County, the city of San Marcos and San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance for the protection of this property and opening it to the public for recreation and appreciation of its natural resources,” Merritt said. “It truly takes all of us working together to provide a great benefit to Hays County citizens and visitors. It has been our honor and privilege to see this day when this 102 acres — appropriately called Limestone Link — is permanently protected by Hays County with trails open to the public connecting the city of San Marcos’ natural areas on either side.”
The project was funded through a voter approved park bond, and the trail was constructed through the collaboration of the GSP, SMGBA and Hays County. The project started years ago with the purchase of the property in order to secure it for the trail. Through purchasing and permitting Limestone Link started to come to life through the construction of the trail itself. During the opening ceremony, multiple bikers came through showing how the trail is already being activated by the public. Jon Cradit, Green Belt Alliance president, spoke about their process of designing and constructing the trail.
“Our volunteers have donated, over this last year to build this trail, 754 hours, and if you put a dollar amount on that, it comes to $25,300 that our volunteers have donated to the county,” Cradit said.
The crowd roared in applause for the volunteers who dedicated time and labor.
“It takes a lot of people that have a commitment to conservation, to their community to make these things work, and to me, that’s what I’m most proud of,” said Lon Shell, former Hays County Commissioner.
The gratitude continued with thank yous from current Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 3, Morgan Hammer as well as closing remarks from Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. One can visit the trail and explore the beauty of nature and the beauty of the teamwork that made it possible.
