Austin360 – August 14, 2015
Vote early, and vote often.
That’s the message from supporters of the Violet Crown Trail, a trail that will ultimately span 30 miles from downtown Austin to Hays County. The first segment of the trail – a 6-mile stretch from Barton Springs to Sunset Valley – officially opens today.
The trail has been selected as one of 10 featured trails in REI’s Every Trail Connects Campaign. That means the project will receive $5 from REI for each vote it receives in the online campaign, until it hits a $75,000 maximum or all 10 trails receive a combined total of $500,000 in votes, whichever comes first.
To vote for the Violet Crown Trail, go here.
The funds will go quickly, so vote early. Anyone can vote for free – once a day, per device.
It’s not the first monetary boost that REI has provided to the Hill Country Conservancy, which is spearheading work on the trail. The outdoor equipment company has provided the conservancy with an annual grant for many years, and recently awarded a $25,000 donation to support work on the trail in 2015.
On Aug. 22, REI will host a series of free classes for hikers, cyclists and runners who want to explore the new section of trail with a guide.
Register for 8 a.m. classes here.
Register for 9 a.m. classes here.
Register for 10 a.m. classes here.