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Maudies TexMex Moonlight Margarita Run 5k and Gala 
 
With the 2009 Moonlight Margarita Run drawing ever near (August 6 at 8 p.m.), some 1,000 or so Austinites (and others!) are making plans to join us for our 5K and gala under the stars.    
 
Maudie's TexMex famous margaritas and tacos await runners at the gala.  Also working hard toward making MMR 2009 a success is our wonderful event partner and past underwriter, Freescale Semiconductor.
 
MMR 2009 promises great Austin flavor. Recently, TTF caught up with both of these terrific partners.
Joe from Maudies
Maudie's TexMex has been part of Austin's casual dining scene since the namesake Maudie's Caf� opened its doors in the 1950's.  In 1992, under the ownership of Joe Draker, Maudie's TexMex began serving the food and pouring the libations that keep Trail users happy before and after their runs, walks and rides. 
 
photo by Heather Keating
 
 
This July, we asked Joe Ruhoff, Director of Operations, a few questions about Maudie's - the 2009 lead sponsor of the MMR - and their connection to the Trail at Lady Bird Lake.  Read Joe's story.
 
Later we met with Freescale's Dale Herron, catching him at the Pfluger Bridge prior to a run, to find out why Freescale sees the Trail as a worthy cause.  
Dale from Freescale
 
Freescale Semiconductor is a major employer here in Austin and a firm that takes their commitment to our community seriously. As a long-time benefactor of the Trail Foundation, Freescale has given generously through MMR sponsorships, donations and many volunteer hours to improve and enhance Austin's most-used recreational trail. Dale Herron is a Human Resource Manager and Trail Foundation member.   Read more of Dale's story...
 
 
 
 
 photo by Heather Keating
 
 
Between the Bridges
 
 
after adoption
TTF's has completed the intricate meandering stone walls to the rave reviews of donors, partners, and Trail users:
 
"Wow!  It looks great!  I love it.  Very impressive."  Linda Garrett, Silicon Labs, title underwriter.
 
 
"The area looks absolutely beautiful.  Thank You, Trail Foundation!!" 
Sara Hensley, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Deparment.
 
"Krisstina and I are avid runners on the Trail, and have enjoyed seeing the progress of the beautification project Between the Bridges.  Many thanks for all the work you do for the Trail!" Garry and Krisstina Wise, The Good Life Team.
 
Because of this summer's drought and extreme heat, the Trail Foundation has decided to complete the extensive native landscaping when conditions are better for the plants' survival.   The work to be done will greatly increase both the visual appeal of the area and its value as urban habitat for wildlife.  Our contractor, CleanScapes, and Silicon Labs Green Team members will help TTF plant hundreds of perennials in mid-September.
 
Please bear with us during the wait - it will be worth it!
 
Brackenridge Tract and the Trail
As Austinites we have all been closely following the UT planning for Brackenridge Tract.  The Trail Foundation has been actively participating in the public process and supports the  extension of the Trail that was shown in both options presented to the UT Regents in June.  We will continue to support Trail design and an extension that will protect the lakefront and natural areas and will work with the planners as the Regents make their decisions.

 
Stop and Smell the Roses 
 
Brown Family"It was about a year and a half ago when I first mentioned to my wife, Meghan, that I would like to take care of one of the gardens around the Lake."  Greg and Meghan Browne are garden adopters on the Pfluger Bridge.
 
Brick by Brick at Lou Neff Point
 
Round 5 of the commemorative bricks, those donated by July 13, have been sent to the engraver and will be placed late this summer.
 
dog bricks
What's your favorite part about being on the Trail?
We like all of the delicious smells, the birds, the other dogs, the nice people who pet us as they jog by, but most especially we love the squirrels. We stalk them and are sure that we would completely control the entire squirrel population of the Trail if only our mother would let us off our leashes to attack them. Oh, and we also love the dog water fountains when it is hot.  
Read more from Booker and Pearl
Booker and Pearl Warren rest at their brick 

Strengthen a special connection to the Trail! Consider a gift that will make a lasting impression. Order a brick for yourself, your friends, your lover, your parents, you dog, or in memory of a loved one.   
Volunteering  Thanks to the 250+ volunteers for getting involved to make the Lake and Trail sparkle on June 6. 
 
The next Lake Cleanup is August 8th. Join TTF, KAB and lots of community groups in an increased effort to put the finishing touches on our Trail and Lake.  LCRA will be bringing canoes and kayaks to help us focus on the east end of Lady Bird Lake.

Please register for your preferred time and location.
 
lake cleanup
 
 
 
 
 
Nancy Cooper laughs about the weird trash she removed from the Lake.

Keeping Trail dogs cool. Our dogs love the Trail as much as we do. Many of us have even donated bricks in honor of our loyal running partners.   

Here are some tips to help keep our 4-legged Trail enthusiasists healthy in this record summer heat:

  • Try to run in the cooler early morning or late evening, and avoid the times after your dog has eaten.
  • Heat exhaustion is often caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short time.
  • Always offer your dog water when walking, running or hiking.  If your dog gets overheated, cool her off by offering plenty of water, you can also wet the dog's body and paws and then fan.
 
   Board of Directors  |  The Trail Foundation
  

Bill Kerr, President, Kelly Hart and Hallman
Colin Wallis, Vice President, Lance Armstrong Foundation
Jack Collins, Treasurer, Frost Bank
Peter Huff, Secretary, Blue Sage Capital
Dave Andreas, Silicon Laboratories
Corey Blahuta, vcfo
Bill Curra, P.E., KBR
Lynn Currie, Mercury Mambo
Griffin Davis, MarketHardware.com
Mike Elhaj, Simple Power
Asher Flynn, Asher Flynn, Realtors
Lisa E. Huddleson, LEH Philanthropy Advisors
Christopher Kennedy, LCRA
John Loudamy, Pluck Corporation
Brian Ott, TBG Partners
Sarah Russ, Waggener Edstrom
Stephanie Shoemaker, Maxwell Locke & Ritter
Jim Sud, Whole Foods Market
Margot K. Thomas, Community Activist
Jesse Weiss, Greenberg Traurig

Susan Plettman Rankin, Executive Director


Quick Links...
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Be sure to check out our website:  www.thetrailfoundation.org
 
If you are a member of Facebook, become a Fan of TTF.
 
Follow us on Twitter:  @TrailTalk
 
Please consider donating your old car to help support TTF!

We are now accepting donations for our Endowment Fund at the Austin Community Foundation.  Endowment funds will assure the long-term maintenance of our projects at the Trail.

 
Donate to the Trail Foundation
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PO Box 5195
Austin, Texas 78763
512.733.3989
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