SITE ASSESSMENT/MASTER PLANNING/WAY FINDING SIGNAGE
Eischen General Contracting and Second Spatial and have forged a unique partnership that blends the hands-on trail-building expertise of Tim Eischen with the cutting-edge digital and geospatial proficiency of Russell Thomman.
Russell Thomman, a landscape architect and strategic consultant, is the founder and owner of Second Spatial. Together, he and Tim collaborate on innovative geospatial projects that emphasize sustainability, ecological renewal, and the thoughtful design of green spaces.
This dynamic partnership unites field-tested experience with digital innovation—making Tim and Russell not only virtuosos of green infrastructure but also dedicated stewards of the natural world.
CASTROVILLE REGIONAL PARK
EGC and Second Spatial collaborated to develop an interactive Google Map of the Castroville Regional Park Trail System, encompassing approximately four miles of trail. EGC, in collaboration with the Friends of Castroville Regional Park, utilized the interactive trail map to develop a successful Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, resulting in a $375,000 award! This grant will fund the rehabilitation and enhancement of the park’s trail system, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and trail users for years to come.
The interactive map documents the current condition of the trail system and identifies areas of concern related to trail sustainability. It includes detailed construction estimates to support proposed solutions, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding trail improvements.
As a dynamic and evolving tool, the map empowers park management and other stakeholders to:
Prioritize maintenance and improvement objectives
Generate accurate cost estimates for trail projects
Identify and coordinate volunteer opportunities
Collaborate effectively to implement enhancements across the trail system
This centralized, visual resource simplifies project planning and communication, allowing for a cost-effective and strategic approach to trail repair and long-term sustainability.
VIOLET CROWN TRAIL
EGC and SS collaborated to develop a comprehensive Sign Master Plan and GIS database for the Violet Crown Trail (VCT), equipping the Hill Country Conservancy and its partners with essential tools for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. This system supports targeted outreach, resource allocation, fundraising, grant applications, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns—ultimately enhancing collaboration and enabling the measurement of project outcomes.
The GIS database is built on the ESRI ArcGIS Online Webmap and cloud-based platform, ensuring seamless information sharing and continuity among stakeholders over time. Key components of the system include:
A sign inventory and ordering system
A field map data collection tool
A maintenance tracking system
A planning and tracking framework for generating reports and visual materials
Integration of 360-degree trail segment photography into Google Street View
Together, these elements create a robust and sustainable infrastructure for managing the trail's development, maintenance, and public engagement.
TRAVIS AUDUBON BLAIR WOODS
The construction of the ADA-accessible Bird Blind at Blair Woods Nature Preserve was completed in February 2024. EGC and Second Spatial focused the design on minimizing environmental impact and preserving the surrounding habitat. Natural building materials were used wherever possible to ensure the structure blends seamlessly into the landscape and supports the site's ecological integrity.
KARST PRESERVE
EGC and Second Spatial developed a Trail Assessment for the Karst Preserve using advanced GIS data collection and analysis tools. The team employed aerial base mapping and on-site data collection methods to evaluate existing trail conditions. This data was then used to produce an itemized construction estimate outlining the repairs and improvements needed for the trail system.
RANCHO SIENNA
Rancho Sienna is a 600-acre master-planned community located approximately 12 miles east of Downtown Georgetown in Williamson County, Texas. Designed with a focus on environmental responsibility, the community offers residents access to a thoughtfully integrated natural landscape and trail system.
To support ongoing stewardship and long-term planning, Rancho Sienna engaged EGC and Second Spatial to conduct a trail assessment and provide prioritized rehabilitation estimates. This assessment includes evaluating trail surfaces and associated amenities—such as signage—to inform budgeting and repair strategies.
As part of this effort, the project team is also developing an interactive, web-based tool to communicate findings with the community board and provide a foundational platform for future operations and maintenance documentation.
EGC and SS have been engaged to conduct a trail assessment for a private 50-acre ranch located in Smithville, Texas. This scope of work includes detailed data collection and site analysis to document existing conditions, identify, design and plan appropriate trail alignments, and develop preliminary cost estimates for the construction of approximately 1.5 miles of multi-use trails. The assessment will also include recommendations and conceptual designs for trailheads, as well as interpretive and directional signage, with the goal of enhancing access to open space and recreational amenities throughout the property.
UPTON RANCH
BOOT RANCH
Trail System Assessment at Boot Ranch
Boot Ranch is an exclusive private club community nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, just five miles north of Fredericksburg. Spanning more than 2,080 acres, the property offers a setting for both full-time residences and second homes, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation.
To enhance and preserve the natural experience for residents and guests, Boot Ranch engaged EGC and SS to conduct a comprehensive assessment of two Decomposed Granite (DG) trail segments. The evaluation included detailed cost estimates and focused on analyzing existing conditions to develop a trail rehabilitation plan that addresses current maintenance challenges. Additionally, the assessment aimed to improve trail durability under varying usage conditions while aligning with the aesthetic and functional goals of the property owners.n.
