Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Phil Hardberger Park Savanna Grasslands Restoration
The Savanna Restoration Project is an integral part of the Master Plan for development and operation of Phil Hardberger Park. Seventy five percent of the park is dedicated to preservation of the natural landscape. This region of Central Texas was dominated by grassland savanna prior to European settlement as witnessed by early accounts and illustrations. The earliest aerial photographs of the Phil Hardberger Park area show a dominance of pasture/grassland with a scattering of single trees, small clumps and larger mottes. The land was utilized as a dairy farm during the first part of the 20th century. The land was overused and became neglected brushland over the past decades. Invasive exotic species of plants have displaced native plants. For these reasons restoration and active management are essential to the preservation of a landscape and the associated fauna that is natural to Phil Hardberger Park.
Heritage Homestead Restoration
Restoring the dairy barn, 1800's home, 1920's home and the windmill that make up the old Voelcker homestead in order to preserve the agrarian heritage of south Texas. The dairy barn and windmill are complete. Rehabilitation of the 1800's house was completed in 2014. A Children's Vegetable Garden was added in 2016.
Education
A variety of nature-related educational programs are offered in the park. PHPC partners with San Antonio Parks & Recreation, Alamo Area Master Naturalists, the Sierra Club and other organizations. PHPC underwrites much of the program expenses.
Land Bridge
Phil Hardberger Park is divided by Wurzbach Parkway. A land bridge is needed to unite the park and provide wildlife and people a safe crossing from the east-side of the park to the west-side. PHPC is funding the design of the Land Bridge. Construction is expected to begin in 2018.
Wetland Restoration Project
The Wetland Restoration Project improves drainage in a portion of the park previously unusable due to run-off water from surrounding development. The trail and boardwalk at the wetland were completed, but additional planting, fencing and informational signage are needed.
When finished, the project will create education and volunteer opportunities and provide improved habitat for local wildlife. Even without these further improvements, the area is full of bird activity.
Where we work
External reviews
Videos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The Conservancy aims to provide advocacy and financial support to ensure that the community's vision for the historic property that is Phil Hardberger Park is realized. This includes uniting the park with the construction of a Land Bridge.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy acts as a liaison with the city of San Antonio on behalf of the patrons of the park and the members of the Conservancy. It promotes the programs in the park in order to raise awareness, thus public support of the park. It actively works to raise funds through special events, through grant applications and through membership dues.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Members of the PHPC Board have experience in city government, construction, fundraising and community representation. The Board includes two former mayors of San Antonio, a former city councilwoman (all of whom successfully advocated for the preservation of parkland and trails). It also includes several prominent business people and neighborhood advocates.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Phase I of the park is completed. Significant progress in phase II of the master plan has been made, including the construction of trails, the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, and the restoration of the Historic Homestead's dairy barn, windmill and 1800's stone house. The popularity of the park is evident by the need for additional parking in the park. An estimated 1,000 people use the park each day and more than 2,500 people of all ages attend the education programs each year.
The Land Bridge is the final major project needed to complete the park. The Conservancy continues to secure funds for the Land Bridge and has nearly met its goal. Construction on the Land Bridge is expected to begin in 2018.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy
Board of directorsas of 06/18/2019
Mr. Phil Hardberger
Dykema Cox Smith
Term: 2010 -
Phil Hardberger
City of San Antonio; Dykema Cox Smith
William Kothmann
RSM US LLP
Bonnie Conner
San Antonio Parks Foundation
Howard W. Peak
City of San Antonio
Chuck Saxer
No Affiliation
Cindy Jorgensen
J. Bruce Bugg
The Tobin Endowment
John Linkhart
UT Health Science Center
Francisco G. Cigarroa
UT Health Science Center
Amy Hardberger
St. Mary's University School of Law
Brad Hawlryluk
Capital Group
Margaret Kanyusik
Epitacio Resendez
Diane Dalton Warren
Bounceology
Larry Zinn
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes