Inks Lake St Park HQ - Climate Smart Project™
Construction of the new Inks Lake Park Headquarters, with a heavy focus on sustainability in construction, was completed in 2024. The facility is two and a half times larger and had adaptive design elements from the rescued construction site trees. A total of over 40 trees were rescued and will be processed into Climate Smart Wood™ and Climate Smart Products™. Both native Texas Mesquite and Post Oaks were used throughout the interior and exterior of the building.
Owner: Texas Parks & Wildlife
Architect: McKinney York Architects
Project Status: Active
Project Completion: Q3-Q4 2023
environmental impact:
Carbon stored: >8164 lbs
Equivalent in Gasoline: 416 gals
Equivalent in Coal Burned: 4,147 lbs
Smart Phones Charged: 450,449
Miles Driven: 9,495 miles
Tons of Waste Recycled: 1.28 tons
we help our customers tell a powerful story about unmatched sustainability practices & carbon savings.
This project is a great example of our sustainability promises being put to practice.
TRASH or TREASURE?
A total of over 40 old growth trees were rescued off this construction site. A majority of the trees were Texas Mesquites.
We will give these trees a second life as interior elements within the adaptive design of the building including cabinets, barn doors, wall cladding and furniture elements. There permanent design elements will serve as a memorial to the trees’ rich history and allow the community to touch, feel, and enjoy this remarkable example of a Climate Smart Project™.
So, the next time you consider the removal of trees, think responsibly and challenge yourself as we embrace the responsible world of sustainability.
Embark on Your Sustainable Journey: Empower Your Story BRAND
Mesquite Revival at Inks Lake State Park
Interior of Inks Lake State Park featuring custom mesquite cabinetry produced from ~40 of the trees rescued directly from the grounds of the new headquarters.
Our forestry efforts prioritize sustainability—preserving the natural beauty of the land while supporting a place-based, environmentally responsible design approach.
Locally Rescued Post Oak – Crafted with Purpose
The Inks Lake Superintendent shares a conversation with the lead TPWD architect and Texas Urban Sawmill film producer, Paul Galvan. Post oak, a signature Texas hardwood, played a central role in the project—most notably in the large entry bench and custom-crafted interior tables for the staff.
Roots and Purpose: A First Visit
Devin Ginther visits the Texas Urban Sawmill headquarters for the first time—taking in the sights, sounds, and purpose of a space where rescued trees are transformed into meaningful, lasting work. A moment of connection between vision, craft, and community impact.
This project is part of a 5-part film series sponsored by Texas Urban Sawmill, the USDA Forest Service, and the USDA Wood Innovations Grant—highlighting the impact of sustainable wood reuse across Texas.
