Farewell to a Trailblazer: Betty Sutherland, The Conservancy's Founding Executive Director, Passes Away

Betty Sutherland passed away peacefully in her home on June 23, 2024, surrounded by her daughters, Cathy Davies and Dianne Sutherland.

In 2010, Phil Hardberger hired Betty Sutherland to lead the newly formed Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy to oversee the Park's development. Betty’s work on Phil Hardberger Park is one of her proudest achievements. Through the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, Betty helped shape the creation of the beautiful green space, began the fundraising for the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, and connected thousands to nature. She has a building named for her at the park called “Betty’s House,” where the Conservancy office is located. Betty was a lifelong gardener and Master Naturalist. As pictured above, she staunchly advocated for everyone on her team. She loved and supported the UTSA basketball and football teams. As pictured above, her love for the UTSA Roadrunners was equal to her love of Phil Hardberger Park. She was the number one fan of the hard-working maintenance crew caring for the park. Her legacy will live in Phil Hardberger Park and many other beautiful greenspaces she helped create. Please join us in wishing her a farewell, Birds Up! 

The family has requested donations to the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy instead of flowers.