TrailBlog Page 105

Photo © Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay

From Mt Rainier to Puget Sound - Relay Race Raises Money for Foothills Trail

Posted 04/01/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use | Tagged with Community Events, Local Organizing, Private Fundraising, Washington

The history of the race and the rail-trail are inextricably intertwined. When the first Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay was held in 1992, its goal was to raise money to build the Foothills Trail and help connect Mount Rainier with Puget Sound along an out-of-service section of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Connecticut

Posted 04/01/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with Connecticut, Heritage and Restoration, State and Federal Programs, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month

When it comes to layers of history, few pathways can top the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This central Connecticut corridor started life as a waterway, then turned into a railroad, then became a multi-use trail. Lately, it's become a crucial link in an ambitious 3,000-mile greenway from Florida to Maine.

Photo © Jonathan Maus/Bike Portland

Rep. Edwards Says Biking, Walking Critical for Underserved Communities

Posted 03/22/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Policy, Trail Use | Tagged with Federal, Health and Active Living, Statements of Support, Urban Pathways

Speaking at the 2012 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD) yesterday urged transportation planners and advocates to promote bicycling and walking as a means of improving conditions and access in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Photo © Gloria Ballard

A Pocket-Sized Piece of History From the Katy Trail

Posted 03/16/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with Heritage and Restoration, Missouri

For the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Rails to Trails magazine, we had asked our readers, "What is your favorite part about rail-trail history?" One of the most memorable responses came from Gloria Ballard of Nashville, Tenn., who wrote about making a surprising connection between family history and rail history while researching a rail-trail excursion in Missouri. We thought we'd share her story!

Image © APA

Several Rail-Trails Featured in New Book About Preservation Successes

Posted 03/14/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with California, Case Studies, Ecology and Environment, Facts and FIgures, Heritage and Restoration, Minnesota, Wisconsin

We like to call rail-trails the ultimate recycling project. They preserve thousands of miles of historical rail lines and uphold the railroad legacy of transporting millions of people and goods across the country. Countless hours were invested in the construction and maintenance of those original railbeds, and rail-trails keep the corridors intact and in the public domain for future generations to use and enjoy.