Trail Blog by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

With New Trail Addition, San Jose Continues to Grow Smart

Posted 07/25/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails, America's Trails | Tagged with California, Connected Systems, Urban Pathways, Walkability and Bikeability

The latest addition to that growing network is a new section of San Jose's five-mile Highway 237 Bikeway, which was opened to the public on June 28.

Bipartisan Support for Massachusetts Rail-Trail

Posted 07/24/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails | Tagged with Local Organizing, Massachusetts, Statements of Support

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported last week that local officials have been able to save tens of thousands of dollars in the construction of trail bridges crossing the Quinebaug River by doing the design and engineering work themselves, and reusing existing girders at the build sites.

Remembering the Cookie Lady of Afton, Virginia

Posted 07/19/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with Champions, Virginia

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy member Nick Smith called us yesterday to pass on this sad but heartwarming story from the community of Afton in Nelson County, Va.

RTC Gathers Expert Panel for Exploration of MAP-21

Posted 07/18/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Policy | Tagged with Federal, RTC in Action, State and Federal Programs

Yesterday RTC hosted the first of two webinars exploring the nuts and bolts of this legislation, MAP-21, and offering advice for local practitioners on how to encourage their state to make good use of the limited pot of funds available for trails, biking and walking.

Community Throws a Party for the W&OD Trail in Virginia

Posted 07/17/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use | Tagged with Community Events, Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living, Virginia

For people who live in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a part of everyday life. Later this year, the W&OD will be the guest of honor at the second annual Dominion Trail Mix, a great community party hosted by the good folks at the Greater Washington Sports Alliance.

Photo of commuters in New York © Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Americans Driving Less, Looking for Better Options

Posted 07/16/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use, Policy | Tagged with Case Studies, Demand for Trails, Facts and FIgures, Federal

The report, Transportation and the New Generation: Why Young People are Driving Less and What it Means for Transportation Policy, shows that young people in particular are decreasing the amount they drive and increasing their use of transportation alternatives.

People Power - RTC Report Gathers Inspiring Volunteer Stories from Across America

Posted 07/12/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails | Tagged with Case Studies, Facts and FIgures, Idaho, Local Organizing, Maintenance and Volunteers

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Western Regional Office last month released a terrific report that gathers all these stories--of local groups and volunteers across America using their community strength to create incredible trails. It's called Community Built - Stories of Volunteers Creating and Caring For Their Trails.

A Riverfront Ode to Kansas City

Posted 07/12/12 by Emily McIntyre in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Kansas, Missouri

On a brilliant Missouri summer afternoon in Kansas City, my husband and I join the 10-mile Riverfront Heritage Trail at Town of Kansas Bridge, a long, weathered wood-and-metal structure that sways slightly with the rhythm of our feet.

Photo of pioneers in Loup Valley, Custer County, NE © Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Exhibit the Perfect Reason to Plan Your Own Trail Journey

Posted 07/11/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with Heritage and Restoration, Maryland, Tourism and Economic Stimulus

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, better known as the C&O Canal towpath, is one of the most popular trails in the region, with hikers and riders drawn to its flat gradient, the history of the corridor, and the small, welcoming communities along the trail between D.C. and Cumberland, Md.

Photo of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail © LARA

Once Considered Wasteful, New Rail-Trail Proves Very Useful to Lewisburg, Pa.

Posted 07/10/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use | Tagged with Case Studies, Facts and FIgures, Overcoming Opposition, Pennsylvania

When the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority (LARA) began building the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail back in 2009, some residents described the use of state and federal grants to purchase the corridor and construct the trail as "state-sponsored robbery."

The Most Amazing Rail-Trail on Earth?

Posted 07/09/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Trails of the World, Wild and Wonderful

The Kettle Valley Rail-Trail --part of the evolving Trans Canada Trail--is unlike anything I've experienced here in the United States.

Young Farmers Big Fans of Kansas' Rail-Trail Aspirations

Posted 07/06/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Kansas, Local Organizing, Overcoming Opposition, Schools and Young People

In Marysville, Kan., near the Nebraska border, members of the local high school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter are throwing their support behind the Blue River Rail Trail, building benches, installing a new sign and bulletin board kiosk at the trailhead, and doing much-needed bridge repair work.

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