A greenway is a corridor of protected open space that is managed for con- and/or recreation. The common characteristic of greenways is that they all go somewhere. Greenways follow natural land or water features, like ridges or rivers, or human landscape features like abandoned railroad corridors and canals. They link forests, parks, cultural and historic sites with each other and, in some cases, with populated areas. Greenways not only protect environmentally sensitive lands and wildlife, but also can provide people with access to outdoor recreation and enjoyment close to home.

A Regional System of Greenways

While greenways are important conservation and recreation areas in and of themselves, what sets the greenways concept apart from other initiatives is its emphasis on connections. The Apalachee Project's vision is of a regional greenways system connecting natural, recreational, cultural and historic resources from southern Georgia to Apalachee Bay. A regional greenways system will not forge connections for connections' sake alone, or change the fo cus of conservation land acquisition from protecting large, functioning ecological preserves to protecting greenways. Our vision is one in which connecting greenways and core reserves results in a system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. A healthy, well-functioning system can support wildlife communities and provide innumerable benefits to people in the Apalachee region.

Arial view of Wakulla River at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Greenways can be as wide as a watershed of as narrow as a trail. Some are publically owned; some are established on private land by easements or other methods that protect valuable naturals areas and cultural and historic sites or allow public access along trails. Some are managed only to conserve natie ecosystems, and some are purely recreational. Some are "green," following ridgelines or other upland features, some are "blue," floowing reivers and wetlands, and other are more urban in nature.

The Benefits of Greenways

By helping conserve native ecosystems and landscapes, greenways can be an important component of a regional conservation strategy. These are some of the benefits of greenways:

Conservation of Native Ecosystem Greenways can help conserve native ecosystems and landscapes by maintaining space to sustain the biodiversity of native plant and animal communities and connections that allow interchange between them.

Economic Prosperity. According to local surveys, homes located near greenways and trails commonly sell for more than similar homes in other areas. Conventional wisdom also tells us that businesses locate where quality of life indicators are high. Greenway users often create a demand for services, which stimulates the growth of tourism-based businesses.

Conservation of Historical and Cultural Resources. Archaeological and historical sites can be protected, preserved, interpreted, and connected by greenways. Archaeological and historical sites provide yet another dimension to link people with landscape; they provide a sense of place as well as a sense of origin.

Public Recreation Close to Home. A regional system of greenways will provide many opportunities for public outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Trails can provide places for visitors and residents to exercise and experience the many natural and cultural wonders of the Apalachee region. Greenways along rivers, lakes and the coast provide access to canoers, kayakers, and sailors. Greenways can serve as sites for passive pursuits, such as picnicking and wildlife observation, and can serve as places for community gatherings.

Outdoor Education. A regional system of greenways will provide excellent outdoor classrooms where both children and adults can learn about native plant and animal species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Greenway connectors that overlap historical transportation corridors offer rich opportunities to interpret history and the relationship between people and the land.

Protecting Working Landscapes. Greenways can be used to protect working landscapes such as farms, groves, and private forest lands. Greenways along scenic byways can provide the traveling public with a glimpse into the historic past of these lands. Greenways using conservation easements across these lands can allow traditional land uses to continue, while also providing corridors for the movement of wildlife and, where appropriate, people.

Influencing Urban Form. Greenways can provide important growth management benefits by helping maintain delineations between urban and rural land uses.

Providing Alternative Transportation. Greenways and trails can serve as alternative transportation routes for commuting to work or school, bicycling or walking to local businesses or restaurants, visiting parks and recreation sites, or sightseeing.