Vernon Greenways Volunteers  

Who are we and what do we do?

We are individuals who have chosen to give back to the community and make their own experience more satisfying by participating in the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of the trail system.  

• Maintenance - We assist the Vernon Parks and Recreation staff on trail projects. We execute our own trail projects. We keep trails clear of trash and debris.  An assigned Trail Manager takes ownership of a trail segment. We have periodic clean-up sessions.  To see trail accomplishments, click here.

• Enhancements - We provide free biodegradable dog litter bags at pet stations, a receptacle for deposit of the full bags and we service both at selected high dog traffic locations.  We provide free tri-fold trail specific maps at selected locations. A “Pick Up after your Pets (PUP) Project” was executed in the spring of 2007 to educate pet owners as to why they should pick up after their pets on the trail.

• Proper Use - All volunteers must participate in sound trail practices: follow posted restrictions, comply with town ordinances, “carry out what you carry in”, periodically pick up trash while using the trail, etc.  To see the rules of the trail, click here.

How will I be expected to participate?

All volunteers must agree to follow the “Proper Use” policies shown  above.  Participation in maintenance projects is not mandatory as we realize time and physical restrictions may not allow all members to participate at this level; we value your head and heart as well as your hands.  However, some of the greatest enjoyment in this program is through the interaction with fellow volunteers and seeing the results of your labor on a completed project.  Send ideas and suggestions to our e-mail address.  Attend meetings, usually twice a year, and the annual picnic.  

What is a Trail Manager?

 All members are Vernon Greenways Volunteers.  You may also elect to be a Trail Manager who takes ownership of a trail segment (most segments are 0.8 to 1.9 miles) which has not already been assigned.  A Trail Manager’s duties may include but are not limited to: removing sticks, rocks and other debris; pruning small limbs; cutting back encroaching vegetation to maintain a trail corridor; servicing any of the enhancements listed above; replace missing signage; reporting vandalism and maintenance needs that are beyond our capabilities to the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department.  An ID card, polo shirt indicating Trail Manager and a wind breaker are issued to all Trail Managers.  Heavy duty trash bags and a trash picker will be supplied if requested. 

Why should I join? 

It is a way for those who use the Vernon trail system to participate in their community while improving this resource and experiencing the fun of interacting with like minded people.  You will be kept abreast of trail happenings and events through periodic e-mails. Vernon Greenways Volunteers T-Shirts and baseball caps are issued to members.

How can I learn more or become a member?

Contact us via our e-mail address at BellinghamDL@att.net with questions.  If you would like to join include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.  Virtually all contact is via e-mail.

Our Motto

(As purloined from George Arthur )

1.        Safety First.

2.        If it isn’t fun we don’t do it.

3.        Make sure it is better when you leave than when you started.

Enhancements

Valley Falls Park at the beginning of the Main Road Trail (Red Markers).                     

Pet Station, Trail Maps & Sponsor Sign

What Trails Do We Service?

·          Rails to Trails

·          Hockanum River Linear Park

·          Valley Falls *

·          Vernon Center Middle School

·          Walker ’s Reservoir

·          The Braille Trail

*Main Road, Rail Road Brook and Valley Falls Loop Trails, only.

Tools?

Tools are supplied for projects.  Due to liability and safety issues chain saws will not be used.  Contact Parks and Rec at 870-3520 if a large limb or tree is on the trail.