Who Are We?
The Vernon Greenways Volunteers are individuals who assist the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department through the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of the 30+ miles of trails in Vernon, CT. Sponsors adopt a section of Vernon’s trail system or finance a trail project through an annual tax deductible donation to supply the funds to support our work.
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SEE YOU IN THE SPRING!
Facebook Page Under Construction
Friday, December 30
During the Off Season we will be constructing a Facebook Page. If you are a member of Facebook and would like to become a fan: go onto Facebook, search for Vernon Greenways Volunteers and hit the “Like” button.
Northern Connecticut Land Trust and Vernon Greenways Volunteers Post Storm Clean-up
Saturday, December 10
Eleven people associated with the Northern Connecticut Land Trust and the VGVs combined to remove all debris from 0.6 miles of trail at Talcott Ravine.
Greenways Volunteers Post Storm Clean-up of VCMS and Dart Hill North Trails
Saturdays, November 19, November 26 and December 3
Collectively, 21 Vernon Greenways Volunteers participated in the clean-up of all but the largest trees on 2.6 miles of trails in three sessions.
Pedal Power and Vernon Greenways Volunteers Post Storm Clean-up
Saturday, November 12
Approximately forty people associated with Pedal Power and the VGVs combined to remove all except the largest trees blocking Rails-To-Trails on the 1.25 mile segment from Regan Road to Hartford Tpke.
2011 End-of-Season Outing at Camp Newhoca
Wednesday, October 19
Thirty-Seven people attended the sixth annual End-of-Season Outing sponsored by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department to thank our organization for the work we did in 2011. A barbecue dinner was served, Carol Grasis, Rob Grasis and Eric Fisher received Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Awards for their service and Don Bellingham provided an overview of what was accomplished in 2011.
Introducing the One Mile Long ‘Walking Trail’ at Dart Hill South
Monday, August 1
A walking trail is defined as a flatly contoured, wide, all weather trail built to be user friendly (think of a Rails-to-Trails without bicycles). After regrading, redirecting, putting in drainage and laying fabric & stone dust to the middle 1/3 of the one mile long Stone Dust Trail at Dart Hill South, there is now a 'Walking Trail' in the Hockanum River Linear Park System. It starts at the Dart Hill South parking lot, proceeds through the park, crosses Hockanum Blvd at the 0.6 mile mark, passes two historic overlooks and ends at the third overlook at 1.0 miles.
Tunnel Road Parking Area Upgrade
Wednesday, June 15
Added a trash barrel, recycle bin, and dog litter bag dispenser/receptacle to the parking lot area. The section between the parking lot and the tunnel has long been an eye sore. Leaves were removed and the area weeded. In the middle of an area 24 feet x 45 feet a ten foot diameter circular area was prepared for planting by adding two yards of compost. The remainder was mulched. The actual planting will take place during the summer and fall.
Form Weed Whacking Crew
Sunday, June 5
Five VGVs formed a team to assist in keeping the hiking trails on Dart Hill North and South clear of vegetation during the summer.
Beetlemania
Saturday, May 21, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Rose Hiskes, Diagnostician & Horticulturist, at the Entomology Department of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will lead the search to see if there is the possibility of a beetle infestation in trees along the trail system in Vernon. Specifically, we will be looking for the Asian Longhorn Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. We will meet at a location to be determined at 8:30 AM for breakfast items and then break up in teams and disburse to specific trail locations. Results will be recorded at a WIFI lunch site yet to be determined. Contact Don Bellingham for specifics as we approach the date.
Board of Education School for the Blind (BESB)
Outing at Valley Falls Park
Friday, May 13 (Rain Date May 21)
We have been asked to repeat the outing we provided in 2010 for 27 BESB middle school aged children from all over CT. The CT Fly Fisherman’s Assoc. (Fly Fishing) and Rockville Fish and Game Club (Bait Fishing) will supply equipment and instruction. The Braille Trail will be toured and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers will provide a barbecue picnic for what is expected to be 80 people (students, teachers, parents and volunteers). The BESB staff will conduct games after lunch.
2011 Spring Kick-Off Meeting
Vernon Teen Center
Wednesday, April 13, 7:00 PM
We will discuss what the VGVs accomplished in 2010 and where we are going for 2011. Bruce Dinnie, Vernon Parks and Rec Director, will take any questions or comments on the Vernon trail system. Featured Speaker is Don Sierakowski. Don will discuss the historic rail system in Vernon with emphasis on the Church Street area. He will, also, reveal some exciting plans for an outdoor museum expected to be launched this spring. The public is welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Redo Of Vernon Trail Maps
George Arthur and Don Bellingham are updating all trail maps for Vernon (last done in 2005). Talcott Ravine is being added to create 12 distinct maps. A composite publication will be available at the Parks and Rec Office in Henry Park no later than Mid-April.
Click here for News entries previously posted in this column.
First time users, please click here.
Did You Know:
Vernon has over 33 miles of trails.
Vernon has the headwaters for two rivers within its boundaries. These are: the Hockanum River (Shenipsit Lake) and the Tankerhoosen River (Tankerhoosen Lake).
Vernon has the second largest sycamore (fifth largest tree) in Ct. It is in the wooded area behind Saxony Mill Park (West St. & North Main St.).
