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.

  To learn more about or how to become a Vernon Greenways Volunteer or a Sponsor select one of the following.            

Vernon Greenways Volunteers   

Sponsors

On June 6, 2008, the Vernon Greenways Volunteers was one of sixteen  organizations statewide recognized by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Greenways Council with an award. The award was presented at their annual 2008 awards ceremony. 

On June 21, 2008, we used eleven gallons of paint to remove extensive graffiti from the Rockville Spur Extension of the Rail Trail immediately below the I-84 overpass. Our goal is to keep this area graffiti-free. If you see any graffiti in this area in the future, please report it to us at bellinghamdl@att.net.

New Parking on the Rail Trail

The Vernon Parks and Recreation Dept. and the Vernon Police have approved five new parking spots available where the Rail Trail crosses Rau St.  If you use this area please park between the signs.

Where: Route 30 to Tankerhoosen Road on Rails to Trails.

Why: Due to DOT reconstructive work on the I84 bridge that crosses Rails to Trails.

When: For a period of six months

starting October 15.  After about six months, a walkway will hopefully be provided to assist in re-opening the trail.  

Update: (4/1/2008)Construction expected to be done by end of June (subject to favorable weather conditions).  Trail expected to open shortly thereafter.

Update(5/6/2008): The trail will be opened at night between 5pm and dusk during the weekdays and for daylight hours on the weekends.  It is urged that the public use caution as construction is still in progress. 

Update(9/20/2008): Construction expected to be completed and the trail opened full-time by October 15.  The trail will be resurfaced soon after.

Recycle Bins

Vernon Greenways Volunteers installed four permanent recycle bins (bottles and cans, only) at Valley Falls Park (2 bins), Church St. and Dart Hill South Park during 2008.  Vernon Greenways Volunteers collect and transport the recyclables to the Transfer Station on Hockanum Blvd.

Rails-To-Trails On-Site Paper Maps

Vernon Greenways Volunteers, in conjunction with Vernon Parks and Recreation personnel and the assistance of Vernon's GIS unit, redesigned the on-site map.  Vernon Greenways Volunteers have agreed to absorb the printing cost of these maps, saving the town an estimated $800 annually.

Legislation

No new legislation

Click here for entries previously posted in this column.

Welcome Video

First time users, please click here.

Did You Know:

Vernon has over 33 miles of trails.

Vernon has the headwaters for two rivers within it's boundaries.  These are: the Hockanum River (Shenipsit Lake) and the Tankerhoosen River (Tankerhoosen Lake)