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.
Vernon Parks and Recreation No Smoking Policy Effective May 2009
The policy is based on research by a Vernon Greenways Volunteers Committee which confirmed that "the most littered item in America" is the cigarette butt. The policy will be phased in by location. Temporary informational signs will be installed by the VGVs as each location come on-line. Parks and Recreation will install permanent signs later
Braille Trail Redo
Between April 2, 2009 and May 14, 2009 separate work parties were formed to:
-
Create 30 new Braille rope poles
-
Install new poles, and reroute trail
-
Put in erosion control because of Valley Falls Road runoff
-
Plant 104 native shrubs on this two acre site
-
Install deer netting around plants
Vernon Greenways Volunteers Spring Kickoff Meeting
On Monday, April 27th at 7 PM, the Vernon Greenways Volunteers will conduct their annual Spring Kickoff Meeting at the Town Teen Center. We'll discuss the outlook for 2009 and hold an open forum. Featured speaker Rose Hiskes will discuss "Invasive Plants in Connecticut and Why We Need to Control Them." Rose is an Diagnostician and Horticulturist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and a member of the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG). The public is welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Trail Recyclable Pickup Begins For 2009
VGV Recycle Group begins monthly pickup for the season on April 25, 2009 at recycle bins we maintain at Church Street, Dart Hill South and Valley Falls Park.
Weed Wacker Group Formed
Five Vernon Greenways Volunteers will take responsibility for keeping the hiking trails (Dark Hill South, Dart Hill North, Walker's Reservoir, VCMS and Valley Falls) clear of brush and grass. Vernon Parks and Recreation will provide equipment and safety gear. George Arthur will conduct a training class on use, safety, maintenance and techniques of the heavy duty string trimmer.
Vernon Greenways Volunteers Awarded Pratt & Whitney Grant
A $3,100 Green Power Grant was awarded to plant two acres of native trees/shrubs/plants adjacent to the Braille Trail at Valley Falls. This project is a partnership with The Friends of Valley Falls who are replacing the Braille signs, rope and paving a hilly section of the Braille Trail with a DEP Grant. The planting will begin in the spring of 2009.
Vernon Greenways Volunteers Earn Statewide Award
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.
Legislation
No new legislation
Click here for 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 it's boundaries. These are: the Hockanum River (Shenipsit Lake) and the Tankerhoosen River (Tankerhoosen Lake)
