The Greenways Foundation promotes greenways, blueways and multi-use trails in Indiana.

Next Level Trails Applicant Workshops

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb recently announced the launch of the Next Level Trails (NLT) grant program, the largest infusion of state trail funding in Indiana history. The NLT program will dedicate $90 million to connect communities through more hiking, biking and riding trails.

The opening grant round will fund up to $25 million in eligible trail projects and applications will be accepted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources from January 1 to February 15, 2019. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a free Applicant Workshop to learn more. NLT Applicant Workshops will be held on:

Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 3 p.m. EST, at Fort Harrison State Park Inn’s Roosevelt Ballroom, 5830 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46216. This is the only workshop for which there also will be a webinar. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at 3 p.m. EST, at the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center, 25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, Indiana 46554. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 3 p.m. EST, at the Falls of the Ohio State Park Auditorium, 201 W. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, Indiana 47129. RSVP to reserve your spot.

The last miles

The Monon Trail & Greenway reached another milestone October 16 with the opening of the final segment, creating more than 25 miles of uninterrupted trail from downtown Indianapolis thru Carmel and Westfield to Sheridan. From left, Anna Gremling of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook and Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard cut the ribbon.

Are you active? Take the INDOT survey!

bicyclists on trail The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently initiated a statewide initiative to plan for active transportation, including walking and bicycling. As part of this effort, INDOT wants to get input from current residents and active transportation users. Your contributions to this survey will help INDOT better understand the current conditions and perceptions of the bicycle and pedestrian transportation network, along with opportunities for improving connectivity in Indiana.

Do your part and take the survey! It takes only a few minutes.

Greenways Foundation provides grant for Pathways Over Pogue’s

Pathway Over Pogues The Greenways Foundation of Indiana recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Pathways Over Pogue’s trail group for the rehabilitation of the Nowland Avenue Bridge. Our funds were matched by the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Congratulations to all involved in the project!

Are you involved in a trail project? Apply for a grant! We want to hear from you.

In the photo, Greenways Foundation President Tom Bruns (standing, third from right) presents a $5,000 check to Pathways Over Pogues.

Cardinal Greenway inducted to Hall of Fame!

The Cardinal Greenway has been named to the 2018 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame and your votes made it happen! The Hall of Fame includes about three dozen trails nationwide; Indiana’s only other inductee is the Monon Trail, named in 2009.

What a great honor for the Cardinal Greenway as it celebrates its 25th anniversay!

Eppley Institute releases Indiana Trails Study

Thanks in part to a grant from the Greenways Foundation, the 2017 Indiana Trails Study compiles data gathered from trail users, non-users, and neighbors of eight trails in the Hoosier state. A team of researchers collected information about trail use, health factors related to trail use, and the economic impact of trails.

2017 Indiana Trails Study Summary Report (PDF, 3.1 MB)

The study was conducted by the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University’s School of Public Health. The Institute, working with guidance from an advisory group, chose eight greenways from around the state.

In-depth reports for each of the eight trails are available at the Eppley Institute web site. The trails include the Erie-Lackawanna Trail (Northwest Indiana), Rivergreenway (Fort Wayne), Pumpkinvine Nature Trail (Elkhart & LaGrange Counties), Monon Trail (Indianapolis & Carmel), Cardinal Greenway (Marion to Muncie to Richmond), Nickel Plate Trail (Kokomo to Peru to Rochester), Columbus People Trail, and the B-line Trail (Bloomington).