Benefits

Benefits

Benefits-1

Why Greenways Matter

Greenways enhance the quality of life in Vernon by protecting natural resources, supporting healthy lifestyles, and strengthening community connections. Key benefits include:

  • Preserving and creating open space

  • Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles through walking, biking, and outdoor recreation

  • Improving air and water quality

  • Protecting wildlife habitat and the natural environment

  • Providing safe corridors for both people and wildlife

  • Preserving cultural and historic landscapes

  • Expanding educational opportunities in nature and conservation

  • Increasing property values and overall community appeal

Greenways in Vernon

The importance of greenways is formally recognized in the Town of Vernon’s Plan of Conservation and Development (PC&D), which establishes long-term goals for conservation, recreation, and land use.

Vernon’s Greenway Goal

Establish greenways throughout the Town of Vernon and connect them to neighboring communities.

Planning Objectives

To achieve this goal, the Town of Vernon supports the following objectives:

  • Promote the planning, development, and long-term growth of greenways

  • Create a connected network of greenways that expands passive recreation and improves access to parks and open spaces

  • Encourage trails for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature observation

  • Link new and existing trails maintained by the Town, neighboring municipalities, and organizations such as the Connecticut Forest & Park Association

  • Expand preserved open space and greenways, especially where they connect existing protected lands

  • Strengthen wildlife corridors to support healthy and sustainable local ecosystems