Hasn’t this warm weather been wonderful?! I adore springtime in Virginia and, of course, there are so many places in Richmond to spend beautiful days outside, from Maymont Park and Belle Isle to walking around Carytown or Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Having some outdoor fun with family or friends not only allows us to appreciate our natural environment but also get some exercise too! I recently came across a non-profit called Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (www.railstotrails.org) which is a perfect weekend activity or perhaps an opportunity for a future summer adventure!

Rails-to-Trails’ goal is to create a nationwide network of trails from abandoned railroad lines and connecting corridors; in a sense, recycling deserted land for a new purpose: outdoor recreation and physical fitness! Since its founding in 1986, Rails-to-Trails has assisted with the building of nearly 13,935 miles of rail-trails, giving Americans the tools they need to build these multiuse trails in their own urban, rural, and suburban communities. The trails are usually low-incline and can be used for walking, running, cycling, mountain biking, inline skating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and even wheelchair accessible! There are even trails being built in other countries – rails-to-trails is a large-scale recycling and reuse project gaining steam around the country and the world!

There a lot of ways to get involved with Rails-to-Trails on their website, including taking a pledge to “Burn Calories, Not Carbon” by walking and biking more than driving, learning how to get a project started in your community and also donating to the cause. However, I think the most exciting aspect of Rails-to-Trails is the accessibility of the project to us here in Metro Richmond. There are four trails within 50 miles of Richmond, including one in Chesterfield County in Chester. While it is a short one mile trail of crushed stone, reviews say it is a beautiful walk and worth checking out. Another nearby trail with a fascinating historical context is located in Prince Edward County, in Farmville. Opening in August of 2008, the four mile trail boasts High Bridge, built in 1853, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River.

Check out TrailLink (www.traillink.com) to search for other beautiful trails in Virginia (there are thirty!!) and around the country. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, spend some time with your loved ones, and experience a unique form of recycling and reuse at the same time.

- Emma