Happy belated Earth Day (April 22)! And an early Celebrate Trails Day (April 27)!
Trails are wonderful off-road connectors that enable people to walk, bike, and roll safely.
For people, they can be used as an alternative commuter path, a calming retreat into nature, a free gym to get some exercise, or serve as all at the same time. They also bridge communities and activate local businesses and art installations.
For nature, trails protect natural areas from development or degradation and offer carbon-storage and reduced heat island effect with plants and trees. A useful, connected trail network also encourages more walking and biking, reducing traffic and vehicle emissions.
CELEBRATE (OR ADVOCATE FOR) A TRAIL!
There are several ways to partake in this holiday. Below are some options to help guide you as you choose your own adventure:
1) Take a hike! AllTrails is a great resource to find and explore new paths solo or with family and friends. If you tag us, we’ll gladly re-share your adventure.
2) Get involved with the Rose Creek Initiative. There’s a local effort that is stewarding trail development in the Stifft Station/Capital View neighborhood. It aligns with the Southwest Trail plan and envisions being a critical connector for the Arkansas River Trail to Central High School. They host clean-ups, an annual hike to share their vision, and community events. You can support them by following their Facebook page for upcoming events or giving a tax-free donation (they’re a 501c3!).
3) Show support for Close the Loop. The Arkansas River Trail is a 15 mile (mostly) off-road multi-use trail that loops along the river connecting North Little Rock, the Clinton Library, Downtown Little Rock, and neighborhoods along the Northwest of the city. There is about a mile gap — the largest being by Dillard’s and Episcopal School on Cantrell — that keeps this from being a safe, useful, and enjoyable trail. Local bike advocacy group, Bike Advocates of Central Arkansas (BACA), has created a one-stop shop to take action with pre-drafted templates and contact information of our elected officials here.
4) Familiarize yourself with the Central Arkansas Regional Greenway Plan. This executive summary shares 222 miles of greenway connecting neighboring towns and local neighborhoods. Much of this network needs to be developed, but the plan shows the budget we need to get there and the current status of support.
5) Find the best funding source to support your favorite planned trail (and let your elected official know!). There is an unprecedented amount of federal money available for trail networks, we may be finding ourselves in decision paralysis. Meet Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Federal Funding Tool. Give it a try and share your results with your elected official. Note: many require a 20% city match, so it will be important to include why and how your favorite trail will improve quality of life for people in Little Rock.
