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About Our Organization
Why Are The Greenways So Important?
A greenway is a protected recreational corridor, through an urban or developing area, often providing access to rural countryside. They can be paved or unpaved, and typically extend for miles along land that would otherwise remain undeveloped. River banks, mountain ridges, and abandoned railways are some of the most common sites for greenway construction. The most notable examples in our region include the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Greenways improve the quality of life in a community by providing recreational opportunities, and promoting the preservation of natural areas that might otherwise be lost to development. Greenways also play an important role in economic development by aiding in recruitment efforts and promoting a healthy workforce. Valley Forward is committed to our local greenways, and we believe that completion of the Conceptual Greenway Plan will be a vital catalyst for change in the Roanoke Valley. Gallop 4 The Greenways is the primary focus of our efforts to make the plan a reality.
Valley Forward
Valley Forward is an organization of young professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Roanoke Valley. Since early 2007, we have actively promoted a series of economic, cultural, and recreational initiatives designed to make our region more appealing to educated professionals in the critical 25 to 34 age group. We believe that the economic vitality of our region is threatened when these people leave Roanoke to seek opportunities in more dynamic urban areas, either by choice or necessity.
Gallop 4 The Greenway is only one of many projects and initiatives that we will continue to promote, in the hopes of creating a brighter future for people of ages in the Roanoke Valley. For more information, or to join Valley Forward, please visit our website.
Pathfinders For Greenways
Pathfinders for Greenways was incorporated in 1997 to promote the development of a greenway network throughout the Roanoke Valley. Members volunteer up to 5000 hours annually to build and maintain trails in accordance with the Conceptual Greenway Plan. Membership in Pathfinders is open to anyone interested in lending a hand with construction or maintenance projects, promotional efforts, or fundraising. All contributions to Pathfinders for Greenways are tax deductible. For more information, or to join Pathfinders for Greenways, please visit their website.
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