By Anya Saretzky, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

In the northeast part of the U.S., a bi-state project called the Circuit Trails is making waves in the walking and biking world. This network, when complete, will include 750 miles of trails in the Greater Philadelphia region covering nine counties in southeast Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Today, 300 miles are complete, with 50 currently in development and 400 yet to be built. Completion is slated for 2040. It’s an ambitious plan, no doubt, but it’s one that captures a vision the region has embraced and will see to completion.

Read more about the region's burgeoning network and the elements that make the Circuit Trails a strong and thriving project on the Rails-to-Trails blog: http://bit.ly/1P3kbcO

Photo courtesy: Mark Willard

Olivia Glenn does it all. From balancing her career as the South Jersey Metro Regional Manager of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, to her role as a wife and mother of two children under 7-years old, to her newest role as the New Jersey Vice-Chair, Olivia has learned a thing or two about multi-tasking. We interviewed the new NJ Vice-Chair to get to know her better! Here’s what the Camden native had to say:

What’s your role at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation?

My geographic focus comprises the urbanized corridors of Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Mercer Counties with a special emphasis on the City of Camden. My work includes land preservation, park planning and working with the Circuit Coalition.

How long have you worked on the Circuit Trails?

New Jersey Conservation Foundation has been involved with the Circuit Trails since its inception. I joined the effort in 2014.

What makes the Circuit so unique?

The Circuit Trail enhances our connectivity by making the numerous, regional trail projects part of a larger whole, whereby the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The Circuit Trails also pushes us beyond the conventional notions of “sense of place” that we associate with singular, discrete destinations. The Circuit propels us in a watershed context and helps reinforce that we are all connected.

What’s your favorite Circuit trail?

The Camden Greenway Phase One Loop on the Cooper River Trail… particularly in Farnham Park in Camden. I am a native of the City of Camden, and this park is also where I cultivated my love of nature. It is surreal to have the opportunity in my professional life to improve a place that is so special to me.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned from working on the Circuit Coalition?

I have learned that there are many great examples of trails bringing communities together right here in the Delaware Valley! Trails have been a great nexus to bring together multiple stakeholders, including transportation experts, environmentalists, hospitals, schools and corporations with local communities. One great example on the PA side is the St. Luke's Hospital's tailonthetrail.org initiative on the D&L Trail. 

On the NJ side, I think of the wonderful work done in Mercer County on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail where the community, corporations, county government, nonprofits and trail advocates came together to create a great shared space.

Why should NJ residents take time to appreciate the Circuit Trails? What impact does it have for their community?

Getting on the Circuit is good for us on both a personal and a community level. On a personal level, it can improve our health outcomes and make us happier, as studies have shown. On a community level, there are environmental, economic and social benefits. Investing in and giving back to green spaces always gives back! We've seen the benefits of trails on property values and how retail establishments located along trails draw business from trail users. Beyond recreational and economic benefits for a community, trails can be very utilitarian for transportation and commuting.  

What is your favorite time of year to experience the Circuit?

October. I love when the leaves change color and it’s comfortable enough to enjoy being outdoors without breaking a sweat…or freezing!

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

Four major goals are: (1) working with resident counties and local partners to secure stable sources of funding, including but not limited to NJTIP, TAP, and TE; (2) promoting the Circuit Trails through social media with partners and trail users so that it is very recognizable to a greater segment of the general population; (3) touting the existing beautiful trails, proposed projects and engaged partners that are in New Jersey; and (4) mobilizing new stakeholders to become Circuit Trails partners.

Photo: Olivia Glenn standing on the newly opened 0.6-mile long Delaware Avenue Extension Trail 

By Katie Harris

While it’s easy to stay bundled and cozy at home this December, there are great things to see all along the Circuit Trails this December!

1. Join clinical herbalist Kelly McCarthy on Sunday, December 13 for a hands-on Herbalists Workshop and Family Artists’ Workshop at Bartram’s Garden! According to the event website, workshop participants will “learn about the medicinal and historic use of bitters and explore the ways they might benefit digestion and overall health.” And the best part? You won’t leave empty handed! Participants will take home two bottles of bitters each.  Find more information here: http://bartramsgarden.org/calendar/2015-12-13/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Schuylkill River Trail

2. Further north on the Circuit, the Sigal Museum in Easton, Pennsylvania has plenty going on! On Saturday, December 12, learn about the Battle of the Bulge from WWII Veteran, Morris Metz, who will be joined by two other veterans and will speak about his experience serving under General George Patton.  Find more information here: http://sigalmuseum.org/schedule-of-events/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Delaware and Raritan Canal

3. Think Santa is just a land-faring gentleman? Think again! Meet Scuba Santa at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. It’s not often that you find St. Nick and a hammerhead shark in one place. Don’t miss it! Find more information here: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-to-do-in-new-jersey/Daily-Shows-and-Feeds/Meet-Scuba-Santa

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

4. Families in Mercer County have a great resource in the Tulpehaking Nature Center, right off of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Various exhibits and events, including a birdhouse building workshop, naturalist-led hikes, and wildlife scavenger hunts, are being held over the month of December. Find more information here: http://mercercountyparks.org/calendar/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Delaware and Raritan Canal

5. Have you ever eaten breakfast, “chowline style,” on a battleship? We didn’t think so. On Saturday, December 12 you’ll get the chance to do just that on the famed Battleship New Jersey in Camden! Hot breakfast will be followed by a tour of the Battleship. Find more information here: http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/news_events/?startrow=10

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

6. Make the journey to Valley Forge and take part in the Annual March In of the Continental Army Commemoration on December 19. You’ll learn about General George Washington’s Continental Army’s arrival to Valley Forge in 1777 and the difficulties they faced during their encampment. After a candle-lit walk to the Muhlenberg Brigade huts, where you’ll learn about the encampment from a living continental camp, swing by the Visitor Center for refreshments and  18th century music. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/march_in.htm

Nearest Circuit Trail: Valley Forge Trail (Joseph Plumb Martin Trail)

7.  Did you know that President Obama signed one of Camden artist William Butler’s paintings, “Invincible Promise”? When the president visited Camden in May of this year, he signed the painting to commemorate his visit. See the painting, and new pieces by Butler, during Camden’s Third Thursday Art Crawl on December 17. Butler’s work will be presented at Gallery Eleven One and other art events and showings will happen along the Art Crawl route. Find more information here: http://www.camdenwaterfront.com/calendar.php

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

8.  One would be hard-pressed to find more of a winter wonderland than Cooper River Park’s WinterFest. Lights, treats and ice skating round out this fantastic destination. Can’t make it to WinterFest during the month of December? No problem. The event runs through February 14, 2016. Find more information here: skatewinterfest.com

Nearest Circuit Trail: Cooper River Trail

Whatever and wherever you’re celebrating this year, spend a little time exploring the Circuit Trails!

Photo Courtesy of Camden County Board of Freeholders