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 Steve Taylor

The arrival of cooler weather can give new perspectives on The Circuit Trails. For Linda McGrane, President of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, getting out in the later months is about enjoying “the crisp, refreshing autumn air, as well as the colorful fall foliage. As long as the roads are clear and dry—that is, free of snow and ice—I continue to cycle into the winter months.”

Jed Kornbluh, national sales manager for cyclewear company Verge Sport, is also a year-round cyclist. His favorite Circuit segments to ride this time of year are both on the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail. “The first is from Stockton to Milford (and on to Easton if you cross the river into Pennsylvania), and the second is Lambertville to Kingston. These are two very different trails. The first section starts and finishes along leaf-swept gravel and cinder with the river on the western edge and rolling country highway Route 29 on the east. The other stretch starts in the bustling village of Lambertville, rolls along through historic Washington Crossing State Park and eventually goes from country to urban just after the Trenton Country Club section.”

Jed has this cool weather tip: “Remember to layer. This time of year can be tricky, with mornings in the 30s and afternoons in the 50s. It's best to pack a variety of clothing but the best options include vests, light jackets or convertible items (with removable sleeves). When I travel on the canal paths I generally ride a bike equipped with a large handlebar bag, which has enough space for tools, food and spare clothes.”

To this, Linda adds, “Remember also to cover your head, hands and feet adequately. Body heat escapes most quickly through the extremities. Another important point: Even when the temperature is cooler, you still need to stay hydrated.”

When the temperatures get wintry, John Boyle, research director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, uses some special gear for his often windy bike commute across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, including handlebar mittens and a face-shielding balaclava. In the coldest weather, he breaks out his ski helmet, goggles and electric socks.

On the weekends, John enjoys getting out with his family for walks on The Circuit in less specialized attire. “The Pennypack and Perkiomen are great walking trails, but the D&L Trail may be the best. I like the Nockamixon Cliffs / Palisades section.”

Linda also enjoys the Pennypack Trail, especially the hillier part between Bustleton Avenue and Pine Road. She appreciates trails that allow her to ride parallel to busy and non-bike-friendly roads. “I like the Chester Valley Trail, since it allows me to cycle safely up and down the Route 202 Corridor. The Leiper-Smedley Trail near Swarthmore lets me ride near and over the Blue Route.

“Continuing to cycle outdoors, regardless of the cooler temperatures, provides a therapeutic dose of daylight and allows you to remain connected with other people and with the environment.”

Photo Credit: Photo 1 Jed Kornbluh (on D&R Canal Trail); Photo 2 Howard Hess (on Chester Valley Trail)