Why do we need Greenways?

Greenways Benefits

The benefits of Greenways are many and varied. They can protect critical ecological functions and native biological diversity, provide outstanding recreational opportunities, conserve historic and cultural resources, protect working landscapes, and influence urban form. Greenways can also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, appreciation of natural and cultural features, and opportunities for alternative transportation. Linked landscapes and cultural/historic sites enhance the quality of recreational trail experiences. They can also can provide economic benefits by attracting visitors. Greenway use provides a hands-on opportunity to educate users about the value of preserving native landscapes and cultural/historic sites and helps create awareness and build advocacy for the development and maintenance of Greenways.

Three Major Functions

1. Greenways protect/enhance natural, cultural and historic resources.
2. Greenways provide linear open space for compatible human use.
3. Greenways maintain connectivity between conservation lands, communities, parks, other recreational facilities, or cultural and historic sites.

Connectivity is Important

Connectivity is a critical landscape characteristic important to the health, well-being and aesthetic values of human communities, and vital to the maintenance of functional native ecosystems and landscapes.
 

The Bottom Line

We need Greenways to stay alive, to survive, to be sustainable. Greenways are the Green infrastructure that is necessary to: support our native flora and fauna; sustain clean air and water; and maintain the scenic natural beauty that draws people to visit and settle in St. Lucie County. Greenways create economic prosperity. Greenways will help generate economic activity for St. Lucie businesses and serve as a magnet for tourists and business looking to relocate.