NEW IPO Logo - by Charles Larry Home Search Browse About IPO Staff Links

RAILS to
TRAILS
CONSERVANCY

Working to convert Illinois" abandoned railroad right-of-ways into a statewide system of restored trails and preserved prairie land.

By Karen Fonte

Trails have come a long way from pioneer days. Wagon routes were eventually proceeded by railroads. Who would have ever thought back then that railroads would some day become recreational trails?

Group Outing overlooking the Rock Island Trail

Whatever leisure activity interests you — hiking, biking, walking, cross country skiing, running, or just plain escaping the traffic and bustle of the city — trails have it all!

Trail Appreciation Month The month of May has been proclaimed Trail Appreciation Month in Illinois by Governor Thompson.

Trails throughout the state will conduct special activities to celebrate this month. Everyone is encouraged to explore and enjoy trails during May and show their appreciation by helping to promote the development of a statewide trail network.

The concept of converting abandoned railroad right-of-ways into recreational trails is rapidly gaining popularity. Governmental officials and dedicated trail enthusiasts have recently formed the Illinois Rails to Trails Conservancy, a state chapter of the national organization, with the purpose of preserving abandoned rail corridors for the public's enjoyment.

Often called greenways, linear parks, rail trails, and emerald necklaces, railroads converted into recreational trails provide maximum recreational potential for a minimum amount of land and development costs.

The popularity of trails such as the Illinois Prairie Path, the North Branch Trail and the Fox River Trail, has sparked a grassroots support network for the development of a statewide system of trails linking urban, rural, natural and cultural areas.

Group outing overlooking Rock Island
A group outing converts to a pastoral brunch
overlooking the water along the Rock Island Trail.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 May/June 1989

Illinois currently ranks fourth in the nation, with 20 rail to trail conversions, totaling over 200 miles. By comparison, Wisconsin has 16 trails, surpassing Illinois by over 400 miles of trails. Since 1960, the number of people using bicycles has tripled to over 100 million. This increase also contributed to an increase in bicycle/car accidents. The need for safe bicycle paths is an important issue.

Public Input Requested
On weekends in May, several trails throughout the state will be conducting a survey of trail users. Public input is needed to help assist in the planning of future trails. Proponents of trails need to voice their support to counteract the arguments of trail opponents. Their fears of crime and vandalism are unsubstantiated. Studies of existing trails show that trails have not contributed to increases in crime. Rather, trails have actually increased property values and generated new revenue for local businesses.

Saving Prairie Land
The preservation of abandoned railroads includes the preservation of some of the last remaining stretches of Illinois prairie land. This is significant; less than one percent of original Illinois landscape remains intact and protected today. Prairie ecology has survived in these areas because the railroads were laid out prior to intensive land use and also because of fires sparked by the trains.

Tourism becomes another benefit of developed greenways, as Wisconsin's trail system proves. Illinois has just begun to capitalize on the benefits trails can generate for tourism. Trail enthusiasts become customers at local restaurants, hotels, bike shops, and other businesses many towns have to offer.

Dotted with old graineries, tressle bridges, depots, and an occasional ice cream stand, Illinois' greenways connect our state's cultural, historical and natural features. Greenways are not only a scenic way to exercise, they are places to explore with families, group outings or by oneself.

For information on trails across the state, contact the Illinois Department of Conservation at 217/782-3715. For information on how you can lend your support of the conversion of abandoned railways to trails, write the Illinois Rails-to-Trails Conservancy at 711 First National Bank Building, Peoria, Illinois 61602. For information on local trail systems, contact local park districts or county forest preserve districts.

Two state trails to
explore this May.

The Rock Island Trail
A recent addition to the state trail system, it runs 27 miles between Alta (near Peoria) and Toulon, Illinois. Typical of all railways, the trail is on a graduated grade, tree-shaded, with openings of prairie and panoramic views of the countryside.

The trail passes through three small towns. In Wyoming, Illinois, an 1871 trail depot graces the trail. The depot is on the National Register of Historic Places and is being restored to its original charm. It will soon function as a rest area and museum. The Rock Island Trail is currently open for hiking and will be suitable for bicycling by October, 1989.

For more information on the Rock Island Trail, contact the Department of Conservation, Rock Island State Park, 215 S. Santa Fe, Princeville, IL 61559, 309/385-2086.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail
The I&M Canal was built from 1836 to 1848, linking the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River System. The canal is very significant to the history of the area by being the vehicle for the opening up of the midwest for growth and development. Most of the trail is located on the actual towpath on which mules and horses pulled tow barges during the canal's heyday. The corridor extends 120 miles from Lake Michigan to Peru, Illinois. There are approximately 50 miles of trail suitable for bicycle usage from Channahon to Peru. Additional trail mileage in the corridor is currently being planned. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, formerly the Metropolitan Sanitary District, is donating land to help extend the trail 26 miles from Lockport northeast to Summit, Illinois. The trail will be called the Centennial Trail in honor of the MWRD's 100 years of operation. The Forest Preserves of Cook, Will and DuPage Counties will be responsible for trail management.
Illinois-Michigan Canal

The cultural heritage of the I&M Canal, in itself, makes this trail worth exploring. Learning more about the history of the corridor will only increase the enjoyment of any visit to the area. For a more detailed account of the history and a map of the I&M Corridor, contact or visit the I&M Canal Visitors Center, 200 W. Eighth St., Lockport, IL 60441; or Gebhard Woods, P.O. Box 272, Ottawa St., Morris, IL 60450, 815/942-0796.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Karen Fonte is communications director with the Illinois Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 May/June 1989

|Home| |Search| |Back to Periodicals Available| |Table of Contents| |Back to Illinois Parks & Recreation 1989|
Illinois Periodicals Online (IPO) is a digital imaging project at the Northern Illinois University Libraries funded by the Illinois State Library