Residents and visitors to the area enjoy and frequently utilize its numerous free-to-the-public trails, greenways and other outdoor recreational facilities throughout the four seasons.
The non-profit Council on Greenways and Trails (CGT) conducts free public events and projects aimed at emphasizing public appreciation for greenways and trails situated in Clarion, Crawford and Venango counties. CGT also provides technical assistance to member entities and official planning organizations to include continued enhancements and maintenance of outdoor recreational facilities, venues and activities.
In addition, this organization founded in 2008 points out some of the lesser-known facilities and sites that can handle more hikers, bicyclists, paddlers and wildlife watchers
Last February, more than 1,100 people attended the free-admission Eighth Annual Nature Art Showcase and Sale held in the lobby of the Barrow-Civic Theatre during the “Franklin On Ice” festival, where 56 area artists displayed original 2-D and 3-D artwork depicting landscapes, closeups of wildlife and plants, people participating in outdoor recreation and locations offering free public recreational opportunities in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The 2024 Showcase was operated by CGT with significant administrative support by the Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development Council headquartered in Warren. Just weeks ago, the same administrative team conducted the Ninth Showcase and Sale at the same location, on Feb. 7-8, thanks to sponsorships by area businesses, art galleries and frame shops, and economic development partners.
On May 30, 2024 during National Trails Week, the Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cook Forest State Park was the site for the 2024 Annual Greenways Awards Ceremony. Three awards were presented that day. The overall event sponsors for the awards program are the Titusville Community Development Agencies and Eat’N Park Hospitality Group. In addition to a framed certificate, each award winner receives an original art item made by artists who participated in the Nature Art Showcase and Sale events.
The James E. Holden Greenways Volunteer of the Year Award went to 18-year-old Jordan Anderson of Seneca, who has since graduated from Cranberry Area High School. Miss Anderson’s Girl Scout Gold Award project was conducted in cooperation with the Allegheny Valley Trails Association. She and her fellow scouts made and installed brown/yellow wooden signs at 13 trailheads along the Allegheny River Trail from Franklin to Emlenton. She also compiled locational information into 3-ring Trail Emergency Locator Sign manuals furnished to area first responders. This award was co-sponsored by the Holden Family and friends of the Council on Greenways and Trails.
Ernst Conservation Seeds of Meadville received the Thomas J. Allen Greenways Partner of the Year Award which was sponsored by the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority. Accepting the award on behalf of the company, which last year celebrated its 60th anniversary, was Founder and Co-Owner Calvin Ernst. The company has an ongoing outstanding collaborative agreement with the non-profit French Creek Recreational Trails, Inc., which operates the Ernst Trail that last year was lengthened to become nearly 12 miles from Kerrtown to Conneaut Lake Winery, along the west bank of French Creek and then on the former towpath of the French Creek Feeder Canal.
The Richard M. Garrard Greenways Neighbor of the Year Award was presented to Titusville Iron Works and its founder Bob Joyce. Located on South Franklin Street in downtown Titusville adjacent to the Queen City Trail which is part of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail, this relatively new firm provides active support of multiple bicycle races, long-distance foot races, and other outdoor recreational competitions. This entertainment venue has also become an informational and support station for other trail-related functions. Anonymous friends of the Council on Greenways and Trails sponsored this annual award.
Nominations are being accepted now as to potential recipients of the 2025 Greenways Awards; see nomination form and instructions at www.nwpagreenways.org. The 2025 awards ceremony will be held on the afternoon of June 5 in Cochranton Lions Community Park in Cochranton. Sponsorships for the Greenways Awards are still available.
Recently elected as officers of the Council on Greenways and Trails for 2025 are the following delegates: President — Kristin Hauser of Meadville; Vice-President — Caryl Holden of Franklin; Secretary — Anthony “T. J.” Parks of Franklin; and Treasurer — Marilyn Black of Cochranton.
CGT holds its quarterly business meetings on the second Thursday afternoon in January, April, July, and October at the Conference Room of the Emerging Technology Center operated by the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority in the Franklin industrial park. Each quarterly meeting begins with a guest speaker, followed by the business meeting. Guests are welcome to attend the 2 p.m. meetings, and interactive video linkage is available.
Members of the CGT in 2024 included these municipalities, non-profit organizations, authorities, and associations: Allegheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA); City of Franklin; City of Oil City; Clarion County Trail Association (CCTA); Clear Lake Authority (CLA); Cochranton Borough; Cornplanter Township; County of Clarion; County of Venango; Cranberry Township; Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority; Northwest PA Mobility Alliance; Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism (ORA); Titusville Area Trails Association which is a subsidiary of Titusville Renaissance, Inc.; and Titusville Community Development Agencies.
The annual member year runs from January through December; membership details and benefits are indicated on the website, www.nwpagreenways.org. Entities which own, maintain, or advocate for outdoor recreation, sound stewardship of natural resources and recreational facilities, and linkage of trails/greenways are welcome to apply as potential new members.
CGT operates as a volunteer incorporation and coordinates its major projects to also involve multiple partners and sponsors.
The motto of CGT is “Recognizing the worth of natural, heritage and recreational resources…. Planning now, enjoying forever.”
