POWERGRAMS

study by The Trust for Public Land found that investments in bicycle and pedestrian pathways, parks and greenspace improve nearby property values, increase retail and service sector purchases, promote tourism and enhance quality of life. In 2015, with support from the Alabama Power Foundation, FLT and the Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership bought a 16.5-mile abandoned rail corridor and made plans to convert it into a pedestrian and bicycle trail. The partnership includes public and private groups and cities that border the creek. An integral part of the Red Rock Trail System, the Five Mile Creek Greenway, when completed, will be the longest trail in Jefferson County at over 35 miles. Already, 15.8 miles of trail is in use. The partnership has been involved in efforts to improve water quality in the creek, which also offers recreational opportunities, such as fi shing and canoeing. The joint effort to improve water quality while enhancing recreation and economic development in cities along the creek makes the project a model for environmental and recreational planning and preservation. The Alabama Power Service Organization's Magic City Chapter has been a close partner with the land trust and the Five Mile Creek group. For more than a decade, APSO Magic City hosted annual volunteer cleanups, as well as park and trail builds along the corridor, helping expand and improve the trail while building public awareness about the project. Alabama Power graphic designer Clyde Adams, now retired, contributed by designing the Five Mile Creek Greenway logo, which can be seen on signage along the expanding trail. "The Five Mile Creek Greenway is a remarkable environmental and recreational achievement for northern Jefferson County," said Alabama Power Environmental Affairs Vice President Susan Comensky, who serves on the FLT board of directors. "It took decades of planning and partnerships to create this trail system. "Since 2003, the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Power Service Organization have proudly supported this initiative through organized cleanups, educational outreach at local schools and grant awards," she said. "The Five Mile Creek partnership serves as a model for municipalities that value stewardship, revitalization and growth," Comensky said. "This unique trail will bring an improved quality of life to these communities for generations to come." As the Red Rock Trail System celebrates its 10th anniversary, the land trust and its public partners have completed nearly 120 miles of trails, with more in the works. The current focus is on extending the Jones Valley Trail, which runs through downtown Birmingham. It includes the Rotary Trail, a landscaped, below-ground path along an old rail line, which connects to a popular section of the Jones Valley Trail that runs east, past Pepper Place Market to the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. There are plans to extend the Jones Valley Trail, taking it into the rejuvenated Avondale neighborhood, with its many restaurants and popular nightspots. FLT is working to secure funds for the project, with construction possibly later this year. The goal: to have the trail open well before the 2022 World Games in Birmingham. FLT leaders encourage people to get outside and enjoy the trails, and share their experiences on social media – helping others to learn about the Red Rock Trail System and the ongoing efforts to better connect Jefferson County while improving neighborhoods and conserving the county's natural beauty. For more information about the Red Rock Trail System, visit the Freshwater Land Trust at http://freshwaterlandtrust.org/about-red-rock-trail-system/. By Michael Sznajderman and Erin Harney 25 25 At top, right, visitors beginning their trek can study the entire Red Rock Trail system. Middle, Vulcan Trail begins just below the statue of its namesake. Bottom, Vulcan Trail hosts thousands of visitors each year.

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