Greenways are land corridors used to connect people and places.
A local project could eventually link Cullowhee, Sylva and Dillsboro through a system of parks, bike and foot trails, said committee Chairman and Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver. Though costly, greenways can help improve water quality and reduce the impacts of flooding in floodplain areas, experts say. Generally the corridors are natural, such as rivers and streams. Abandoned railroad beds and utility corridors can also be used. Greenways provide trails that can enhance existing recreational opportunities and provide routes for alternative transportation, they say.