In 1998 the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference celebrated its 20 th anniversary. In those twenty years, this unique, non-profit, grassroots organization has created a network of over 150 miles of hiking paths on Long Island, including two National Recreation Trails which are federally protected by the National Trail System. Trail maintenance and fighting to protect thousands of acres of open space in both counties is their priority. Last year alone, Greenbelt volunteers donated over 10,000 hours to the cause, cleaning and restoring access to neglected parkland at a minimal cost to the public. Each summer, Greenbelt leaders instruct credited teacher-education courses on ecology and the environment.
Teachers use the information acquired on field trips with students.
Bringing environmental education into the classroom and getting more people involved in the preservation of Long Island s natural heritage ranks high amongst Greenbelt s goals. They speak to civic groups and clubs to introduce them to the trails and to encourage them to take an active role in saving open space on Long Island. They fight to get legislation on the ballot to protect open space and gain access through property easements when necessary. It can be difficult to gain access through properties worth millions of dollars, says board member, Richard Schary. Their free guided hikes introduce thousands of Long Islanders every year to the beautiful parklands, and they publish excellent trail maps.