Our Work
The Susquehanna Greenway is a place that connects people and communities to the Susquehanna River. It is an effort to renew awareness of the river’s distinct scenery and its natural and cultural heritage. The Susquehanna is a river that has been shaped by diverse groups of people providing a rich history that bridges the gap between the river as a place and a story. Through implementing and promoting the Greenway, a new realm of open space, recreation areas, facilities, and connecting trails will aid in improving the character of communities, the economic prospects of people, and the quality of life all along the Susquehanna River.
Revitalizing River Towns
Many of our river towns were built during the industrial era, but are now suffering from the loss of industry and jobs, urban abandonment, suburban sprawl and shrinking tax base. By investing in river town parks, trails and open spaces we create more desirable communities and get more feet back on the streets. These healthier, greener communities attract business investment, encourage urban living, and improve the economic potential for tourism. SGP provides technical assistance while working collaboratively with downtown revitalization programs, tourism agencies, municipalities, state and federal agencies and local partners to: create trails and walkways from downtowns to the river, provide opportunities for safe walking and biking that foster healthy activities for people of all generations, create and enhance riverfront parks, trails and access points, promote River Towns as part of the Susquehanna Greenway, and reclaim and find new uses for abandoned buildings and brownfields.
Conservation and Stewardship
The Susquehanna River is Pennsylvania's longest river. It is a major resource for our region, providing drinking water for 750,000 Pennsylvanians and nearly half of the fresh water entering the Chesapeake Bay. Conserving critical wetlands, forestlands, farmlands and riparian areas along the river will enhance our water resources and the quality of life for all living things. SGP provides technical assistance while working collaboratively with conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, municipalities, and local partners to: increase awareness of conservation and water quality issues, preserve and enhance riparian corridors along the river and its tributaries, and advocate for priority conservation projects including the conservation of wetlands, forestlands, and farmlands.
Water Trails
Water trails are boat routes suitable for canoes, kayaks and small motorized watercraft. Like conventional trails, water trails are recreational corridors between specific locations. Water trails are comprised of access points, boat launches, day use sites, and -- in some cases -- overnight camping areas. Each water trail is unique, a reflection of Pennsylvania's diverse geology, ecology and communities. The access sites along the Susquehanna River are the transition points to and from the land and water-based assets and are the key to unlocking the Greenway's full potential. The Susquehanna Greenway believes that connecting people with the Susquehanna River and interpreting its resources fosters citizen stewardship.
Interpreting Natural and Cultural Assets
Creating new opportunities for "place based" interpretation along the Susquehanna River Water Trail and creating quality visitor experiences fosters stewardship and resource conservation among river town residents, boaters, and area visitors. Interpreting natural and cultural assets along the river promotes the critical connection between the Susquehanna River Corridor and the Chesapeake Bay. Interpretation emphasizes the preservation and conservation of the Susquehanna's many diverse natural and cultural resources, and historic communities and increases pride in the community and ownership of its resources.
