You have probably gathered by now …

that it takes a lot of hard work on the part of many volunteers to keep the trail clean, safe, and in good shape throughout the year and all that is very true. But there is a little more to what it takes to keep the trail running than hard work and sweat (a lot of sweat in August). Here are a few more things you should know and hopefully they will encourage you to support (or continue to do so) with your time and your generous contributions.

1. The trail and grounds are not a public park. The City doesn't own this land; the entire neighborhood does.

2. The trail does not maintain itself and the City of Memphis does not maintain it or pay for its upkeep. Grass has to be mowed, trash picked up, fallen limbs cut up and hauled away, new trees planted when old ones die, leaves raked, bridges repaired, retaining walls built, equipment maintained, gardens planted and weeded, trail surfaces added to and graded, drainage cleared, safety maintained, and much, much more. All of these are only done if neighbors contribute time and money.

3. As we said, the city isn't going to clean up, mow, or pay for trail upkeep which also includes paying for liability insurance, property taxes, office expenses, equipment replacements, and even donuts and coffee for the volunteers. The trail will only be as nice as you and other trail users make it.

4. Unlike other “greenlines” and trails in the area, we have no paid administrators or office staff to handle paying the bills, do fundraising, run events, or other things needed. Only a committed group of community volunteers that have done all of this since the V&E Greenline was started in 1996. So it is not just money that keeps the trail running; it is people and their skills and dedication too.

The trail takes about $30,000 each year to run and maintain assuming we have volunteers to take care of costly tasks such as mowing and grounds keeping. Without those volunteer hours we would have to pay for those services, making the trail expenses that much higher.

At the end of the day it is up to each and every one of us to do three things:

1. Donate as generously as possible and encourage others to do so too. That includes encouraging your employer to add the V&E Greenline to any benefit programs they may have, including the trail in your estate plans, or sponsoring an event.

2. Contribute your time and abilities and invite a neighbor to do so too. You can learn more about our volunteer opportunities above on the VOLUNTEER tab. And yes, ask your employer or school to pitch in as well. We will show them how.

3. Be an engaged advocate for the trail and all of its features. Is there a part of the trail that you really enjoy with your children? Tell everyone about it on social media and be sure to use the hashtag #vegreenline and tag spots or your location. See trash or limbs on the trail? Pick it up and throw it away or move the branches to the side (if you can safely) instead of just walking past it or stepping over it. And, stay connected to us through our email newsletter (sign up below), our social media accounts, and in person at one of our events or volunteer activities.

Thank you for everything you do to help support the V&E Greenline not only for today but for generations to come.