What if transforming old abandoned places in your city could also create local jobs and connect entire communities? That’s exactly what Groundwork Jacksonville is doing through its Emerald Trail Stewardship Program.
In this Silos to Synergy webinar, Groundwork Jacksonville will share how they are hiring and training residents to build and maintain a 30-mile greenway – turning former brownfield sites into safe, green public spaces. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the Stewards program and walk away with tips and insights on starting in your own community!
Speakers:
- Janet: Chief Operating Officer Janet Reagor joined Groundwork Jacksonville in 2023 and directs day-to-day operations including human resources, facilities and operational policies and procedures that support the growth of Groundwork Jacksonville. Janet is also responsible for the effective development and execution of programs like the Emerald Trail Stewards that reflect Groundwork’s mission, values and commitment to the community.
- Kay: Kay Ehas is CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville’s nonprofit partner in creating the 30-mile Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. Since joining Groundwork in 2017, Kay Ehas has been relentless in her pursuit of achieving Jacksonville’s dream of connected trails, parks and creeks that encircle the urban core. Kay quickly went to work developing the Emerald Trail Master Plan which was adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in early 2019. Now, just five years later, a significant portion of the trail is complete, under construction or in design. The LaVilla Link, the first segment of the Emerald Trail, opened in May of 2024.
