Adapted from the Vision Statement of the Florida Greenways Commission

In the 21st century, the Apalachee region of northern Florida and southern Georgia has a protected system of greenways planned and managed to conserve native landscapes, ecosystems and their species; and to connect people to the land and their archaeological, historic and cultural resources.

From Thomasville to St. Marks, from the Ochlockonee River to the Aucilla River, people of the Apalachee region are within a few minutes of a system of greenways they can traverse via foot, bicycle, horse or canoe. Some greenways arc public lands, others are private, and still others are a combination of the two. All are nurtured by public/private partnerships.

Through the efforts of private citizens, local, state and federal governments, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses, the Apalachee region has a carefully planned green system that interconnects fragmented or isolated elements of green infrastructure, and that connects people with their natural, historic and cultural heritage.

Forests, parks and open spaces are linked, where appropriate, by multi-use corridors that provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, Canoeing, alternative transportation, and use by persons with disabilities. The regions history and geography come alive as users explore old trails, roads, railroads, rivers and archaeological sites. Preserved historic homes, museums, and monuments along the way provide a link to the regions roots.

The Apalachee regions diverse wildlife species are able to move between feeding and shelter areas within their ranges with less danger of being killed on roadways or becoming lost in towns or cities. Native landscapes and ecosystems are protected, managed, and restored through strong public and private partnerships. Sensitive riverine and coastal waterways are effectively protected by buffers of green, open space and working landscapes.

The region's system of greenways create a new enthusiasm for the bi-state areas natural, recreational and cultural/historic resources by connecting people to the land. Through a series of rural and urban greenway experiences, children and adults learn about the regions fragile environment and the benefits of conservation. Greenways create a strong sense of place, community and multi-cultural appreciation by connecting land and communities.

Conservation and recreation groups, public agencies, landowners, companies, and dedicated individuals support the region's greenways system through strong partnerships because of mutual benefits. Respect for private property rights, local community concerns and public lands are hallmarks of the greenways effort. Federal, state, regional and local resources, such as mapping and planning programs, are shared and available to help create community greenways.

The Apalachee region's rich system of greenways helps sustain its future by conserving its green infrastructure, providing continuing economic benefits, connecting people with their natural, historic and cultural heritage, and improving the quality of life for people.

A system of greenways could help sustain the Apalachee region's future by conserving its green infrastructure, providing economic benefits, connecting people with their natural, historic and cultural heritage, and improving the quality of life.

The region has a wealth of existing protected resources that could act as hubs in a greenway system, anchoring it and providing origins and destinations for people and wildlife moving through it. These natural hubs could be connected by greenways - rivers, trails, canopy roads and conservation corridors.