Since the 1960s, Americans have created more than 13,000 miles of rail-trails throughout the country. These extremely popular recreation and transportation corridors traverse urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Many preserve historic landmarks, while others serve as wildlife conservation corridors, linking isolated parks and establishing greenways in developed areas. Rail-trails also stimulate local economies by boosting tourism and promoting trailside businesses.

Marion County Park Director, Karen Kelley, will provide a progress report of their effort to purchase and develop a 12-mile section of abandoned rail corridor west of Marion.

Kelley notes, "I find it interesting that my father was a railroader for many years and now I am working on converting old rails to new trails. I can remember my favorite train ride on the Wabash Cannonball from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Toledo, Ohio. Though that was over 30 years ago the memory of seeing a portion of the countryside you don't normally see from the road was really wonderful. This is something that recreational trails can provide anew again."

Program attendees will also be given the opportunity to visit the recently opened Listen to the Rails exhibit at a discounted rate immediately following Ms. Kelley’s presentation.