During this unprecedented time, having a safe and reliable way to get out and about is more important than ever before. Walking has been proven to not only be a great way to exercise, but helps to clear the mind, manage emotions, and stay energized. Having a safe, reliable network of trails in a neighborhood can make a difference for the mental and physical well being of city residents. Luckily, in South Jersey and Philadelphia, the Circuit Trail network provides this need to the greater community.
What are the Circuit Trails? The Circuit Trails Network is an 800-mile hub of hiking, walking, and biking trails that center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and stretch out into New Jersey. Hundreds of miles of trails can be found in the surrounding suburbs, and many more miles are planned to be constructed over the next five years. These trails are designed to be safe, accessible, and available to the surrounding communities free of charge. In Camden and Gloucester City, the Circuit Trail provides a necessary green space for neighborhoods along the waterfront and into the heart of both locations. The Circuit Trail networks in Camden and Gloucester City meander through parks, along city streets, and past places of worship and other critical pillars of the community.
The NJ Tree Foundation works along the Circuit Trails by planting trees through our Trees for Trails project. Trees help to shade the trail, provide a stunning pop of color through spring flowers and fall leaves, and absorb both air and water pollutants. As the world warms through global climate change, planting trees is one of the most effective ways to capture carbon and cool down overheated city streets. We at NJ Tree Foundation understand the importance, especially during a global pandemic, for the need to get outside and breathe fresh air. This fall, we hope to continue planting trees and spreading the word about the importance of trees in urban communities. To learn more about the Circuit Trail, or to find a trail in your neighborhood, please visit https://circuittrails.org/. For a comprehensive map of all the current and planned Circuit Trail routes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, please click here: https://www.dvrpc.org/webmaps/thecircuit/. The NJ Tree Foundation encourages you to continue to practice social distancing methods to keep everyone safe as we all work, and walk, through this pandemic.