Maryland's Greenways and Water Trails Program works with public and private sector partners to preserve a network of natural corridors that connect areas of open space. Some corridors in the system include trails along rivers, streams, ridgelines, and abandoned rail lines, as well as vegetated corridors with no improvements for human access. To be considered part of the statewide greenway network, land must be under some form of permanent protection, have a management plan, and serve at least one of several greenway functions: Riparian/water quality protection Wildlife/ecological corridor Linear park (can contain natural areas and developed recreation sites) Trail (as long as it includes a significant vegetated buffer) To date, Maryland has over 1,500 miles of protected greenway corridors, including over 600 miles of land trails and over 350 miles of water trails.

Last updated on November 14, 2003