The Wolf River Greenway: A Natural Thread Through Our Community: A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Wolf River Conservancy Friend,
As Executive Director of the Wolf River Conservancy, I have the unique privilege of witnessing firsthand how the Wolf River Greenway is transforming our community. Not only as a recreational trail but as a living, breathing natural resource that connects neighborhoods, preserves vital ecosystems, and offers a sense of shared purpose for the people of Memphis.
Stretching over 26 miles, the Greenway traces the path of the Wolf River from the forests and wetlands near Germantown to the heart of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. Along the way, it weaves through a remarkably diverse landscape, offering a scenic route that is both serene and accessible. But the value of this greenway extends far beyond its trails and views. It is a corridor of conservation, linking pockets of protected land and providing safe habitat for wildlife, including native birds, pollinators, and aquatic species that depend on the river’s health.
Communities thrive when they are surrounded by green spaces. Greenways offer a wide range of benefits, environmental, social, and economic. They improve air and water quality by preserving natural vegetation and reducing runoff. They promote public health by encouraging walking, cycling, and outdoor activity. And perhaps most importantly, they bring people together. A morning jogger at Epping Way Park, a family biking near Kennedy Park, or a student birdwatching near Shelby Farms, all are connected by this shared green space.
The Wolf River Greenway isn’t just a path through nature; it’s a path toward a more resilient, inclusive, and healthier Memphis. With each mile completed, we strengthen that connection. As we continue to build, protect, and steward this vital resource I invite you to explore it, care for it, and be inspired by what it represents: a city in harmony with its river and a community committed to the well-being of all who call it home.
Sincerely,
Erik Houston Executive Director
The Wolf River Greenway connects communities, protects nature, and promotes a healthier, more resilient Memphis through 26 miles of scenic, shared green space.
