Norwalk, CT – The Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) are pleased to announce a leadership transition as the organization continues its mission to develop and expand the 30-mile multi-use trail connecting Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding, and Danbury. At the January and February Board of Directors meetings, the following new officers were elected:
- Luke Garvey, President
- Charlie Taney, Immediate Past President
- Nancy Rosett, Vice President
- Brian Truskowski, Treasurer
- Helen Rendell Baker, Secretary
Garvey, an active community leader, steps into the role of President at a pivotal time for NRVT as trail expansion accelerates. “The NRVT is an incredible resource for our communities, and I’m honored to help lead the effort to complete this transformative project,” Garvey said.
Charlie Taney, who has served as President since 2020, will continue to play an active role in the organization as Immediate Past President. “The past few years have been an exciting period of growth for the NRVT,” Taney said. “With strong leadership in place and incredible community support, we are well-positioned to reach our ultimate goal of a continuous 30-mile trail.”
This leadership transition marks another milestone in the history of NRVT. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, thanks to the dedication of many individuals who played a crucial role in the early development of the trail, leading the five-town routing study that laid the foundation for the project. The NRVT has raised nearly $2.7 million in private donations and grants and helped construct key sections in Wilton, Norwalk, Redding, and Ridgefield.
Since the adoption of the routing study by the five towns in 2012, NRVT has steadily advanced its goal of completing a fully connected trail. Major milestones include opening sections in Norwalk, Wilton, and Redding in early 2022. In October that same year, the organization secured Connecticut Department of Transportation funding for the Ridgefield Ramble and Wilton Loop North, which will bring the completed length of the trail to 15 miles—halfway to the final goal.
In June 2023, the Western Council of Governments (WestCOG) was awarded $5.6 million for a federal Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) planning grant. This multi-million-dollar initiative, administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation, will provide significant funding to accelerate trail completion. The regional plan will continue the NRVT north from Danbury along the Still River to Brookfield’s Greenway and New Milford’s Riverwalk for 55 miles of future connectivity from Calf Pasture Beach Norwalk to New Milford Town Center. The plan also looks at the feasibility of a route from Danbury’s Tarrywile Park to the Empire State Trail just over Danbury’s westside in Brewster, NY. “The NRVT is an idea whose time has come,” Taney said. “With funding opportunities like RAISE and strong community support, we are closer than ever to completing this transformative project.”
- Ridgefield Ramble: Local permitting will begin this year for this scenic section of the trail beginning at Rte 7, continuing through beautiful woodlands, and connecting to the existing Redding Mile.
- Wilton Loop North: The trail will extend another mile northward, further strengthening the regional network.
- Danbury Tarrywile Demonstration Trail: A new trail section in Danbury has received funding and is currently in the design phase. This marks a significant step in bringing the trail into Danbury..
- Merritt 7 Metro-North Connection: The organization is awaiting word on a capital grant to link the existing Wilton section of the NRVT to the Merritt 7 Metro-North station on Glover Avenue in Norwalk, improving accessibility and commuter options.
With a new leadership team in place, NRVT is actively seeking community members who are passionate about trails, conservation, and outdoor recreation. “If you know our trail, love our trail, and want to be part of something meaningful, now is the time to get involved,” stated NRVT Executive Director Andrea Gartner. “The NRVT is a legacy project that will benefit generations to come.”
The Friends of the NRVT board meets monthly at the Comstock Community Center in Wilton. The next meeting is scheduled for March 15 at 5:30 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend to learn more about trail developments and opportunities to get involved.
For more information, visit www.nrvt-trail.com or contact agartner@nrvt-trail.com.