The Trail Mix

The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway
Volume 5, Issue 5, May 2025

The Trail Mix is the monthly newsletter of The Friends of the Greenway. We established this bulletin to keep you current on some of the “goings-on” regarding our Trail and to dispense a mix of bits and bytes of flavorful information. Hopefully, The Trail Mix will enlighten, inform, and entertain our readers.

The Friends of the Greenway is part of The Three Village Community Trust. The Trust was established more than twenty-two years ago to “Protect the Places You Love.” Support the Greenway by joining the Trust today! Visit: threevillagecommunitytrust.org

Being a Trail Steward

At the recent Annual Membership Meeting of the Three Village Community Trust, Holden Cone, a 14 year old Trail Steward, delivered a remarkable talk about his experiences on the Greenway. We think his words are so special, we are publishing his speech in their entirety:

Good evening, everyone. My name is Holden Cone and I am taking steps to earn my Communication Badge for Boy Scouts and because of this I would like to take a moment to speak with all of you about the Greenway Trail and why I have enjoyed my experience as a trail steward.

The Greenway Trail is more than just a path through the woods for me—it’s a place where I can escape from all the stress of school, homework, and everything else going on. Whether I’m walking, biking, or just hanging out, it’s a spot where I can relax and clear my head. I’m sure some of you know exactly what I mean when you get outside and just feel at peace with nature.

But the Greenway Trail isn’t just important for me—it’s something that brings people together. It provides a space where people can enjoy nature and stay active, whether it’s families out for a walk, joggers, or cyclists. In a world where so many of us are glued to our screens (believe me, I hear it from my parents all the time!), the Greenway serves as a reminder that there’s still so much to experience outside.

Being a trail steward has really increased my appreciation for this space. As a steward, I take on the responsibility of making sure the trail stays clean, safe, and accessible for everyone. It might seem like a small job, but it’s one that I take a lot of pride in. Whether it’s picking up trash, trimming overgrown plants, or blowing leaves off the trail, every little thing helps keep the trail in good shape.

One of the things I love the most about being a trail steward is how it feels to work with others during the trail clean-ups. There’s something awesome about all of us coming together to take care of something we all care about. It’s not just about cleaning the trail; it’s about the connections we make while doing it. Whether it’s with my friends, other volunteers, or even random people who show up to help, there’s a real sense of teamwork.

While sometimes I admittedly want to stay in bed, I do really enjoy doing clean-ups with my family. We make it a fun activity—picking up trash, joking around, and just spending quality time together outdoors. It’s something that brings us closer, and it reminds me of how important it is to be involved in the things we care about, especially as a family. I think those kinds of experiences help us all appreciate the trail even more because we’ve shared in taking care of it together.

Another great experience I’ve had is getting my Boy Scout troop involved in these clean-up efforts. Being part of a troop means being part of a team, and the Greenway Trail has been an amazing project for us. We’ve come together as a group, taken responsibility for different sections of the trail, and worked side by side to keep the space clean and beautiful. It’s amazing how much more fun and effective it is to work together on a big project like this. We’ve even had some friendly competition over who can pick up the most trash or find the most random piece of litter. The sense of pride we all feel after a successful clean-up is something that sticks with you.

The best part about all of this is that it’s not just about the work—it’s about making a difference. When you see the trail looking cleaner and more welcoming after a clean-up, you know you’ve done something good for the community. It feels like you’re not just caring for a piece of nature, but also for the people who use it.

One of the most rewarding parts of being a trail steward is when people express their appreciation for the work we do. It’s always nice to hear someone say “thank you” when they’re enjoying the trail and notice how clean and well-maintained it is. It makes all the hard work feel totally worth it. Knowing that something I helped take care of is making a difference for others is a pretty good feeling. When people show their thanks, it just makes me want to do even more to keep the trail in good shape.

As a 14-year-old, it can sometimes feel like I don’t always have control over the world around me, but being a trail steward is one way I can make a positive impact. It’s a way to give back to the environment and to my community.

In conclusion, the Greenway Trail isn’t just somewhere to walk or bike—it’s a place that brings people together. It’s a spot that gets us outside, keeps us active, and reminds us how incredible nature is. Being a trail steward has taught me that taking care of it isn’t just about picking up trash—it’s about the connections we build, the work we do as a team, and the satisfaction of giving back. Whether I’m out there with my family, my Boy Scout troop, or other volunteers, I’m excited to be part of something that helps keep this trail alive for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Thank You! The hard working members of Cub Scout Pack 18 and 33 hit the trail for a Spring Cleanup!

Great work by our team of Scouts!

Earth Day – Greenway Cleanup

In celebration of Earth Day, the Friends of the Greenway held its monthly trail cleanup on Saturday, April 19th. Thanks to the efforts of so many at this cleanup, and other cleanups over the past month, the trail ready for the 2025 season!

Our 2025 Monthly Cleanup Schedule

Spring

• Saturday, May 17th at 9am (Date subject to change) To be held in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven’s 2022 Great Annual Clean Up – Starting location: The Port Jefferson Station Trailhead.

Summer/Fall

• Saturday, June 21st at 9am, Starting Location: The Port Jefferson Station Trailhead. (Trail Stewards Breakfast Meet Up at 8:30pm)
• Saturday, July 19th at 8:30am, Starting locations: The Port Jefferson Station and Setauket Trailhead.
• Saturday, August 16th at 8:30am, Starting locations: The Port Jefferson Station Trailhead.
• Saturday, September 20th at 9am, Starting location: The Port Jefferson Station Trailhead.
  (Trail Stewards Breakfast Meet Up at 8:30pm)

Need more information? Want to become a Trail Steward? Wish to Donate to the Greenway? Want to be on the Friends of the Greenway’s email list? Email Herb at HJMones@gmail.com or Charlie at cfmcateer@gmail.com

Memorial Day Watch Zone

Memorial Day is right around the corner – Monday, May 26th. Let’s pay tribute to our armed services and remember the sacrifice of so many in service of our nation! The best place to watch this year’s parade is outside Trust headquarters at 148 Main Street. Bring a chair!

Love Those Kiosks

Greenway users will notice that the three kiosks have been refreshed for the 2025 season. New postings, literature, displays and information! The kiosks serve as a gateway to recreational fun – and as mini learning centers! The kiosks are located at the Setauket Trailhead, the Port Jefferson Station Trailhead, and at the Gnarled Hollow Road parking lot. Stop by and stay informed!