When the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) trailhead was created in Greensboro Bend in 2024, grant funding was set aside for additional facilities like signage, benches, a bike repair stand and a portalet enclosure. This summer, Greensboro Community Trust Treasurer and Greensboro’s LVRT Ambassador, Jane Johns, was able to organize the last of these facilities - the portalet enclosure, together with bike racks and another bench.
GCT worked with the Town and VTrans to meet the specific requirements for the portalet enclosure, as well as local contractor, Justin Foster, who was hired by the town to build the enclosure. Justin was able to use local pine and cedar wood for this project, which he milled in his 150 year old sawmill. The enclosure was constructed offsite and installed with the bench and bike racks at the end of August. The portalet, provided by Michaud and paid for by the Town, will hopefully be available from May 1st to late October each year.
In addition to the original grant, funding for the portalet enclosure was secured through Doug Morton at Northeast Vermont Development Association (NVDA). This covered the cost of the required concrete base that had been omitted from the original grant estimate. Josh Karp, Greensboro Town Administrator, was able to work with NVDA to direct the funds for this project.
As Greensboro’s LVRT Ambassador, Jane is part of a network of trail ambassadors caring for the Rail Trail. This role requires a minimum of 4 hours a month on the trail, the reporting of issues like fallen trees or a washout, and being available to answer questions about the Greensboro section of the LVRT as needed. GCT is committed to supporting the Rail Trail and recently received a Local Motion grant to assess options for enhancing the connection to the community that this incredible resource provides.