Changing Places - Changing Lives
Groundwork Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail project is transforming Jacksonville’s urban core with the creation of a 30-mile trail and linear park system that includes the ecological restoration of McCoys and Hogans Creeks. With new pathways to work, school, shopping and recreation, the trail’s benefits are many – health and wellness, social connection, neighborhood revitalization, restoration and resilience, and economic development.
We invite you to join us in this unprecedented opportunity to reinvent the way we experience our city and change how we value the environment and our urban neighborhoods.
Explore these ways to engage:
- Donate
- Become a Trailblazer (Our Annual Leadership Giving Program)
- Become a Member (Individual or Corporate Membership)
- Volunteer
- View our Annual Reports
- Sign Up to Receive Our E-Newsletter
6th Annual Emerald Trail Run the Biggest Yet!
More than 800 runners, walkers (and rollers in strollers) came out to support Groundwork Jacksonville at the 6th Annual VyStar Emerald Trail 5K/10K & 1-Mile Fun Run presented by JTC Running on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Young and young at heart enjoyed the scenic route along the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link and S-Line Rail Trail.
Groundbreaking of Emerald Trail Hogan Street Link
On Thursday, Sept. 25, City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas, and VyStar Credit Union CEO Brian Wolfburg hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hogan Street Link, the second segment of the Emerald Trail to be constructed as part of the 30-mile network of trails and parks through the city’s urban core.
Park Street Mural Celebrates Neighborhood History
The newly completed 1,100-foot-long mural along the Park Street Bridge on the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link celebrates the rich history of Jacksonville’s LaVilla and Brooklyn neighborhoods. Led by artist Overstreet Ducasse, in collaboration with artists Grace Bio, Dustin Harewood, and Alexi McMonigle, the mural is a tribute to the past, encapsulating the essence of LaVilla and Brooklyn’s cultural legacy.
GWJax Earns GuideStar Gold
GuideStar is a recognized industry source for researching nonprofit organizations, providing funders insights into organizations’ mission, leadership, and financial status. GuideStar is used by all major U.S.-based donor-advised funds and…
Groundwork Jacksonville Receives $1 Million Grant
Groundwork Jacksonville is the recipient of a $1 million grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds in conjunction with the J. Wayne Weaver Fund at The Community Foundation for…
Baptist Health makes Strategic Investment in the Emerald Trail
“Building a healthier community happens one neighborhood and one individual at a time,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “We chose to make a strategic investment in the LaVilla Link because we believe it will help people move more, connect more, learn more and enjoy more – all of which are important factors for helping foster greater health and well-being.”
Groundwork Jacksonville Welcomes Two New Board Members
Groundwork Jacksonville welcomes two new members to the volunteer Board of Directors. According to Board Chair, Kerri Stewart, “I’m honored to welcome Marisa Brighton and Sylvia Perry to the Board…
Swisher Commits $500K to Emerald Trail S-Line
On June 28, Groundwork Jacksonville and Swisher, a family-owned company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, announced Swisher’s $500,000 commitment to the Emerald Trail. The donation, which is designated to the S-Line…
Donor Profile: Farah & Farah
For more than 40 years, the Farah & Farah law firm has dedicated itself to the community it knows and loves. Homegrown in Jacksonville, managing partners and brothers Eddie…
Groundwork Jacksonville Annual Report to the Community
Groundwork Jacksonville is proud to release our 2020-2022 Annual Report highlighting our accomplishments over the last two years and recognizing the amazing people and organizations that support and make our…