How a Forgotten Railroad Revived an Entire Small Town

🚀 In this episode, conservationist Michael Calhoun shares the remarkable story behind Oregon’s first rail-trail conversion, the Banks-Vernonia Trail. Michael discusses how abandoned railroad corridors became valuable community assets, the process of earning National Recreation Trail certification, balancing conservation with recreation, and the economic and cultural benefits trails bring to small towns. He also explores trail tourism, forestry, environmental stewardship, and the future of Oregon’s trail networks.🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna👤 Guest:🏡 Michael Calhoun – Conservationist, Trail Advocate, and Board Chair of the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ The history behind Oregon’s first rail-trail conversion✔️ How National Recreation Trail certification works✔️ The economic impact of trail tourism on rural communities✔️ Balancing recreation with environmental conservation✔️ Strategies for preserving railroad heritage and local history✔️ The importance of urban forestry and dark-sky initiatives✔️ Advice for grassroots advocates working to save historic rail corridors🎵 Whether you're a trail enthusiast, conservation advocate, community leader, or history buff, this episode offers valuable insights into preserving the past while building a sustainable future.💼 Connect with Michael Calhoun:🌐 Website → https://shorturl.at/E8yBJ🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael--calhoun🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna:🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/