In 2014, I attended a community meeting about the City of Clemson’s comprehensive plan.

Like most people in the room, I talked about how much I loved living here.

The sense of community.
The natural beauty.
The energy that comes from being a university town.

Clemson is a special place.

But there was also a shared frustration.

Despite how much we loved our community, we all agreed on something uncomfortable but obvious.

It was unsafe and difficult to walk or bike in many parts of our town.

It Started at a Community Meeting

At some point during the meeting, I raised my hand and asked the city planner a simple question.

“Is anyone actually working on this?”

Her name was Jennifer Folz, and her answer changed everything for me.

She told me about a group of Clemson University students who had been working on an idea called the Green Crescent Trail.

Their vision was simple but powerful.

A connected network of safe paths linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, downtowns, and natural spaces across our community.

It wasn’t a finished plan. It wasn’t funded. And it wasn’t widely known.

But I was instantly convinced that it was exactly the kind of idea our community needed.

An Idea That Wouldn’t Let Go

A few of us who heard about the Green Crescent Trail couldn’t let it go.

We started meeting informally.

Those meetings slowly turned into something more organized.

Eventually, they became a nonprofit.

And over time, that early idea turned into real trails you can walk, run, and ride on today.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Where I Walk, Run, and Bike Today

These days, I walk or run on Berkeley Drive almost every day.

It’s close to my house.
It’s familiar.
It’s become part of my routine.

And soon, the City of Clemson will soon be constructing a separated Green Crescent Trail along the side of Berkeley Drive.

When I want to slow down, my favorite places to walk are the South Carolina Botanical Garden and the Clemson University Forest.

Those natural spaces are true gems.

We are incredibly lucky to have them woven into our community.

When I bike, my favorite spot is the Southern Wesleyan University bike trail.

It’s approachable.
It’s fun.
It’s welcoming.

You don’t have to be an expert.

You just get to enjoy being outside.

I’ve lived in many parts of our community over the years.

As a student at Clemson University.
In Central when I graduated.
And now, in the City of Clemson.

Each place gave me a slightly different perspective.

But I always had the same underlying appreciation for what this area could be.

Why the Green Crescent Trail Matters So Much

That’s why I believe the Green Crescent Trail is the most important public project of our generation.

Not because it’s flashy.
And not because it’s just about trails.

The Green Crescent Trail matters because it improves public health by giving people low-cost, easy access to movement.

It strengthens local businesses and tourism. Just as trails have done in places like Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Easley.

It creates everyday moments of connection. Neighbors bumping into each other in real life.

It helps ease the growing pains we’re experiencing as small towns become small cities.

And it preserves the character that makes people want to live here in the first place.

It builds a transportation network that doesn’t require a car for every single trip.

I’ve never seen another project that can positively impact almost everyone in our community in so many different ways.

That’s why I’m involved.

And that’s why I care so deeply about seeing this vision continue to take shape.

This Is How Change Actually Happens

The Green Crescent Trail didn’t start with a big announcement.

It didn’t start with a major donor.

It started with a simple question at a community meeting.

And with people who cared enough to keep showing up.

If you’ve ever walked a trail, felt safer crossing a street, or simply enjoyed seeing people out moving and connecting, you’re already part of this story.

If this story resonates with you, there are many simple ways to support the Green Crescent Trail.

You can share our updates.
Show up to community meetings.
Walk the trail.
Tell a friend why it matters to you.

This project has always moved forward because regular people cared enough to get involved.

We’re grateful to have you alongside us.

— Chad Carson
Founding Board Member
Friends of the Green Crescent