Groundwork Jacksonville, Inc. was established in 2014 as the city's nonprofit partner in building the Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. Groundwork Jacksonville is one of 21 Groundwork USA trusts in the country and the only trust in Florida.
Featured News
Trailblazer Reception Celebrates Trail Champions
Groundwork Jacksonville’s Annual Trailblazer Reception is a wonderful celebration of the visionary donors, funders, partners and leaders who are bringing the Emerald Trail to life. This year’s event, underwritten by Community First Credit Union, was held at the beautiful Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. We were thrilled to welcome Ryan Chao, President of Rails to Trails Conservancy to make the official presentation of the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion Award to our CEO Kay Ehas.
GWJax Seeking Trail Project Manager
Groundwork Jacksonville (GWJax) is seeking a Trail Project Manager who will oversee design and construction of the 30-mile Emerald Trail and the restoration of McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek.
GWJax and City Break Ground on McCoys Creek Branches Restoration
On Wednesday, February 4, GWJax, the COJ, and community representatives gathered at Hollybrook Park to break ground on the McCoys Creek Branches restoration project. The initiative marks a critical milestone in returning the western headwaters of McCoys Creek to a cleaner, healthier, and more natural state while supporting the broader vision of the McCoys Creek restoration and the Emerald Trail.
Kay Ehas Named Nation’s 2025 Trail Champion
Rails to Trails Conservancy has named Groundwork Jacksonville’s CEO, Kay Ehas as the Nation’s 2025 Trail Champion. Ehas is recognized for her community-driven approach in developing the Emerald Trail, Jacksonville, Florida’s 30-mile trail system, building social, economic and environmental resilience regionwide.
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.