About Us

Welcome!

Welcome to the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation! We are a dedicated non-profit organization committed to advocating for and developing a statewide system of trails and greenways. With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and the benefits of outdoor recreation, we strive to create a vibrant trail network that connects communities, fosters economic prosperity in local economies, and celebrates the natural beauty of Florida.

Our Mission

The mission of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation is to advocate for and help create a statewide system of connected trails and greenways.

Our Vision

A message from our former president, Dale Allen:

Our History

Since 2001, FGTF has funded trail enhancements and is dedicated to closing system gaps to connect communities and boost local economies.

Our Impact

Through our dedicated efforts, the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation is transforming communities, promoting health and well-being, and fostering environmental stewardship.

See the tangible difference we're making together.

4,000 Miles
of Paved Trails

There are currently over 2,000 miles of connected paved trails in Florida, with plans for more than 4,000 in the coming years.

$280 Million
in Public Funding

State and regional governments have committed $280 million to paved trails in Florida. In addition, we’ve raised $1.25 million in private donations to help us connect more trails throughout the state!

10+ Million
Annual Trail Visitors

Enjoyed by both residents and out-of-state visitors, Florida’s paved trails host more than 10 million people each year.

Make a Donation.

Donate to the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation (FGTF) and help us create a connected statewide trail and greenway system, promoting transportation alternatives, recreation, health, tourism, and economic development for a vibrant and thriving Florida. Join us in transforming our vision into reality and leave a lasting impact on our beautiful state.

Our Team

  • Ned Baier Headshot

    PRESIDENT

    Ned Baier, a certified planner with 35 years of experience, has made significant contributions to transportation planning in Florida and the southeast. With expertise in management, policy analysis, and public engagement, Ned has led various projects including the Pinellas Trail and Tampa Bay Water Ferry. He recently managed the SUN Trail Feasibility Study in Lee County, developing a countywide linear park as part of the Gulf Coast Trail. As an active speaker and participant in planning associations and organizations, Ned brings his passion for cycling and urban planning to help implement the Florida SUN Trail network and create a positive impact in the community.

  • Kim Delaney Headshot

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Kim DeLaney is the Strategic Development and Policy Director at the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council in Southeast Florida. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in land use, economics, transportation, and public outreach. Dr. DeLaney focuses on leveraging public investments for economic returns and promoting transit-oriented development and environmental enhancement. She played a key role in creating the Southeast Florida Regional Greenways and Trails network plan, supporting Florida's greenways and trails. She also led the development of regional waterways plans, evaluating transportation, land use, economic development, and recreational resources. Dr. DeLaney holds degrees from the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. She resides in Martin County, Florida, enjoying triathlon training and kayaking with her Welsh Corgi named Flash.

  • Harry Barley Headshot

    SECRETARY

    Harry Barley recently retired after a 45-year career in the transportation industry. He played key roles in planning, building, and operating the Metrorail project during his tenure with the Washington Metropolitan Planning Transit Authority. Later, as Executive Director of MetroPlan Orlando, he oversaw the federally-designed metropolitan planning organization for three Florida counties. Impressed by the achievements of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, Harry became a passionate supporter of their vision for a statewide network. He actively contributed to the realization of the Coast-to-Coast Trail and remains involved as a Trustee at the Winter Park Health Foundation and a Board member of Advent Health.

  • Mike Stephens Headshot

    TREASURER

    Mike Stephens, a Florida native and Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at United Southern Bank, has been actively advocating for bike trails since his elementary school days. With over 34 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has dedicated himself to helping clients with their commercial banking needs. Mike's passion for trails led him to form and chair the Lake 100 Trails Committee and The Friends of Lake County Trails. His efforts were recognized with multiple awards, including the Florida Bicycle Association's Trails Promoter of the Year Award and the Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce's Community Service Award. Mike has a long history of community service, including volunteering for the Office of Greenways and Trails and the US Forest Service. Married for 30 years, he enjoys cycling, camping, fishing, and road trips with his family.

  • BOARD MEMBER

    Tim Baylie is the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Director in Volusia County. He has over 24 years of experience in constructing and managing parks and trails. He has played an active role in the development of the Coast-to-Coast Trail and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop. Tim is an active speaker on trail development and maintenance strategies at various organizations and to trail managers across the state. In 2019, Tim was awarded Trails Manager of the Year by the Florida Bicycle Association. He is a member of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association and is a certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. Tim received his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Florida and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.

  • Patty Huff Headshot

    BOARD MEMBER

    Born in Boca Raton and raised in Nashville, Patty moved to Florida in 1984, eventually settling in Everglades City with her husband Steve. After a 17-year career as a Financial Advisor at Raymond James & Associates, she retired and immersed herself in historic and environmental preservation. Patty has held presidencies at various organizations, including Friends of the Museum of the Everglades and the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation. She continues to contribute to the Collier County MPO Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee and the East Coast Greenway Alliance, among others, dedicating her efforts to safeguarding South Florida's natural and historic heritage.

  • Charlie Johnson Headshot

    BOARD MEMBER

    Charlie, a Professional Landscape Architect representing the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, resides in Tallahassee. He finds joy in designing and witnessing the social equity achieved through urban trail projects. With a personal and professional connection to trails, from urban cores to preserved natural lands, Charlie's passion extends to triathlons, completing various distances from a sprint to Ironman, ranging from Florida to Hawaii. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and is actively involved with professional affiliations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects, Urban Land Institute, and Florida Main Streets. Charlie also volunteers with local programs, including UrbanPlan and Gulf Winds Track and Triathlon Clubs.

  • Laura Kelley Headshot

    BOARD MEMBER

    Laura Kelley, retired executive transportation leader, shaped significant policies and managed Central Florida Expressway Authority's 125-mile expressway and $4 billion work plan as its first executive director. Her "Customer First" philosophy led to innovative services, including the Visitor Toll Pass Program and substantial toll discounts, enhancing safety and technology. Known for her prudent management, Kelley boosted CFX's financial health and held influential positions in various transportation boards. She's an alumna of Florida State University and currently advises on sustainable roadway electrification.

  • Bob Romig Headshot

    BOARD MEMBER

    Bob Romig has over 40 years in transportation policy development and implementation. Before retiring in 2016, he was Executive Director of the Florida Transportation Commission and held key roles in the Florida Department of Transportation, focusing on planning and environmental policies. His initiatives significantly impacted Florida's transportation and planning. Previously, Bob worked with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida House of Representatives Committee on Transportation. A Florida State University alumnus and avid conservationist, Bob is dedicated to preserving Florida's natural resources and enhancing its trail system.

  • Tine Russo Headshot

    BOARD MEMBER

    Tina Russo is an avid cyclist and safety instructor with 25 years in transportation safety project management. She managed the Upper Tampa Bay Trail project and works as an Active Transportation Planner II in Pasco County, focusing on performance safety measures. Tina is known for her expertise in crash analysis and predictive measures, integrating these into vital county safety plans. Her work includes coordination with multiple agencies, grant writing, and advocating for road safety. Tina's background in law enforcement and facility design enhances her collaborative approach to safety planning, championing initiatives like Target Zero and Vision Zero to address vehicle and vulnerable user safety.

Board Members

Honorary Board Members

  • Dale Allen

  • Beth Alden

  • Michelle Avola Brown

  • Ken Bryan

  • Linda Chapin

  • Rob Ern

  • Andy Gardiner

  • Emily Hanna

  • Nick Lepp

  • Chuck Flink

  • Billy Hattaway

  • Robert Barto

  • Mark Llewellyn, Sr.

  • Greg Knecht

  • Kraig McLane

  • Tara McCue

  • Kelly Morphy

  • Brandyn Littleton

  • Deb Orton

  • Ananth Prasad

  • Brenda Tate

  • Sally Thompson

  • Jim Wood

  • Brian Smith

  • Kurt Eichin (in memoriam)

  • Steve Diez (in memoriam)

Board Members are all held to a standard Code of Ethics.

Sponsors

Partnerships

We're thrilled to join forces with an incredible coalition to make our vision of a connected trail network a reality. We're all about creating safe, scenic, and "sun-sational" trails for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a local or a global visitor. Working hand in hand with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection, we're making recreational trails a top priority. Here are some of our amazing partners who share our goals:

Legacy Partners:

  • Tavistock/Sunbridge

  • Florida Highway Builders Association 

  • Kitson & Associates

  • Travel Country Outfitters/Patagonia

  • Felburn Foundation

  • Space Coast Health Foundation

  • Winter Park Health Foundation