Community Celebrates Grand Opening of Yalobusha Greenway
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By Lena Anderson
Herald Contributor
WATER VALLEY – Despite a looming storm, spirits were high as community members gathered on Saturday, June 7, to celebrate the official grand opening of the Yalobusha Greenway during a lively National Trails Day event hosted by the Yalobusha Greenways Alliance (YGA) and co-sponsored by the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club and Mulberry Lane Resale Shoppe.
The event saw strong community turnout, with attendees enjoying guided hikes, birdwatching, native plant tours, free food, music, and games—packing in plenty of fun before the weather rolled in.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from YGA President Ben Ifshin, who shared the group’s short- and long-term vision for the trail system. He spoke about the work that’s gone into creating the initial three-quarter mile stretch, calling it a proof of concept that is a meaningful first step in what YGA is working to grow into a larger network of greenways throughout Water Valley and beyond. Ifshin also expressed deep gratitude to board members, volunteers, local organizations, and generous donors who have contributed time, funds, and manual labor to make the project a reality.
Grand opening events at Yalobusha Greenway Saturday morning included a bird-watching walk led by Rebecca Mills-Ifshin.
The event showcased the newly completed trail with guided hikes, a birdwatching walk led by Rebekah Mills-Ifshin, and a native plant tour with Katelynn Dillard, offering attendees a first-hand look at the beauty and potential of the greenway.
The Yalobusha Greenways Alliance is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating and maintaining safe, accessible pedestrian trails that connect people with nature, enhance recreation, and encourage sustainable development.
Community members are encouraged to get out and enjoy the trail, bring a friend, share photos on social media (#yalobushagreenway), and spread the word as momentum continues to build toward expanding the greenway project in the months ahead. Visit yalobushagreenways.org for more information.
The Yalobusha Greenway trail head starts on North Court Street and the trail runs in a northerly direction. Parking is available along Railroad Avenue.
