Alana Jajko – What is a Greenway?

Alana Jajko is an alumni of Bucknell University and actively works for Susquehanna Greenway Project. A greenway acts as a greenspace and roadway for outdoor-lovers to find history, culture, and natural features in their local landscape. As an individual who grew up around the Susquehanna River, Jajko feels passionate about bringing attention to the natural beauties surrounding the water source.

When visiting Professor Siewers’ ENLS 103 class on January 24, 2024, Jajko revealed the plans for the projects. The Susquehanna Greenway will be split into four separate sections (North Branch, West Branch, Middle Section, South Branch). People will be able to walk, bike, or paddle from town to town along the river.

Jajko proceeded to break down each individual branch. The West Branch is the largest of the four regions of the greenway and the most remote. Here, people can see elk, kayak through calmer waters, explore lumber sites and more. Meanwhile, the North Branch “has a couple different flavors to it” she says. Farm-like landscapes, coal heritage, industries, North Branch canal remnants, and the very first rail trail in the United States can all be found lined up one after another. The Middle Section is a little shorter, yet contains a miniature Statue of Liberty, the Appalachian trail intersection with the river, Harrisburg, the Rockville Bridge (largest stone bridge in the world) and more. Finally, in the Lower Branch, “there is no limit of possibility for scenic hiking and biking” says Jajko. The Lower Branch becomes very wide and includes opportunities for boating, sailing, and cliff climbing. There are just some of the opportunities in each branch.

If someone is interested in exploring these activities along the Susquehanna Greenway, Jajko suggests checking out their social media @susquehannagreenway. The project is primarily funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, so it is worth checking out other established greenways it supports as well.

Bucknell University is establishing its own greenway in the spring of 2024. In correlation with the Bull Run Greenway, the Bucknell Greenway will become a smaller part of the large Susquehanna Greenway. The town of Lewisburg and students will walk Bucknell’s Civil War history, Underground Railroad sites, learn about native tribes in the area, and see the beautiful conservation efforts around campus. More information can be found on the Bucknell University webpage.