Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition (formerly Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail)
Purpose
This fund supports maintenance for the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and development of a connected trail network in the Elkhart County area.
This fund supports maintenance for the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and development of a connected trail network in the Elkhart County area.
Eligible for 25% Match
Yes
Yes
Date Established
06/22/2001
06/22/2001
Story of the Fund
The Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition is a nonprofit corporation driven by a community of trail users, advocates, and partners dedicated to enhancing and expanding the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and its connected network in the Elkhart County area.
This effort began with the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which was officially incorporated in 1992 with a clear purpose: to convert the abandoned Pumpkinvine railroad corridor into a beautiful linear park and greenway. After years of dedication and collaboration, the Friends celebrated a major milestone in June 2024—the completion of the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
In 2025, the organization embraced a broader mission under the name Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition. Working alongside the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the coalition now applies its expertise to expanding and enhancing trail access throughout the county and beyond.
The foundation of this effort is the Connect in Elkhart County trails master plan, completed in 2022. This guiding document outlines a clear and ambitious vision for increasing the county’s trail network from 68 miles to an impressive 130 miles. The focus is on creating safe, scenic pathways that bring together neighborhoods, parks, schools, and downtowns, enhancing quality of life for everyone.
What we build today will make a lasting difference. A network of trails that not only connects places but strengthens the bonds between people—creating more vibrant, welcoming communities for generations to come.
The Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition is a nonprofit corporation driven by a community of trail users, advocates, and partners dedicated to enhancing and expanding the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and its connected network in the Elkhart County area.
This effort began with the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which was officially incorporated in 1992 with a clear purpose: to convert the abandoned Pumpkinvine railroad corridor into a beautiful linear park and greenway. After years of dedication and collaboration, the Friends celebrated a major milestone in June 2024—the completion of the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
In 2025, the organization embraced a broader mission under the name Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition. Working alongside the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the coalition now applies its expertise to expanding and enhancing trail access throughout the county and beyond.
The foundation of this effort is the Connect in Elkhart County trails master plan, completed in 2022. This guiding document outlines a clear and ambitious vision for increasing the county’s trail network from 68 miles to an impressive 130 miles. The focus is on creating safe, scenic pathways that bring together neighborhoods, parks, schools, and downtowns, enhancing quality of life for everyone.
What we build today will make a lasting difference. A network of trails that not only connects places but strengthens the bonds between people—creating more vibrant, welcoming communities for generations to come.