Nestled in the heart of Venice, the Venice Urban Forest is a thriving green corridor, transforming a once-abandoned railway into a lush sanctuary for wildlife and the community. Stretching nearly two miles, this vibrant urban oasis enhances air quality, provides critical habitat, and offers a peaceful retreat where nature and city life exist in harmony. Discover, explore, and be part of Venice’s greener future.
Not long ago, a forgotten stretch of railroad tracks ran through downtown Venice—an industrial remnant, surrounded by storage lots and asphalt. Where others saw emptiness, Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) saw potential.
In 2018, a vision took root: to transform this barren corridor into a thriving urban forest. Volunteers, armed with shovels and determination, began restoring the land—planting native trees, creating a canopy for birds, and weaving nature back into the fabric of the city.
But nature had its own challenges. Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton unleashed their fury, toppling trees and erasing years of progress. Yet, the volunteers refused to let these storms define the forest’s future. With dedication and resilience, they replanted, nurtured, and restored every fallen tree, ensuring that the Venice Urban Forest would continue to grow stronger than ever.
Stretching nearly two miles from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road, the Venice Urban Forest is a vital greenbelt corridor that complements the urban design introduced by landscape architect John Nolen in 1926. Built upon his vision of “nature leading the way,” this lush woodland trail runs parallel to the Venetian Waterway Park, offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and people alike.
More than just a scenic retreat, the Venice Urban Forest plays a critical role in our environment. It provides badly needed habitat for migratory songbirds and native wildlife, cools the air, and contributes to carbon sequestration, oxygen generation, and stormwater absorption. By restoring native vegetation, VABI and its dedicated volunteers are reviving the original ecosystem, making Venice a healthier, more sustainable place for future generations.
Today, this once-abandoned railway has transformed into a flourishing urban oasis, where people of all ages can walk beneath a canopy of native trees, listen to birdsong, and find peace in nature. Every tree planted is a promise—a commitment to preserving beauty, fostering life, and keeping Venice’s future green.
Your donation helps us preserve, enhance, and beautify the Venice community through green spaces, public art, and urban restoration projects, and much more!