The nearly 500-acre greenbelt system exists to provide areas for surface water runoff, and to provide habitat for a diversity of plants and animals. We recognize the need to provide buffer areas of native plants such as prairie remnants for their scenic beauty and diversity in our otherwise urban environment. This open green space is left in a natural state and may be used for some recreational activities. The greenbelts are managed by the Parks, Engineering, and Operations Divisions for various functions. City Code allows property owners adjoining greenbelts to mow 20 feet beyond their property line into them. Under a permit system, the Parks Division allows property owners to plant trees and shrubbery in greenbelts. Please contact the Parks Division before planting.

What is a greenbelt?

A GREENBELT is a natural drainage way that is maintained in a natural state. Many greenbelts are actually natural watercourses that developed as glaciers, which once almost covered Wisconsin, melted.  There are currently 15 miles of greenbelts within the City of Janesville, many have undergone or are currently in the process of being restored to a natural prairie state. There are also 31+ miles of hiking trail and paths within the City, many of which run through or near greenbelt areas.

What is the purpose of a greenbelt?

In 1972, the City of Janesville introduced the greenbelt system in order to accommodate surface run-off and rainwater.  The primary purpose of the greenbelt system is to provide surface water run-off and prevent flooding and property damage.  Some of the water slowed in the greenbelt system filters through to the groundwater layers and acts to recharge the local groundwater supply.  Greenbelts provide open space, encourage active and passive recreational opportunities, and preserve some of the native vegetation that once covered these important prairie areas.  Greenbelts support wildlife, natural prairie growth, trail use, enhance adjacent property values, and overall aesthetics.  Future greenbelt plans include planting additional prairie, prescribed burns, and trail improvements. 

Benefits of a greenbelt?

Although the greenbelt system is in place primarily to manage storm water, there area variety of other benefits to the city and the community:

• Cost savings in comparison to alternative storm water management options.
• Reduces need for buried storm sewer pipes.
• Creats cooling effect within greenbelt area.
• Provides habitat for wildlife.
• Offers direct connections between residents and parks/public destinations, including the bike trail system.
• Encourages recreation through walking, hiking, and pet exercise.

Why do we mange the greenbelt system?

One reason for greenbelt maintenance is to ensure the City storm water management system functions properly.  Because of this, private use of the greenbelt areas or use implying private ownership of these areas is prohibited.  In order to ensure the greenbelt is performing for purposes of storm water management, regular maintenance of the greenbelt system is necessary.  This process includes invasive tree and shrub removal, restoration of eroded areas, and scheduled and supervised burning of prairie grasses.

What is the process of managing a greenbelt?

After the initial restoration, greenbelt lands are evaluated for a scheduled and supervised burn of prairie grasses and continued maintenance and restoration needs.  Burning and mowing of prairies and similar natural areas aids in the removal of undesirable trees and plants while encouraging new prairie plants to establish. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I mow past my property line?

According to the Greenbelt policy, the abutting property owner may maintain up to twenty feet (20') of the greenbelt from your property line as a buffer zone.  This allows you to prevent the encroachment of weeds into your lawn.  Any other maintenance that may imply ownership of a greenbelt is not allowed.  As a property owner, you are responsible to know your property lines and where your property pines are located. Sometimes utility boxes are placed along the rear property lines and can be used to approximate rear property ownership.  Information about your property line may be located on your property abstract document or on the City website under Mapping Services.

Since I am maintaining this 20' section can I plant trees and shrubs?

The Parks Division will review requests individually.  Plants not City approved will be removed.  Native tree or shrub species may be acceptable depending on the area.  Plant selection will be based on existing natural vegetation and water flow considerations.

How can I use this greenbelt buffer area?

Private use beyond planting or mowing as authorized by ordinance is not allowed.  Ornamental or getable gardens, sheds, play equipment, benches, vehicle and boat storage, firewood storage, and all other private use of this public land are strictly prohibited.

Can I remove an unsightly tree or shrub behind my home?

If a request is made, the Parks Division will attempt to remove dangerous materials from the greenbelts.  Down, broken, dead, or dying trees are part of the natural ecology and evolution of the area and, unless they create an immediate drainage or safety hazard, will be left in place until maintenance is completed in the greenbelt.  Citizens may not remove, cut, or plant material without expressed written consent by the Parks Division. 

What can I do about misuse and abuse of the greenbelts?

If you encounter public dumping, gardening, abuse of mowing limits, plant removal, or private clearing in the greenbelts, please call the Parks Division at 755-3025.

Can I access my property through the greenbelt?

The Parks Division may accommodate requests for vehicle access to private property based on conditions and citizen responsibility for damage.  Any problems caused by such access are the responsibility of the property owner making the request, and no access is allowed without prior approval by the Parks Division.

Can I dispose of grass clippings and brush in the greenbelt?

City ordinance prohibits, and therefore, it is illegal to dump or dispose of any material on any are of the greenbelt.  Instead of collecting your clippings when you mow, use a mulching mower to deliver those nutrients back to your lawn and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer that you use.  Janesville residents may take yard waste to the Demolition Landfill on Black Bridge Road at no charge during regular hours.  Please call the City Services Center at 755-3110 for more information.

More information about stormwater and greenbelt management may be found here.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer