WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The nonprofit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has announced that the 3.5-mile Middlesex Greenway, a new linear park connecting the townships of Edison, Metuchen and Woodbridge, N.J., has the national distinction of achieving the 12,000th mile of open rail-trail in the United States. A community celebration will be held on National Trails Day, June 7, to commemorate the arrival at this milestone. Hosted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the Middlesex Greenway Coalition, the event will feature a dedication of the trail at noon in Dudash Park, Edison, followed by family activities such as a children's scavenger hunt and a guided walking tour of the new trail. Edison Mayor George Spadoro, County Freeholder Camille Fernicola, and representatives from RTC and the Middlesex Greenway Coalition will attend and provide information on the history of the corridor. Also in attendance will be John Wiley, former mayor of Metuchen. The invited guest is Governor James McGreevey. "With so many outstanding trails in the project pipeline our goal of reaching 15,000 miles of open trail is entirely in our reach," says Keith Laughlin. "The Middlesex Greenway, like so many rail-trails throughout the country, will provide multiple benefits to the communities it connects, from a peaceful stroll in lush surroundings to a safe, close to home way for children and families to recreate and get healthy." For more information visit www.railtrails.org.