Projects connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the chesapeake BAY watershed through the chesapeake BAY gateways and watertrails network and support implementation of: identifying,…

Projects connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the chesapeake BAY watershed through the chesapeake BAY gateways and watertrails network and support implementation of: identifying, conserving, restoring, and interpreting natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the chesapeake BAY watershed identifying and utilizing the collective resources sites for enhancing public education of and access to the chesapeake BAY linking sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections developing and establishing watertrails comprising water routes and connections to sites and other land resources within the chesapeake BAY watershed and creating a network of sites and watertrails. The intent of this project is to provide an opportunity for hampton city schools students to have a personal connection to the james river, the waterways that flow throughout their community, and the chesapeake BAY. Students will gain context of their community and their james river through hands-on education which inspires confidence, ecological understanding, nature appreciation, historical reflection, conservation action, and a stewardship ethic. This program looks beyond a traditional environmental curriculum and embraces unique local heritage and culture to uncover and help narrate the stories of the city of hampton, from the native american tribes that originally lived on the land to the african american watermen that have been vital to local industry. Beneficiaries include the students served by hamptons title i elementary schools, the local african american community and the nansemond tribe, and the general public.