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 project will share the rich cultural history of the african american community that has gathered for over a century in one of the most precious green spaces in baltimore green space (BGS) land trust. The project will upgrade the trail system that runs through springfield woods to make IT more welcoming and accessible. Trails will be named for local black leaders who championed protection of the forest and enriched the wider community. BGS staff and volunteers will curate the communitys oral history to produce a rich tapestry of black history related to the woods. Interpretive signs will be placed along the forest trails, including both powerful stories of community members and education about the fragile environment preserved here. Beneficiaries include the general public, underserved and underrepresented members of the community, states and or their political subdivisions, and non-profit organizations.