National Park Trust and Bowie State College Ambassadors Explore the Chesapeake Gateway Region

2023 Chesapeake Gateways Funding

$35,000.00

Bowie State Students Discover the Chesapeake Through Outdoor Adventure, Recreation, and Education

In 2023, NPS Chesapeake Gateways awarded a $35,000 grant to the National Park Trust to launch an immersive field experience for 14 Bowie State University students. Partnering with Bowie State University, their project led students on an unforgettable journey through the Chesapeake Bay region, blending outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and American history into a life-changing learning experience.

Students from a range of disciplines, united in their interest in outdoor recreation, experienced hands-on history in the great outdoors as they were guided through the lands, waterways, and some of the most significant natural and cultural sites of the Chesapeake.

National Park Trust

Over the course of eight days and 600 miles, students explored nine parks across Maryland and Virginia, including Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park, Harpers Ferry National Park, Catoctin Mountain Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Guided by park rangers, historians, and local environmental experts, the group hiked, paddled, camped, and connected deeply with the ecosystem and stories of the land, and the powerful legacy of those who have shared it through the centuries.

Over a Week in the Chesapeake

To begin their trip, students explored the site of a pivotal Civil War battle and gained a visceral understanding of antebellum American history at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Battlefield. They learned from ranger-led tours and Park Partner Joseph McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project.

National Park Trust

They shared memorable educational experiences while working together to build skills and enhance their outdoor preparedness at Shenandoah National Park and later Catoctin Mountain Park.

National Park Trust

At Shenandoah National and Catoctin Mountain Park, ranger-led hiking, camping, and other learning experiences connected students first-hand to the sites' rich histories, cultural heritage, conservation efforts, and their natural resources and beauty.

National Park Trust

They fished on the Eastern Shore with local guides and captains while discussing environmental conservation, maritime heritage, marine biodiversity, and the power of local contributions on the future of the bay.

National Park Trust

They learned about the unique ecology of coastal habitats and history of the area while exploring and staying overnight at Assateague Island National Seashore, as well as observed the island’s famous wild ponies.

National Park Trust

At the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park, they explored exhibits and ranger-led programming about Tubman’s lasting impact on American history and the courage of those who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad.

National Park Trust

They kayaked through tidal wetlands at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge while learning about the ecosystem that shaped Harriet Tubman’s path to freedom.

National Park Trust

Though the trip was only eight days long, the knowledge shared will have a far-reaching impact. Traveling with the students was a group of communications interns who documented every step and created a powerful documentary that continues to inspire others. Through photos, student reflections, and video storytelling, students and communities alike can learn about the Chesapeake region and the unique sites, histories, and ecosystems that abound.

This project not only connected students of many backgrounds with the outdoors and the cultural heritage of their region, but it fostered leadership, stewardship, curiosity, and a lasting appreciation for the Chesapeake’s role in shaping American history.

National Park Trust

By the Numbers

• 8 days in the field

• 600+ miles traveled

• 9 parks visited

• 14 students immersed in learning

• 1 powerful documentary continuing to inspire others

This project is just one example of how NPS Chesapeake Gateways funding has a lasting impact on communities throughout the watershed. By combining outdoor recreation, culture, and conservation, this partnership planted the seeds for the next generation of American storytellers, historians, and environmental stewards.

Watch the Student-Produced Documentary (full): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ijh81fy2uh9xd28i6swku/National-Park-Fund-Documentary-Full-Color-grade.mp4?rlkey=smvc2zcdcvtonef8sovdzxdmx&dl=0

Watch the Student-Produced Documentary (trailer): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4mar4s01gb7obeca0iiem/Trailer-with-lower-thirds-FINISHED.mp4?rlkey=3k9kq2l7kr78666a6lfi3uyz9&dl=0

Explore the Flickr Album:2024 Bowie State Chesapeake Gateways | Flickr