Nature is for all
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) was awarded a Reinvestment and Repair Act Grant from the Worcester County Local Management Board which will be used to encourage exploration of the Eastern Shore by its residents, particularly at-risk individuals and families in the 21811 area which may have limited access to these outdoor opportunities. By enhancing access to public resources, BBHA will be promoting a stronger connection between residents and the local landscape that has shaped our heritage with a welcoming experience. The Eastern Shore's natural beauty should be enjoyed by all. Through hands-on activities and bi-lingual educational material, this initiative will create an inclusive and welcoming point of entry for novice and experienced adventurers alike.
Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
- Research consistently shows that access to outdoor recreation can help improve physical and mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while encouraging physical activity.
- Aside from the health benefits, promoting greater access and an understanding of the Lower Shore's landscape fosters pride in our home and its natural resources.
- Outdoor recreation also offers opportunities to learn about the region's unique ecosystems, wildlife, conservation efforts, and responsible outdoor recreation practices.
Everyone Will Benefit
While this project's objective is to provide greater access to the Shore's natural assets for at-risk populations in the 21811, including Hispanic and Latino individuals, everyone will benefit from this expanded access. Through bilingual signage, brochures, and educational videos, BBHA will highlight outdoor recreational opportunities in multiple languages across multiple sites, raising the visibility of these opportunities for everyone. Increased participation and interest in outdoor recreation will also help ensure that more attention, care, and resources are put into keeping our natural and public assets accessible for outdoor enthusiasts.
Deliverables
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area's project to expand outdoor recreation opportunities has several outcomes from the production of multi-lingual brochures to the installation of new trailhead signs. All of these deliverables are designed to bring more people, especially young at-risk children and their families, into the world of outdoor recreation and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to continue exploring the Eastern Shore's natural landscape long after the program is complete. Other deliverables include:
- Develop and distribute bilingual brochures
- Creation of new trailhead signs at public access points
- Production of several short-from educational videos
- Promotion of a handful of water and land trails
- Guided outdoor tours and hands-on environmental education experiences in partnership with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program
