OUTREACH
Programs —
Trail staff launched the Werowocomoco Ancestral Lands Corps Individual Placement Program, a 26-week opportunity for American Indians, ages 18-35, to be involved with the future of park operations, preservation, and the visitor experience at Werowocomoco.
Trail staff Canoemobile program—prior to the start of the pandemic—hosted 600 fifth-graders over the course of 4 days, proving a rare opportunity to paddle the trail on the Susquehanna River. The program also hosted a public family event, which brought out 80 participants.
Newsletter — Trail staff relaunched a monthly newsletter for the trail.
Collectibles — Trail staff designed collectible trading cards that highlight aspects of American Indian heritage specific to the tribes of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Education — Trail staff hosted a fourth-grade math & Virginia studies teacher as a “Teacher Ranger” focused on developing lesson plans and curricula, including a new Junior Ranger Program booklet devoted exclusively to Werowocomoco. The booklet will become a part of the curriculum for fourth-grade students who will one day visit Werowocomoco on school field trips.
PROTECTION
Archeology — Trail staff completed an Archeological Overview and Assessment of Werowocomoco, residence of Powhatan and the site of the first meetings between Native leaders and English colonists. The 183-page report summarizes the current state of archeological research and offers direction for future preservation and management of the archeological resources found on this historical site, which was acquired by the National Park Service in 2016.
CAPACITY
Staffing — The position of “communications associate”, to be shared by the Chesapeake Trail and the Chesapeake Conservancy, was filled to handle internal communications, consistent messaging, monthly newsletters, social media, and other projects such as the preparation of materials for the Conservancy’s board of directors.