Protecting our natural resources comes with ever-evolving science and opportunity, alongside emerging challenges, particularly those arising in these uncertain times. Yet empowering everyday people to get involved to promote the health of their own communities with small, local action is a constant that can lead to larger, lasting change.
“The Trust was created in the ’80s, in part to focus on getting resources into the hands of community-based organizations to accomplish goals at the nexus of community health and environmental well-being,” emphasized Kacey Wetzel, Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Vice President of Outreach and Education. “Resourcing people who are closest to the challenges means that the solutions are more effective long term.”
That vision is being realized through organizations like Friends of Anacostia Park, who use Chesapeake Bay Trust community engagement grant programs to support their local initiatives in Washington, DC.
“At Friends of Anacostia Park, we are people for the park and a park for the people,” shared Lydia Daniel, Director of Operations. “We are focused on engaging with the individuals who have called this park their backyard for generations and that they are a part of the restoration efforts.”
“We are not your average friends group,” added Co-Founder & Program Advisor Akiima Price.
Events are an important way they provide access and opportunity for community members to connect with Anacostia Park and learn about community resources. A favorite among residents is the Late Skate.
“The last Saturday of every month June through October we do something called Late Skate which is when we keep the skate pavilion open until 10pm which the community really enjoys,” shared Akiima. “We’ve got everything including a partner village where they can learn about different organizations that work in and around Anacostia that provide services to people east of the river. But more importantly we like to provide a safe space for families to just fellowship and spend time.”
“They are getting people outdoors and providing services in an engaging way,” shared Chesapeake Bay Trust Program Officer Amber Cameron. “It’s by the community, for the community.”
During the October Late Skate, Akiima reflected on her own experience with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “I’ve been a fan of the Chesapeake Bay Trust since I was in the 5th grade and got to have a meaningful watershed experience. Fast forward, the Chesapeake Bay Trust has been such an important partner for us.”
“They work with DOEE to support the Community Stormwater Solutions Grant and also Donate and Reuse Grant. They have allowed us to engage the community in new ways to grow sustainability,” explained Lydia.
One program supported through the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Chesapeake Bay Trust Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program is the Friends Corps Program.
“Our Friends Corps Program is a workforce development effort to engage Anacostia watershed residents in the restoration of the river and the watershed by giving them both technical training in terms of how you take care of a park but also soft skills and ultimately to build a more inclusive work culture within the environmental field,” Lydia explained.
Friends of Anacostia Park Grounds Lead and Friends Corps member Wayne Parker feels the impact of this program. “I notice that just being in the park has been good for my mental health. I’m learning new skills. I’m in training now for removing invasive plants,” he reflected.
When we engage people in the preservation of green spaces and waterways in their own communities, we can ensure that there is care and action to protect these resources for years to come. In turn, these communities will also become stronger, ensuring generations have access to a healthy and vibrant place to call home.
As Amber states, “the relationship between community engagement and environmental restoration is about having people have positive experiences in nature and making the connections between themselves and the earth.”
