Black History Month on the Trail
This Black History Month, we encourage folks to learn about how public lands across the country were and are shaped, served, and protected by Black communities through AllTrails 10 trails shaped by Black heritage. Though none of these trails are local to Maine, it is important to recognize, share, and understand these stories. We know that, as a Land Trust and as a community, open space and natural places all have a history. In the present day, they can help us come together, learn from one another, and build relationships.
- Curious to learn about Black history a bit closer to home? Check out The Times Record’s recent piece: What a Brunswick family’s cemetery reveals about Maine’s Black history.
- Have an open afternoon this month? Explore the Portland Freedom Trail. This self-guided tour through some of Portland’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods will take you to important sites in African American history.
- Looking for nature-books for all ages and educator resources related to Anti-Racism and Outdoor Learning? Take Me Outside has a great blog post to explore.
- Or check out this episode of Common Ground Radio, to hear a 2023 conversation on “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists,” a book of essays and interviews by Leah Penniman that explores Black people’s spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate. Featuring Leah Penniman (farmer and author of Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists and Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land) and Rue Mapp (founder of Outdoor Afro and author of Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors).
