Land trust teaches students about nature and history simultaneously

Chicago communities are often unaware of opportunities to paddle, bike and hike in their own backyards. Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Calumet region is known for its history of heavy industry but is lesser known for its ecological treasures and rich biodiversity.

The accredited Openlands strives to connect communities in the Calumet region with woods, wetlands and rivers available for recreation. Last summer, Openlands launched its first program to teach local youth to interpret and confidently paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail. The trail connects people to the Little Calumet River, which flows through several South Side Chicago neighborhoods and 180 years of African American history, including Ton Farm, a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Openlands and partners trained local youth participating in a Friends of the Forest Preserves internship program to interpret the trail, providing them with valuable job and public speaking skills.

“You can have as many paddling events as you want, but if you don’t have interpretation, or people explaining what events happened along the trail and why they were significant, then you can’t convey the real significance of the region,” says Openlands’ Blueways Director Laura Barghusen.

The first class of youth led a public event to share with attendees what they learned about the environmental justice movement and how freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad traveled along the Little Calumet. Openlands is currently contacting interns and partner agencies to find out their thoughts on the program and suggestions for future programs.