A year in the making, a captivating new docuseries titled “Restoring the Heartbeat of the Chesapeake” offers viewers an in-depth look at the natural beauty and environmental challenges.
In an ambitious effort to bring attention to the natural beauty and environmental challenges of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a new short film project titled “Restoring the Heartbeat of the Chesapeake” is set to debut. This comprehensive docuseries aims to celebrate the region’s natural splendor and showcase successful conservation efforts. Produced by Jamal Childs Jr., the nine-part series promises to be a powerful call to action for environmental justice, equity, and community empowerment. It also chronicles Jamal’s Journey of discovery here at the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership as the 2023-2024 Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps member placed through the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
The docuseries begins with an exploration of grant programs that make conservation successes possible, such as the Chesapeake WILD Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program. By spotlighting these essential grant-making initiatives, the series underscores the critical role of funding in restoring and conserving the Chesapeake Bay’s living resources. It follows different conservation success stories and the value that these projects bring to communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Grant Programs
Chesapeake WILD Program:
The series introduces viewers to the Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, which supports coordinated action to improve habitat conditions and ensure equitable access to nature. This video celebrates the 2023 award recipients, highlighting their positive impact on the watershed through innovative and strategic conservation efforts.
PA DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program:
This piece showcases the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ efforts to foster vibrant communities through grants for public parks, trails, and conservation projects. It emphasizes the program’s role in sustainable development and community revitalization across Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes.
Conservation Success Stories
Moulton Park Expansion:
The video details the Moulton family’s generous donation of 82 acres in Jefferson County, WV, expanding Moulton Park and enhancing recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, and water quality protection.
Lancaster Conservancy:
This features the creation of Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve, a sanctuary of natural beauty with accessible trails, upland forests, and waterfalls.
Scenic Rivers Land Trust:
This video follows the Garman family’s decision to conserve their 130-acre property in Anne Arundel County, MD, preserving vital habitats and forestland.
Elktonia-Carr’s Beach:
The video chronicles the rich history of Elktonia-Carr’s Beach in Annapolis, a cultural landmark for African American families during segregation, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this legacy through the Elktonia-Carrs Beach/Moore Property initiative. For more on this story, see this Lightning Update.
ClearWater Conservany:
This video celebrates the proactive conservation of 300 acres of agricultural land in State College, PA, highlighting efforts to protect the Spring Creek Watershed and restore Slab Cabin Run. It showcases how conservation projects can benefit communities in many ways, including clean drinking water.
Evergreen Cemetery:
Ongoing initiatives focus on restoring and maintaining the cemetery, which had fallen into disrepair due to neglect and lack of funding. Local organizations and volunteers have rallied to preserve the cemetery, emphasizing its importance as a cultural and historical landmark. Restoration efforts include managing overgrown vegetation, improving water drainage, and promoting native plant species to enhance the ecological health of the area. “Preservation of Evergreen Cemetery” honors the memory of the African American community and their enduring legacy in the region.
The Full Docuseries – The Broader Impact and Value:
Jamal Childs Jr. – 2024 Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Member and creator of the docuseries, “Restoring the Heartbeat of the Chesapeake”.
This series aims to inspire environmental awareness and advocacy by showcasing the success stories of various organizations and individuals working toward land conservation and environmental justice. By documenting these efforts, the project provides a blueprint for engaging communities and promoting environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
“Restoring the Heartbeat of the Chesapeake” is more than just a film series; it is a celebration of the Chesapeake Bay’s natural beauty, a call to action for environmental justice, and a testament to the power of community collaboration. By preserving and promoting access to natural spaces, the project highlights the societal benefits of conservation, ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains a vibrant and vital ecosystem for generations to come.
Jamal Childs just concluded his program at the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership as the 2023-2024 Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps member with these videos as the culmination of his capstone project. “It was a joy to work with Jamal as he grew impressive skills in videography and communications as a budding conservationist here at CCP. We thank Jamal for all his hard work and know that he will have a positive impact on the region for years to come,” said Program Director Ben Alexandro. As Jamal graduates to his future endeavors, he can be reached at [email protected].
Jamal Childs Jr. – 2024 Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Member and creator of the docuseries, “Restoring the Heartbeat of the Chesapeake”.
Image credit:
- Ben Alexandro – Chesapeake Conservation Partnership
- Ben Alexandro – Chesapeake Conservation Partnership
Lightning Update is a regular communication of the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions of the Partnership or member organizations.
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Support for the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership is provided by:
National Park Service Chesapeake
EPA Chesapeake Bay Program
USDA Forest Service
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Virginia Outdoors Foundation
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Chesapeake Conservancy
The Chesapeake Conservation Partnership is co-convened by:
