Adriana Dossena’s Post

Not sure what the I&M Canal National Heritage Area is exactly? Here's an explanation. Also gives you insight into what I've been working on over the last 28+ years...

When you consider civil rights, what do you think of? Many may think of activism, protest, art, community and music. But what about forest recreation? Learn about Michigan’s “Black Eden” now partly on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gjV6zJkR.

National West Virginia Day – June 20, 2024 Before the arrival of European settlers, West Virginia used to be a favorite hunting ground for numerous Native Americans. It has old earthen mounds constructed by different mound builder cultures. Once the Europeans arrived and settled here, the locals were pushed to the outskirts. The earliest civilization in the region was in 10,500 B.C. when the Paleo-Indian culture appeared along the major river valleys and water sources. Subsequently, the Adena culture was the dominant influence in West Virginia in the year 500 B.C. The Adena Indians would use ceremonial pipes almost like works of art. They were also called the Woodland Indians. They lived in round wicker-sided and bark sheet roofed houses — wigwams and grew sunflowers, gourds, and squash. Their community had farmers and cultivators. They also reared dogs as pets. The formation of West Virginia as a state in the U.S. was a tumultuous one due to the sectional differences that existed within it. In fact, around 2,000 residents had even petitioned for the creation of a 14th colony that would be named ‘Westsylvania.’ This colony would have included Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania if the petition had been approved by the Continental Congress. In 1829, the Virginia Constitutional Convention met in Richmond to discuss reforms to Virginia’s outdated constitution. Philip Doddridge wanted western Virginians to get a more democratic system of government but these desires were rejected by leaders from east of the Alleghenies. The state of Virginia voted to break away from the United States during the time of the Civil War in 1861. This was unsuccessful, leading to the formation of the state called West Virginia which would be in support of the Union. When the American Civil War occurred, Virginia almost left the United States and was all set to join the Confederate States. However, on April 20, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made a decision that changed history as we know it — he declared that West Virginia would be a part of the U.S. as a separate state. Virginia became a member of the Union in 1863. By 1864, the informal celebration of West Virginia Day was common and it formally became a state holiday in 1927. After the formation of the state, there was also some discourse regarding making the city of Wheeling the capital. In 1870, Charleston became the capital instead, but the decision was again reversed to make Wheeling the capital in 1875. To solve the matter once and for all, a statewide vote took place in 1877, and Charleston was finally elected as the capital. Every year on West Virginia Day, ample festivities take place across the state, as well as in the Charleston capitol complex. Seeing the complicated history of West Virginia, it is not a surprise that people go all out in celebrating its creation. #PhoenixDelivers #westvirginia

Today is #Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognizing this date in 1865 when slaves in #Texas were told they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Some migrated to #Indiana and stayed until their death and were buried in segregated cemeteries. One site was recently uncovered at a proposed location for a new 20,000-seat sports stadium in Indianapolis. The discovery has paused the project for now. Eunice Trotter, director of the Black Heritage Preservation Program for the nonprofit Indiana Landmarks, said the cemetery is one of many. "All over Indiana, there are Black cemeteries that are attached, typically to AME churches," Trotter explained. "The African American population was buried in the city's first cemetery, which opened in 1821 in the area between Kentucky Avenue and White River. And of course, there was segregation then, like there is even still today." The stadium proposal includes connecting the east and west bank to White River, with the future Henry Street Bridge across the lower southern area of the cemetery. City officials own almost two of 24 acres at the site. Trotter estimates at least 650 burials are there. The price tag for excavation and memorialization is $12 million. As accusations grow of increased efforts to erase Black history in America, there are fears more segregated cemeteries nationwide are being eyed for future projects. Trotter noted these locations present the least resistance. "They are in areas where the land is typically devalued, disinvestment, and abandonment," Trotter pointed out. "They become easy targets for development. Even here in Indiana, farmers who plant crops over cemeteries, when they are tending to their farm, they uncover headstones." In 2020, #Congress signed the African American Burial Grounds Network Act into law. The measure establishes a National Park Service program to provide grants and technical assistance to local partners to research, identify, survey and preserve Black cemeteries.

California

Reposting this for 2 reasons: 1) If you love the Sierra Nevada🏔️, it’s important to know how much good work is happening to conserve this globally unique mountain range. Thanks to Sierra Nevada Conservancy and so many others.🙌🏽 2) This is a great way to share progress!💡The story map is short, clear and to-the-point. A great example of moving beyond long pages of reports. Kudos Sierra Nevada Conservancy!

🌿 Important Announcement Regarding Altona Memorial Park 🌿 Dear LinkedIn Community, I wanted to take a moment to address recent events concerning the theft of memorial plaques at Altona Memorial Park, managed by The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. While we acknowledge the immediate concern surrounding these incidents, it's essential to recognise the broader implications at play. The removal of memorials from a cemetery or any landscape is a multifaceted issue with profound implications for our cultural, social, environmental, and political landscapes. From a human geography perspective, this removal touches upon various critical aspects: 🏛 Cultural Impact: Memorials serve as poignant symbols, reflecting the beliefs and values of those they commemorate. Their removal can disrupt the continuity of cultural narratives and historical significance. 🤝 Social Dynamics: Cemeteries are sacred spaces for communal remembrance and reflection. Alterations to the landscape can significantly impact social interactions and ignite tensions among diverse groups. 🌍 Environmental Concerns: It's important to consider the environmental footprint associated with memorial production, including resource extraction and the potential for habitat destruction, resource depletion and modern slavery. 💪 Power and Representation: Decisions surrounding memorialisation are inherently linked to power dynamics, often raising questions of equitable representation and social justice. As professionals, there's an opportunity for us to engage in deeper reflection and dialogue on these complex issues. Let's come together to explore themes of grief, loss, and memorialisation, while considering the diverse perspectives and stakeholders involved. Your understanding and support are deeply appreciated as we navigate these challenges together. #Memorialisation #CemeteryCulture #CulturalLandscape #SocialReflection #EnvironmentalAwareness #CommunityDialogue #GriefJourney #RememberingTogether #CemeteryManagement #HeritagePreservation Image Credit: Altona Park, The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

Did you know at the peak of Black landownership, Black Americans owned over 16 million acres of land? Today, much of that land has been lost due to the economic and social barriers historically put in place limiting Black landowners’ ability to reap the economic and ecological benefits of their properties. Through NWF’s Longleaf for All Landowner Mentorship Program, this problem is being addressed by offering estate planning educational events to further protect Black-owned land. 🤝 This Black History Month, let’s keep in mind that racial injustices fuel environmental degradation, and vice versa. Investing in Black land ownership is an investment in sustainable forest management. Learn more 📲 https://ow.ly/Z50450QC5Pm #BlackHistoryMonth #LandOwnership #PrivateLands #Forests #LandManagement

Have you ever considered the profound impact of preserving history for future generations? 🕰️ As a passionate Rotarian and the Grant Chair for my club, I've been deeply involved in a project that's close to my heart. We're on a mission to help the Elizabethtown Historical Society with much-needed repairs to their building—a cornerstone of our community's heritage. The wear and tear of time don't just affect us individually; they also touch the places that hold our collective memories. The Elizabethtown Historical Society has been a custodian of our past, but now it's our turn to ensure its future. Writing a district grant proposal is more than just a formal request for funds. It's a narrative that weaves together the importance of history, the urgency of preservation, and the community's role in safeguarding our shared stories. Here are some key points I'm considering for the proposal: 1. The significance of the historical society to our community. 2. The specific repairs needed and their costs. 3. The long-term benefits of preserving the building for educational and cultural enrichment. I believe that by supporting these repairs, we're not just fixing a structure; we're restoring a treasure trove of knowledge and a beacon for community engagement. If you've been involved in similar projects or have insights to share, I'd love to hear your experiences. Your input could be invaluable in strengthening our proposal and ensuring the success of this endeavor. Let's come together to protect the legacies that shape our identity. Like this post, share your thoughts, or tag someone who understands the importance of preserving our history. Your engagement can make a real difference! #Preservation #CommunityImpact #RotaryProjects

🌍The Black Grouse Translocation Project: Our Misson We’re excited to share our groundbreaking effort to combat the decline of black grouse populations. Our project’s first phase focuses on understanding brood foraging habitats in the North Pennines. With this knowledge, the second phase aims to translocate and re-establish black grouse in the North York Moors—expanding their range to suitable areas and giving them a better chance to thrive. Using radio transmitters and GPS tags, we are tracking their movements, settlement patterns, and survival to guide moorland management and protect the species from future climate impacts. With support from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, we’ve already seen positive results—seven females tagged this spring, five nests, and three successfully hatched broods. However, as funding is coming to an end, we need your help to continue this vital work. Watch the video to learn more about how you can support our efforts to secure the future of the black grouse. Find out more about the project and show your support:https://lnkd.in/ennSVnKy #Conservation #BlackGrouse #WildlifeProtection #MoorlandManagement #SpeciesRecovery #ClimateAction #GWCT