Exciting news! We are thrilled to share that the Dorchester Heritage Center was awarded a full grant of $90,000 to construct a trail system at our new site in Ridgeville. We’ll begin the project with two multi-use community trails, totaling nearly two miles and created with a far-reaching purpose.
Trail 1 – “The Trail That Heals” will be designed to recognize and assist individuals who suffer from PTSD and other stress related disorders. Dorchester County as well as Charleston, Berkley and Colleton Counties, have numerous veterans that suffer from PTSD and other traumatic disorders. The Trail is not exclusive to veterans; it is meant for all who suffer from this debilitating ailment including Police, Fire, EMS as well as the general public. ADA compliant pathways will offer accommodations for limited mobility visitors and wheelchairs. Integral to the trail are multiple “Healing Stations” with signage that instructs visitors in activities and exercises to relieve the impacts of PTSD.
The second trail – the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Trail – is dedicated to telling the story of our local Native American tribe, including their use of native plants for healing and health. Multiple interpretive panels will educate visitors about the tribe as they stroll through the loop. The initial trail is an approximately one-mile with an expansion planned for the future.
Both trails will have nature walks for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, walk the family dogs, bird watch, exercise, catch up with friends, and more. Our goal is to begin the system with the two trails and have them tie into other future trails. The project includes a porous-surfaced parking area with an adjacent boardwalk that crosses over a wetland area to the trailhead. We envision the trailhead as a gathering space with a raised deck platform and benches. The trailhead structure has covered trail maps, signage, bulletin board for postings, and a trail book for visitors to sign in and leave feedback. Wayfinding signage, interpretive panels and trail markers will be placed throughout to help direct visitors.
This fall, we plan to break ground and begin our work on these valuable community assets built for wellness, connection, and education. Follow along for updates on our progress.