Page 91 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

GIVING BACK
Seeing a need for safe, natural places for walking and riding bikes, a group of citizens came together in 2010 to form the Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Everything they promote is available to the public. Executive Director Geneva Dummer explains the group’s mission. “Heritage Trails Partnership is a group of citizens who advocate for and support the vision of a safe, coast-wide network of diverse trails that connect neighborhoods to businesses, schools, green spaces, and blue spaces where everyone can enjoy scenic, historic, educational, and natural areas. We believe a healthy physical and mental lifestyle is achievable through easy access to natural, safe outdoor spaces.”
They are funded through memberships,
private donations, and grants. Also, they offer consulting and research services as opportunities arise that align with their vision, mission, and scope.
“An active, healthy lifestyle is commonly associated with a reduction
in risk for heart attacks, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and it positively contributes to calorie burn, a stronger immune system, better sleep quality, and cardiovascular health,” Dummer says. “Additionally, people who participate in outdoor activity have reported they typically experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood and self-esteem, enhanced cognitive function, and greater motivation.”
Trails aren’t just paths in the woods. They are paved and unpaved surfaces that connect people to the places they
want to go. “We focus on connecting the Coast—one trail at a time in the hope that eventually every doorstep might be considered a trailhead and that more people will feel comfortable and encouraged to at least get up and walk around their neighborhood if not venture to the nearest park or bus stop,” Dummer says.
Plans for 2026 include continued work regarding awareness of the Regional Complete Streets Policy, continued support of active lifestyle initiatives and events hosted by other organizations, launching their “quick fix” sidewalk repair project, and the creation of a pop- up downtown beautification plan. You can help by becoming a partner and/or completing the Safe Routes and Surface Report surveys on their website.
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Heritage Trails Partnership
www.gulfcoasttrails.org 228.207.0844
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