Anacostia Trails Heritage Area outlines grants, PG C250 activities and Bowie partnerships

Meg Bocko, Executive Director of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (a county-focused 501(c)(3) that operates within the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority program), presented to the council on the organization's mission, partnership opportunities, and grant programs.

Bocko described the group's focus on "community tourism" — combining heritage, cultural and eco-tourism while ensuring projects benefit residents. She highlighted past and current projects including civil-rights public-history signage, trail-connectivity work (with Bowie planning and economic development staff), and partnerships that supported rehabilitation and public-access improvements (examples cited in Hyattsville and Fort Washington).

Bocko explained that membership in a heritage area can boost eligibility and competitiveness for state programs. She cited the Maryland Heritage Areas Program (roughly $5.1 million distributed statewide in the current cycle) and said competitive capital grants can be up to $100,000. Bocko also promoted pgc250 (Prince George's County semi-quincentennial) activity planning and invited the city to participate in a Bowie block party planned for May 30 in front of the Bowie Branch Library and Performing Arts Center.

Councilmembers asked about specific past Bowie grants (Railroad Park and museum work), the amount and timelines for grant cycles, and possible local project ideas such as work at Belair Mansion. Bocko encouraged council volunteers to serve on the organization's municipal committee and offered contact information for follow-up.