The Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (MPCBPAA), in partnership with Knott Alone-Hold Fast Inc., a veteran-led nonprofit, has completed a unique and meaningful trail creation project at Captain Sinclair’s Recreational Area (CSRA)—one that both enhances public access and provides nature-based therapy for military veterans.

Thanks to funding from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, this initiative expands public access to one of Gloucester County’s most cherished natural properties while supporting veterans in their healing journeys.

CSRA, which has recently doubled in size from 100 to 200 acres, previously lacked any established trail system. Citizens had long requested natural pathways for birdwatching, exploration, and easier access to the site’s beauty and kayak launch points.

To meet this need, the MPCBPAA contracted Knott Alone-Hold Fast Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress through nature-based, hands-on therapy. The organization engaged veterans to plan and build between three and five miles of unimproved, environmentally sensitive trails throughout the expanded CSRA property.

“This project is a powerful example of what happens when we connect public needs with purposeful partnerships,” said Lewie Lawrence, Secretary of the MPCBPAA. “We’re proud to support a program that improves public land access while honoring and empowering the veterans who’ve served our country.”

Unlike traditional trail-building efforts, this initiative emphasized minimal impact to the environment while offering therapeutic benefits for veterans. The trails are designed to blend naturally into the landscape, preserving the pristine character of the area and opening it to underserved communities who lack access to waterfront land or boats.

With construction now complete, nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor explorers have access to trails that wind through CSRA’s diverse and scenic habitat. It also creates another space for community events to be held. Knott Alone-Hold Fast hosted a haunted Halloween trail in October 2024 that enticed hundreds of people to the property.

More importantly, the process behind the trails has provided transformational, hands-on healing for the veterans who built them.

“This trail project is a win-win for the Middle Peninsula—creating greater public access to one of the area’s most treasured assets, while giving back to those who have sacrificed for our nation,” Lawrence said.