Brayton Willis and the Future of the North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail Project

Ana Johnson – Kennesaw State University

The evolution of the North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail Project has heightened in eager engagement over the past year. The environmental effort promotes sustainable economic development through North Carolina’s cultural and natural resources. With local partners such as the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation, National Park Service and North Carolina Rice Festival, the project has gradually expanded its meticulous work plan to fulfill the vision.

Brayton Willis, a retired civil engineer and Leland citizen, has been involved with environmental and climate restoration in the Cape Fear Region for many years. Currently, he serves as the   Secretary of the North Carolina NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, where he sheds light on the challenges of environmental injustice across the surrounding areas of North Carolina. In relation to Brunswick County, Willis has successfully developed several strategic partnerships to further the establishment of the greenway/blueway trail.

Now, the North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail Project organizers are planning to form their own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We have been approached by the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation to possibly sweep this project under their 501(c)(3) for a temporary period. Although the Brunswick County NAACP was a great sponsor to get this started, we are looking to expand its capabilities further.” Willis said.

“There are multiple pieces in generating this work plan. One of those is funding,” Willis said. “We are writing grants and finding funds to ensure this project has the necessary tools to move forward. We are very fortunate to have some foundations that have been able to work with us.”

Another significant component of the project’s work plan includes the community outreach initiative expected to take place over the summer and fall season. This would involve local recreational events and interactive surveys for Brunswick and New Hanover County residents. Overall, the work plan aims to accomplish two essential activities; developing a website for the foreseeable project and organizing a master plan with assistance from the North Carolina State University and its students.

Phase one of the work plan expands on an effort involving the North Carolina State School of Landscape and Architecture, combined with the North Carolina State Coastal Dynamics Design Lab. “They will be doing a round assessment for the corridor; examining cultural sights, historical infrastructures and identifying potential greenway alignment trailheads and blueway access points.” Willis said. As these observations unfold, they will have the opportunity to get the community’s input and ideas of what they want to happen in these areas. This is expected to take effect later this year, continuing into the following year.

In phase two of the work plan, the North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail Project organizers will assemble everything completed in the previous phase to develop a schedule. By coordinating this, North Carolina State University graduate and undergraduate students can amenitize local areas and programs for the greenway/blueway trail. This is expected to take effect next year.

“We will have the master plan report released in late 2024 or early 2025, accompanied by a demonstration project. Also, we are arranging a steering committee composed of local communities and nonprofit organizations to remain on course. This is an extremely exciting opportunity for our area.” Willis said.