With its forests, thickets, marshes, rivers and creeks, the Eastern Shore’s natural landscape provided an opportunity for hundreds, and possibly thousands, of slaves to attain freedom, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. Designated as a “Place to Visit” on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, Adkins Arboretum reflects the conditions through which slaves traveled en route to freedom and serves as a dramatic vista to experience the little-known relationship between nature and the Underground Railroad.

This spring, explore this unique cross-section in history and culture with a series of guided walks led by author and historian Anthony Cohen. Walks are scheduled for Sat., April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sat., April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. Each walk is $5 for members, $10 for the general public and will be followed by refreshments and an informal conversation to discuss ongoing opportunities to interpret nature’s role in the Underground Railroad. Register at www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.

Cohen is a historian, author and explorer of the American past. He has twice walked routes of the Underground Railroad and will chronicle his third journey as a documentary film titled Patrick & Me, to be released this year. Cohen has served as consultant to the National Parks Conservation Association, Maryland Public Television and NASA, and trained Oprah Winfrey for her role as Sethe in the movie Beloved. He is founder and executive director of The Menare Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit that preserves the legacy of the Underground Railroad.

This program is partially funded by a grant from Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc. (ESHI), the managing entity of The Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. Through its Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, the Arboretum will build a new LEED-certified Arboretum Center and entranceway to broaden educational offerings and research initiatives promoting best practices in conservation and land stewardship. For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.