Dear Friends,
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” – Norman Maclean
Here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, our waterways may contribute as much to the fabric of our lives as the very land masses on which we live. They provide us with water to drink and are the source of many of the foods that most characterize our home. In our free time, we enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, paddling, surfing, and boating. I recently read an article in Outside Magazine that discusses the mental and physical benefits that are provided simply by going fishing. As an avid fisherman myself, I certainly believe that these waterways and the opportunities that they afford us can be critical to maintaining our health and wellbeing. However, the great privilege of living here does not come without challenges and responsibilities.
The Mid Coast region, bordered to the south by the Edisto River, is home to multiple river systems including the Ashley, Stono, Cooper, and Wando Rivers. It also boasts a string of sea islands and beach communities that extends along the coast, each with its own unique character. Centrally located within the region, and surrounded by the harbor, lies the Charleston peninsula. Other urban areas radiate outward from it further extending into more rural communities. This dynamic blend of places and land uses leaves us with an exciting challenge: how do we accommodate both the growth that we are currently experiencing as well as that which we anticipate in the future—and carefully navigate environmental issues such as flooding and sea level rise—all while protecting the natural landscape that defines our sense of place?
At Lowcountry Land Trust, it is our mission to protect land and water forever, nurture relationships between people and place, and connect conservation to community. The lands that we work to protect, in exchange, provide us with vital ecosystem services, such as floodwater storage and filtration. As sea levels continue to rise, we can plan ahead and allow for migration of marshes by establishing protected buffers around our waterways and wetlands, preserving not only these valuable ecosystems themselves but also the benefits that they provide to us. Through collaboration with our conservation partners, elected officials, and community members, we engage the issues that face the Lowcountry and attempt to identify and implement strategies to address them. I had a professor in college who would remind us that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure because we have a limited ability to cure.” Approaching the Lowcountry’s challenges with the appropriate measure of forethought and planning is crucial as we move forward.
I didn’t grow up here, and I have a good friend who is always willing to remind me of that, but the Lowcountry is now my home. I am grateful to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to play a role in shaping its future—along with you!
Best regards,
Bruce E. Binney
Mid Coast Project Manager
Lowcountry Land Trust
Monday, August 10th: Carl Taylor, GIS & Conservation Planning Manager, prepared for his Federal Aviation Administration drone pilot certification test. With this new certification, Carl will be able to fly the drone commercially to support LLT’s work.
Tuesday, August 11th: Nathan Moyer, Senior Stewardship Program Manager, began assessing LLT’s stewardship activity tracking on the data management system, ConservationTrack. He also monitored two protected properties in Hollywood.
Wednesday, August 12th: The LLT Advancement Committee met for the first time in the new fiscal year to discuss plans for FY21.
Thursday, August 13th: Sam Seawell, Stewardship Associate, monitored eight properties in the ACE Basin, located along Horseshoe and Chessey Creeks, both tributaries to the Ashepoo River. All of these properties are managed for wildlife and Sam saw at least 30 wild turkeys throughout the day.
A rafter of wild turkeys with a number of healthy poults in tow.
Friday, August 14th: Alison Cercy, Conservation Coordinator, monitored 12 properties in the South Lowcountry region (SoLo) in Estill and Hampton Counties.
OTHER NEWS
We’re Hiring: Lowcountry Land Trust seeks an experienced self-driven philanthropy professional with a passion for nonprofit excellence. The Chief Advancement Officer works closely with the President & CEO and Board of Trustees to chart the strategic direction of the Advancement department and advancement initiatives. Learn more about this opportunity and apply here.
LLT also seeks a Communications Coordinator who will assist in telling the story of our organization, providing a consistent brand voice and messaging across all LLT communication channels, and ensuring the overall integrity of the LLT brand. Learn more about this opportunity and apply here.
You Can Go Home: This heartfelt article from Clemson World was shared among the staff as one of the feel-good reads of the week. We hope you enjoy.