The Ebb & Flow BLOG

President’s Log: December 15, 2020


Dear Friends,

In the Lowcountry, the holidays and oyster season go hand-in-hand. As many of us know, it’s common to find local oysters prepared in various ways to accompany our annual traditions and festive fixings. Whether it’s oyster dressing at the holiday table, gathering with friends and family for a weekend roast, or cracking open a few shells to enjoy them in their simplest form, these bivalves have much to offer.

Beyond their tasty tendencies, adult oysters can filter up to two-and-a-half gallons of water per hour and provide habitat for about 120 different species in the form of reefs. In turn, these reefs act as buffers protecting our marshes and shorelines from harmful erosion. During the oyster season, we get to shine a spotlight on what they do for us all year round. So, what can we do to ensure they continue to thrive as a crucial part of the Lowcountry landscape? Simply, recycle your shells.

By recycling your otherwise discarded shells, you help to perpetuate their renewable nature. When you drop your shells off at a designated recycling center, the shells are properly processed then re-planted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the SCDNR SCORE Program to replenish these vital oyster beds. Through this community-based conservation initiative, we can work toward preserving and enhancing these critical habitats for generations to come.

Whether you view them as good-eating or a means of sustainability, we all benefit greatly from the abundance of oysters in the Lowcountry. This season, we hope you’ll join us in giving back to this treasured natural resource. Happy shucking!

With Warm Regards,

David Ray
Acting CEO & Chief Conservation Officer
Lowcountry Land Trust

PS: There’s still time to make a year-end gift to support Lowcountry lands and waterways. We’re so grateful for your support!


As we move into the busy holiday season, we will adjust the Log portion of the update to share staff highlights from the past week.

Ashton Lamb, North Coast Project Manager, gave LLT’s new Communication Coordinator, Kate Durand, a tour of the East Branch of the Cooper River neighborhood. They discussed the importance of conservation in the area as well as the greater North Coast.

David Ray, Acting CEO & Chief Conservation Officer attended several virtual meetings, including:

A virtual meeting of the SC Conservation Bank Board. The board discussed existing funding status, prospective funding to be requested of the legislature for FY22, and the status of several projects funded in the last round awarded on September 30, 2020, including two awards to LLT totaling $1,165,000.

The final webinar of the Charleston Forum, featuring a panel discussion of “The Future of the Past” among the Rev. DeMett Jenkins, Carl Beckman, Jr., Robert Rosen, and Rep. J.A. Moore, moderated by John Simpkins.

A public Zoom meeting hosted by Charleston County regarding the Main Road Corridor Segment C Project to discuss community comments and questions.

Carl Taylor, GIS and Conservation Planning Manager, Bruce Binney, Mid Coast Project Manager, and Sam Seawell, Stewardship Associate completed a baseline fieldwork project. Additionally, Carl used the LLT drone to document a stream mitigation project.


[The President’s Log will feature a series of rotating guest writers, including LLT staff and board, as well as friends of Lowcountry Land Trust]


This edition of the Lowcountry Land Trust President’s Log is presented with support from Crosby Land Company. Thank you!

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