The Ebb & Flow BLOG

President’s Log: December 22, 2020


Dear Friends,

Season’s greetings! As we reflect on the past year, we want to recognize the even greater appreciation we’ve gained for the lands and waters that contribute to our health and well-being. This year, we’ve all had to adapt to countless changes and continually adjust our expectations. Resiliency has been paramount in our lives just as it is in our landscapes. Similar to the resilient lands we protect, we’ve had to dig deeper to persist, grow, and thrive.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced, you helped us achieve success. Your support has ensured that this year, and for years to come, we can protect and enjoy the places we love. We couldn’t do our jobs without you. On behalf of our staff and board, we wish you peace and joy this holiday season.

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.

On Tuesday, December 15th, Lowcountry Land Trust staff got together for a virtual holiday party! During this time, we took the opportunity to thank and honor Maggie Kalergis, Donor Relations Manager, as she wraps up her last week with us. Maggie has served the organization in various roles throughout her four-and-a-half-year tenure and we are so grateful for all she has done for the land trust. Join us in wishing Maggie well as she embarks on a new professional journey!

Ashton Lamb, North Coast Project Manager, attended a Berkeley County Council meeting on Monday to learn more about The Trust for Public Land’s willingness to help the county explore a bond referendum to help establish new parks and protect property from development. Watch a recording of the live event here.

On Wednesday, December 16th, David Ray, Acting CEO and Chief Conservation Officer, and Josh Bell, Land Protection Program Manager, represented Lowcountry Land Trust at the year-end meeting of the ACE Basin Task Force at Nemours Wildlife Foundation, while LLT Board member, Mac Baughman, also attended in his role as Executive Director of the East Edisto Conservancy.  In addition to discussing strategy, this partnership of three government conservation agencies, ten nonprofits, and multiple landowners was fortunate to engage with US Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Regional Director, Leo Miranda-Castro, as well as Ducks Unlimited’s Chief Conservation Officer, Karen Waldrop, and Southern Region Director, Jerry Holden.  Meeting host, Mike McShane, presented LLT with a copy of the book, Nemours Wildlife Foundation: Its History and Its Legacy, and ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge Manager, Mark Purcell, was recognized for his long and significant service to the ACE Basin Project.

On Friday, December 18th, David Ray and LLT Board chair, Scott Wallinger, met to discuss and refine land protection strategy with Johns Island Task Force leaders, as that sea island faces accelerating development pressures.


OTHER NEWS

We’re hiring! Read more about the search for our next Chief Advancement Officer and Donor Relations Manager.

[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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