SoLo / SRP easement donor recognition

Host Wise Batten speaks before the gathered conservationists 

DU's Kenny Williams and Brett Baker, join Lane and Lucille Morrison

Co-hosts Mr. and Mrs. Art Fields of Longfield Plantaion

Comer Morrison talks turkey with Betsy and Wise Batten Jr.

A spring luncheon was held in Robertville to honor the landowners who placed conservation easements on their properties within the South Lowcountry (SoLo) Focus Area. A protected property in the Savannah River Preserve, called Black Swamp, hosted the gathering under gray and rainy skies - but the conservation crowd travels well in any weather and a strong turnout was recorded. A buffet lunch was served under the portico at the Gathering Shed facility, before a lecture on the unique botanical treasures found in the area was presented by Charleston's Dr. Richard Porcher. Don Dyches presided over the recognition of landowners, who were presented certificates to mark the easements they have granted in the South Lowcountry Focus Area. Representatives were on hand from Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and Lowcountry Open Land Trust to make things official. A steady downpour of rain this day recharged the bottomlands of the Lowcountry, and concerned private landowners are organizing to preserve habitat for all time, whether it be a drought, or one of the wet periods in the Savannah River floodplain. The SRP's motto reads: Land, Wildlife, Tradition - and educating others about the benefits of conservation is an ongoing mission of their leadership.

For past hunt reports from the SRP area click here
For past blog entries about SoLo / SRP meetings click here.
To view the Nature Conservancy newsletter featuring Billy and Karen Exley click here.