Conservationists convene to protect diverse habitats

Conservationists convene at an Edisto Island oyster roast 

The fall season renews the conviction for many that a day spent outdoors is a good day. Punctuating those outdoor notions is the arrival of cooler than normal weather during November. With Lowcountry populations set to increase, all of the outdoor pursuits can go away if we don’t preach and practice conservation. These three organizations help to celebrate conservation across the broad spectrum of habitat in the coastal plain.

There may be no better example of ACE Basin protection involving the conservation of uplands and marine areas than Edisto Island. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) convened for an oyster roast at historic Sunnyside Plantation on one of the prettiest days in November. With the help of local leaders EIOLT has conserved around 50-percent of Edisto Island, and they are looking to do more.

            
New EIOLT Executive Director John Girault is still settling in to his position, after relocating to his catbird seat of conservation in the ACE Basin. “The conservation ethic in this region of the Lowcountry is exceptionally strong,” said Girault. “Next year marks our 20th anniversary and we placed two conservation easements on strategic properties in 2013.” The landowners that are willing and able to preserve the natural integrity of Edisto Island are not unlike those across the coastal plain who place a high value on the protection of both woods and waters.

To view the remainder of my feature article on conservation click Charleston Mercury.

To view past blog entries about conservation
click on Tall TImbers, The Nature Conservancy,
and Edisto Island Open Land Trust.