2023 S.C. Mahi Series - Go Jolly Wins

 

Published in the June issue of Trilogy Outdoors (Click on pic for larger image)

To view past blog entires from S.C. Mahi Series click on 2022 - 2021

To view past blog entries from Edisto Dolphin Slam click on 2023 - 2022 - 2019- 2018 - 2016 

To view past blog entries about migratory dolphin off the S.C. coast click  2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2007 

To view my past stories from Trilogy Outdoors click on 2023 Yawkey Wildlife Center - 2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival - 2023 Lowcountry Oyster Festival - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father

2023 Lowcountry Land Trust - Combahee Ferry Raid at Fields Point

Chef BJ Dennis shares the Gullah Geecheee Menu

The Lowcountry Open land Trust (LLT) partnered with the Mitchelville Freedom Park and the Slave Dwelling Project to hold a gathering at Fields Point to discuss Harriet Tubman and the Combahee Ferry Raid 160 years ago. Fields Point public boat landing is on the Cambahee River, and is adjacent to Cheehaw-Combahee Plantation which is under conservation easement with LLT. About 30 guests gathered at the high bluff at Fields Point for a diner catered by Chef BJ Dennis of Gullah Geechee Cuisine, and then  heard a talk from Dr. Edda Fields-Black about the historical facts from the raid.

View of Combahee River from Fields Point boat ramp

A gentle Northeast wind was blowing, and afternoon temperatures remained comfortable for this outdoor dinner and meeting. This gathering was just one during a three-day celebration in Beaufort County of the Combahee Ferry Raid, and drew people from as far away as Columbia, and all across the Lowcountry. The Combahee River is very wide at this point and it was quite calm, but a moonlit boat ride 160 years ago would have been a harrowing undertaking, and it helps to look out from Fields Point to understand this. History was at a turning point that night, and the participants of that raid likely did not know of the historical role they would play.

Dr. Fields-Black addresses our informal gathering

 

To view past blog entries from LLT click on  2022 Brosnan Forest Sporting Clays - 2021 White House Plantation Sporting Clays - 2011 Picnic at Lavington Plantation - 2011 Annual Meeting - 2010 Picnic at Center for Birds of Prey - 2009 Annual Meeting - 2009 Picnic at Brosnan Forest / More Brosnan Pics - 2009 Colleton Soil and Water Awards 

To view past blog entries regarding Gullah Geechee click on 2021 Queen Quet - 2012 Bill Green

2023 Lowcountry Landowners Association - Holly Bluff Plantation

Dr. Andrew Bridges from Nemours
addresses the Landowners

The Lowcountry Landowners Association was formed in 2018 as an advocacy group for forestry and conservation practices in Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper Counties. The 2023 membership meeting was hosted on May 18 by Holly Bluff Plantation and Crosby Land Company. Owner Todd Crosby welcomed members to meet at his residence outside of Walterboro, and to hear from leadership about the state of the ACE Basin after 30 years of land conservation. 

Entrance Gate to Holly Bluff Plantation

          

Chris Campbell of Sheldon is the Chair of the Lowcountry Landowners Board and he spoke first. “I want to recognize Clemson extension agent Janet Steele for all her contributions to our leadership,” said Campbell. “Our landowners have a variety of interests including timber harvest, pine-straw harvest, and hunting clubs, plus family recreational pursuits in the outdoors. Our membership continues to grow each year as our mission of advocacy is heard.”

            

Joe Hamilton of Hendersonville, worked with SCDNR as a biologist before founding an organization focused on managing white-tailed deer, and addressed the ACE Basin. “The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers comprise the main boundary for The Ace Basin, but we are certainly growing outside of that area now,” said Hamilton. “The initial goal of conserving 300,000-acres of land between Charleston and Hilton Head has been achieved and now we look forward to broadening what Aldo Leopold refers to as a ‘Blank Spot’ on the Map.” The list of conservation groups that partner together in this type effort is extensive, running the gamut from governmental entities to grass roots players, like the Edisto Island Open Land Trust.

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Landowners click on 2022 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 

To view past blog entries about landowner meetings click on  2016 Kershaw County Landowners - 2016 Longleaf Alliance - 2014 Quail Habitat Workshop - 2011 Tri-County Forestry Association - ACE Basin - S.C. Prescribed Fire Council - Savannah River Preserve - Herbicide - Mayfield Garden Club