stewards of the community

Written by Mark E. Lett I Photographed by Ruthe Ritterbeck

The Leaders Of These Organizations Make Life Better For The Rest Of Us

They’re out there, from one end of the island to the other. There are more of them than you might think.

They are “stewards” of Hilton Head Island — those joined and active in organizations and associations to preserve the best of the past and clear the way for a pleasing future.

Among them: Jean Fruh of The Outside Foundation, Scott Wierman from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and Eric Turpin of the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association.

They give their time, effort and best ideas to improve the island’s quality of life and range of opportunities.

The Hilton Head ecosystem is much studied and described in classrooms, films, research papers and books.

And, thanks to the folks at The Outside Foundation, islanders – especially children and students — can also see, smell, touch and get soaking wet through outdoor learning opportunities.

Through kayaking for kids, oyster shell bagging and reef restoration, the foundation is determined to promote and protect the island’s precious ecosystem.

“Tangible experiences are so important,” said Jean Fruh, executive director of the non-profit The Outside Foundation, based in Shelter Cove.

Fruh points to the foundation’s Kids in Kayaks initiative, inspired by two middle school teachers. The program enables Beaufort County 7th graders to kayak local salt marshes and tidal rivers for handson learning.

Since the program was launched in the late 1990s, more than 5,000 students, teachers and chaperones have enjoyed the experience, accompanied by master naturalists and conservationists.

The foundation’s ongoing concern for the coastal environment is emphasized by its highly successful support for oyster shell recycling and bed restoration. Launched in 2018, the ambitious program is dedicated to returning oyster shells to the ecosystem.

Oyster reefs are critical habitats for more than 120 species of marine life. Bed restoration created by bagging and strategically placing shells helps create a “living shoreline” along Hilton Head’s waterways.

Some 16 area restaurants participate, as well, by contributing shells. Since the program began, the foundation and a small army of volunteers have combined to gather some 150 tons of shells and build 16 oyster reefs.

“Sustainability of the natural beauty that surrounds us depends on providing all young residents of Beaufort County with opportunities to directly connect with the remarkable ecosystem of our tidal creeks, salt marshes and other natural spaces,” said Fruh.