Charleston Parks Conservancy 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

01 | Annual Report 2023

MISSION To inspire the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community.

02 | Annual Report 2023

BOARD OF DIRECTORS GEORGE BULLWINKEL JESSICA GIBADLO MARY TILT HAMMOND SEAN HOLLERAN GREER HOSTETTER JASON KRONSBERG HARRY LESESNE M. ANTHONY MCALISTER, JR. CHARLES MCLENDON, CHAIR REV. MATTHEW RIVERS KATHARINE ROBINSON ALYSANN SIEREN AMANDA SLADE SEAN SYKES LESLIE TURNER

STAFF ELLIOT ACEVEDO KATIE BELL KELLEN GOODELL SAM HAAB DARLENE HEATER BECCA HUDSON KAYLA HUFF ROBERT MCCOMBS SAM OWEN SYDNEY SCHWIEBERT GILZA SMITH EMILY TOPHAM ALISON WARBURTON KATE WHITE

PLANTING SEEDS OF A GREENER FUTURE

A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends and Supporters, Reflecting on the past year, we're proud to share the 2023 Annual Report for the Charleston Parks Conservancy, highlighting the efforts and advocacy at the heart of our endeavors.One of our most significant achievements was our instrumental role in passing the City of Charleston's $70 million parks bond referendum. Through leading community meetings, conducting media interviews, and leveraging our digital platforms, we rallied support and shared the importance of this referendum with our supporters. This landmark decision signifies a substantial investment in the future of our parks, guaranteeing they stay vibrant, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come.

Beyond advocacy at the policy level, we've been deeply engaged in addressing community needs through our parks, assets and staff expertise. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we're working to ensure that our community has equitable access to nutritious, local, and organic produce through an edible landscape inside a park. The Food Forest in the Ardmore area of West Ashley at Mulberry Park, initially funded by the SC Forestry Commission, is meticulously crafted to function as an inclusive food hub. It offers hands-on educational experiences for community members to learn about eco-friendly gardening practices while providing free access to nutritious fresh produce.

Furthermore, our involvement in the Union Pier redevelopment underscores our dedication to being proactive agents of positive change. We are eager to contribute our expertise and resources to collaborative solutions prioritizing environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable development. Internally, we've undergone leadership transitions that have had a significant impact, further enhancing our already strong team. We welcomed four new and active board members, appointed a new executive director, and added new staff members with extensive experience, positioning the Conservancy to tackle the complex challenges facing our parks with creativity and resilience.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, our advocacy role will continue to grow. We envision a future where our parks serve as catalysts for social, environmental, and economic progress. By championing inclusive policies, fostering meaningful partnerships, and amplifying community voices, we are committed to realizing this vision.

It's important to remember that the Charleston Parks Conservancy is 100% community-funded. We rely on the unwavering support and involvement of individuals like you to fulfill our mission of restoring and maintaining our parks as invaluable resources for the community and visitors. Together, we have the power to make a tangible difference in the lives of Charleston residents and the health of our environment.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our shared vision. Together, let's continue to cultivate a greener, healthier, and more vibrant Charleston for all.

CHARLES MCLENDON CHAIRMAN

DARLENE HEATER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

03 | Annual Report 2023

Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park underwent a horticultural enhancement in 2023. The horticulture and volunteer team worked hard defining beds, cleaning out overgrown shrubs, removing palm and camphor seedlings, and adding beautiful colors around the pavilion.

These additions and enhancements allow for year-round vibrant color and a pollinator-friendly habitat in the middle of Hampton Park. By 2024, the Rose Pavilion will be a stunning place for gatherings, Conservancy events and all parkgoers to enjoy.

Special thanks to the City of Charleston Horticulture Department, Moore Farms, and MUSC for their efforts and collaboration on this project.

05 | Annual Report 2023

CULTIVATING STUNNING GREEN SPACES High-quality parks contribute to a greater quality of life, and great parks build strong communities. We do this by uniting local resources, leveraging support, and organizing volunteers to be stewards of Charleston's urban parks. We rally support and catalyze action to cultivate stunning city green spaces to ensure that Charleston will be a wonderous, welcoming, and active place now and for future generations.

06 | Annual Report 2023

PROVIDING STEWARDSHIP FOR OUR PARKS The Charleston Parks Conservancy’s horticulturists are fixtures in our parks, expertly caring for plants, wildlife, and park features and growing resilient and diverse ecosystems. We are leaders in sustainable park and greenspace development and work to protect natural resources in and for parks. Volunteer and corporate engagement complement our team’s work.

974 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED OVER 6,920 HOURS OF WORK IN THE PARKS.

The Conservancy offered three new volunteer opportunities that highlighted the work expanding within our community gardens. These included our new Harvest Helper, Pollinator Caretaker, and Bouquet Maker volunteers.

These new opportunities quickly became some of our most popular, and we had an incredible team of volunteers harvesting our cut flowers at Medway Community Garden, creating bouquets, and caring for our pollinator spaces.

07 | Annual Report 2023

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES Light the Lake, the Conservancy’s largest free community event saw record engagement and attendance with about 3,000 attendees at Colonial Lake. New for 2023, a holiday movie theater-worthy showing of ‘Elf’ premiered on a 60 ft. screen at Moultrie Playground, a food truck village lined Ashley Avenue with multiple vendors; all four corners of Colonial Lake held artists’ vignettes to engage attendees as well as encourage exploration of the park, Publix sponsored carriage photobooth with over 300 participants, and reusable eco-friendly glass mason jar luminaries supported by the community brought the lake to light for the evening.

08 | Annual Report 2023

The 13th annual Party for the Parks, with its twist on the fan-favorite ‘Miami Vice,’ raised over $200,000 to support our parks through the Conservancy’s work. The vital funds raised bolster free community programming year-round, enhance and elevate the horticulture in 24 of the City of Charleston parks, and what is core to us - to connect people to their parks and each other.

09 | Annual Report 2023

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THEIR PARKS The Charleston Parks Conservancy produces year-round programming in recreation, education, health and wellness, horticulture, visual and performing arts, and seasonal events. We aspire to create unique experiences that invite communities to connect with their parks. We are grateful to our corps of volunteers, partners, and supporters who help us sustain our work in building strong, livable communities.

The Grow it Forward program donated over 4,200 pounds of fresh, organic produce to local partners—our most significant annual harvest since its inception in 2014! These partners included Amor Healing Kitchen, Stone Soup Collective, CCPL’s Free and Fresh Community Fridge Program, Joseph Floyd Manor, The Pink House, and Laundry Matters.

These donations provided approximately 3,581 meals to some of Charleston’s most vulnerable populations, including people facing critical health challenges, older adults, and those experiencing food insecurity.

Produce grown at each of the three community gardens (Magnolia, Medway and Corrine Jones) included a wide variety of organic and heirloom crops.

In addition, our community garden program engaged over 60 volunteers in hands-on workshops for mushroom inoculation and honey extraction.

10 | Annual Report 2023

More than 900 people gave their time and energy to the Conservancy’s mission and our parks in 2023, participating in the renovations and upkeep of the parks. They planted, watered, and harvested flowers and vegetables donated to fellow community members. They bring events like Teddy Bear Picnic and Light the Lake to life. We are incredibly grateful for their time, whether it was one hour or one hundred hours.

INDIVIDUAL donating more than 25 hours

CORPORATE ACREL Advanced Technology International (ATI) Auro Hotels Booz Allen Hamilton Beemok Hospitality Collection Blackbaud Ceridian Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club Charleston Jewish Federation Charleston Junior Women’s Club Davidson College Elliott Davis First National Bank Frampton Construction Greystar Hazen and Sawyer HDR, Inc. Hilton Club Liberty Place Huron Consulting ICL

JMT Joint Base Charleston Lee & Associates McMillan PLLC Morrison Yard Motley Rice Pattison’s Academy Phi Alpha Delta - Charleston School of Law Porter Gaud Providence UMC Youth Group Raymond James REI Sundrops Montessori The Beach Company The Limited by Marriott TI & NTG Trident Academy United States Air Force West Ashley High School DECA Club Western Kentucky University

Katie Adkins Angela Allard Rachel Barry Lauren Bryant Mary Casey Patricia Chaney Journey Clark Claudia Cohen Ellen Colehower Christine Cotton Laura Dubato Sandra Eulas Mathew Foster Katharine Freiberg

Claire Fund Melissa Furr Margaret Gale Keilin Gamboa-Salazar Judy Gilman Lee Graybeal Kathleen Gunning Anwar Harris Peter Hodson Laurie Hull Fran Hummel Paul Keefer Aaron Knight John Kowaluk

Hank LaRue Annie Marie Lewis Courtney Long Meghan Lord David Marconi Richard May Sue McClinton Karen Oliver Shelly Ozark Dereck Patterson Kitanna Pichay Cynthia Post Layton Register Sam Reipke

Scott Rideout Joseph Romero Joe Rotter Marlene Rotter Jose Saravia Nancy Scheurer Carmenzetta Simmons Guerry Tamsberg Meg Thompson Meagan Trotta Erin Walker Amber Weakley Marlene Williamon Andrea Wojnarski

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BUILD AND ENHANCE PARKS FOR ALL Advocating for open space infrastructure to ensure strong, livable communities is vital work for the Conservancy. We partner and collaborate with government, nonprofit, and private industry to create and fund the most dynamic, extraordinary, and engaging spaces.

This past spring, our horticulture staff, volunteers, community gardeners, and neighbors in the Riverland Terrace neighborhood converted an underutilized turf area at our Medway Community Garden to a Pollinator Friendly Habitat. The work included a complete renovation of the 2,000 square foot area, the addition of ADA-accessible pathways with wheelchair and movement-impaired accessible 32" raised garden beds, and over 30 different species of pollinator-friendly plants.

Thanks to Bee City Charleston and the BeeCause project, we can continue to promote biodiversity in our parks, large or small. This new park space also complements our Grow It Forward program with fruit-bearing species and serves as a model for home gardeners interested in creating their own pollinator habitats.

12 | Annual Report 2023

Improving quality of life and building strong communities is critical to a healthy city. Charleston Trees advocates for trees in urban spaces to revitalize Charleston’s tree canopy in our parks, our green spaces, and our neighborhoods.

670 NATIVE TREES GIVEN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS AT NO COST. With the mission of increasing Charleston’s urban tree canopy, we made an impact in Charleston through free tree giveaways to residents. To accomplish this goal, we partnered with Duke Energy’s PowerPlantSC to host five native tree giveaways. Homeowners could register for two trees and pick between six native tree species such as native Fringetrees, Black Gums, Southern Magnolias, and Eastern Redbuds.

Two “Talkin’ Trees” informational sessions were hosted at the Charleston Parks Conservancy office. These talks were led by City of Charleston Urban Forester David Grant and sponsored by Charleston Tree Experts. The “Talkin’ Trees” lectures allow citizens to learn from arboriculture industry experts and ask questions about specific topics or concerns, leading to informed decisions in their own outdoor area and community.

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DELIVERING ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE NEW STAFF MEMBERS Elliot Acevedo fell in love with plants at an early age and continued his passion in horticulture at the Conservancy. His background working in Charleston’s historic gardens and premier residential landscaping make him an asset in continuing to connect people to their parks.

Darlene Heater serves as Executive Director and CEO. She is known for her strong and effective relationships with municipal partners, elected officials, community, non-profit, and business leaders and for her solid track record of advancing and completing priorities.

Gilza Smith joined the Conservancy after 17 years as office manager of a growing architectural firm. Previously, she was the caretaker at an Art Museum inside Waveny Park.

This experience forged a strong connection with nature to this day.

Ali Warburton became the Event Manager in September. Her four years working in events at The Post and Courier prepared her for meaningful work in the non-profit world. With a strong interest in gardening, sustainability, health, wellness, and the outdoors, this position was a natural fit.

Katie Bell joined the Conservancy in May 2023 and is now the Director of Programs. As a certified Agriculture Education teacher, she continues to focus on educational programming throughout all of our parks and green spaces at the Conservancy.

Sydney Schweibert joined the horticulture team and has experience in greenhouse growing, garden maintenance, floristry, garden retail, and volunteer management. Her love of creating 3D beauty is satisfied when designing living art displays.

Emily Topham served as Membership Liaison and Programs Director for the Charleston Horticultural Society before becoming Development Manager with the Conservancy. Prior to entering the nonprofit world, she worked as a research associate for a local real estate consulting firm.

Our commitment to excellence is achieved because we believe in hiring the most qualified and passionate talent. We invest in people and places to continue developing our team.

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NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS Sean Holleran, Team Leader and Vice President of Southern First Bank, brings his 15 years of experience leading high-performing sales teams in the financial services industry to the Board. His commitment to community service is reflected in his advocacy for local charities and nonprofits in South Carolina. Recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “Diversity Leaders” Award and the 2021 Charleston Businessperson of the Year, Sean’s passion for the community also extends to his involvement with other organizations.

Amanda Slade, a Multifamily Asset Management and development Analyst at The Beach Company, advocates for preserving parks and green spaces. Having witnessed Charleston’s growth and development since moving there in 2005, Amanda is passionate about maintaining parks to protect the city’s history and memories.

Her commitment to supporting underserved communities through park initiatives aligns with the Conservancy’s goal of creating clean and safe spaces for all residents to enjoy and engage.

Reverend Matthew Rivers Jr., leader at the startup Truth and Life Kingdom Ministry in North Charleston, extends his spiritual commitment and leadership to the Board. With a background in real estate and import/export, Rivers answered the call to serve the Lord at the age of 10. His passion for discipleship, leading people, and fostering healthy families aligns seamlessly with the Conservancy’s mission. Rivers is a theologian with a Master of Divinity from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.

Leslie Turner, Broker in Charge at Maison Real Estate, is a former marketing strategist for CNN, TNT, and Cartoon Network who blends her deep knowledge of local history and expertise in real estate. Her skills in positioning and selling properties complement her legal background as a licensed attorney and certified mediator. Her commitment to guiding clients through property investment decisions reflects her passion for helping people love where they live. As a resident of downtown Charleston since 2001, Turner understands the community’s nuances and cherishes residing in Charleston.

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2023 IMPACTS

24

parks under Conservancy stewardship.

140

25,000+

new plants were installed to address environmental and climate concerns while providing beautiful natural respites in our parks.

54

6,920

hours were donated to assist in watering, gardening, harvesting, and more by 456 volunteers.

4,297

caps of mushrooms harvested and donated to local organizations that aid in food scarcity. 140 caps is equivalent to over 13.5 pounds.

events and education programs held in our parks and green spaces. This averages more than one event per week.

pounds of produce cultivated and harvested, then donated to local organizations to improve food insecurity in our community.

1,760

300+

70+

square feet of turf space converted into a productive habitat with edible and native plants at Medway Park and Community Garden.

different plant species maintained in the parks and community gardens.

varieties of vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs, including heritage and heirlooms, grown in the community gardens.

18 | Annual Report 2023

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Contributions One

23.7%

Fundraising Two Events

11%

Sponsorships Three

8.3%

Grants/Foundations Four

2.9%

Government Five Support

10%

In-Kind/Other Six

7.3%

Earned SEven Revenue

1%

Restricted Eight Funding

3.7%

Reserve Nine Draw

32.1%

TOTAL REVENUE $2,493,007

Park One Renovations

11.4%

Management Two and General

10.2%

Fundraising Three

7.2%

Ongoing Four Park Care

38.6%

Community Five Gardens

16.1%

Community Six Engagement

16.5%

TOTAL EXPENSES $2,493,007

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2023 DONORS $25,000 + City of Charleston Colbert Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation The Darla Moore Foundation Diageo Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation First National Bank Icebox Innovative Beverage Services The Speedwell Foundation

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$10,000 - $24,999 The Beach Company The Bee Cause Project Branch Properties LLC Baylye Burnette Ross Cameron Charleston Trident Association of Realtors HDR Foundation - Young Professionals Grant

Magnolias Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLendon, Jr. Morrison Yard Pathfinder Foundation Theodora Park Fund of the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund US Foods

$5,000 - $9,999 Access Healthcare Bank of America Bartlett Tree Experts Beemok Hospitality Collection Carolina Rides The Cassina Group DesignWorks LLC Michael and Sue Dougherty

Fox Events The Exchange Company The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Good South Harvest Catering David and Isabel Hopkins Christopher Latham Mr. and Mrs. Westin Lord

Maison Real Estate Paul Netter Publix Super Markets Charities David Rawle and Carol Perkins John M. Rivers, Jr. Roper St. Francis Healthcare Donna and Richard Tadler

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2023 DONORS CONTINUED $2,500 - $4,999 82 Queen Bevi Bene Brewing Company Maggie Brady Braxton Crim Art Direction + Design Brickhouse, Fox and Werner Families Charleston Grill Charleston Magazine Chipper Dog BBQ Kellen and Katherine Cooney Bob Crutchfield The Employees Community Fund of Boeing South Carolina Fidelity Charitable Trust Paul Freestone Grill 225 Stephen and Mary Hammond Happy Homes Property Manager Kacie and Kacie Highsmith

Jessica Hofford and Myles Brandt Ross and Greer Hostetter Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop John and Sarah Kaczmar Lavinia and Maximilian Klietmann Kelsey Kool Sally Lovejoy Ma'am Saab The Mark Elliott Motley Foundation Chris Moss Kerrie Murphy Nolan Transportation Group Lizzy Pallotta Katie Perez-Phillips Elizabeth Perrine The Post and Courier Foundation PDA Publix

Dave and Tara Skirzenski Refuel Operating Company, LLC Rheos Rosemary & Rye Catering Rudy Royale Scoops-Wheely Good Ice Cream Sorelle Paul Stoyanoff Susan-BH Designs, LLC Ford Sean and Bridget Sykes Leslie Turner Gabe Tuvek Valbridge Property Advisors Veronica Beard WebsterRogers LLP Zaxby's

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$1,000 - $2,499 Alerion, LLC Anonymous Austen & Gowder, LLC Bailey Nurseries Katherine Boyette Brooke Brewer George Bullwinkel David Caraviello Carolina Landscape, Inc. William Carpenter David Carter Charleston Radio Group Charleston Tree Experts Charleston Horticultural Society Laura Colton Community Foundation of New Jersey Sam Easley eGroup Elvis Service Company Sara and Erik Engstrom EventWorks Rentals Patty Floersheimer In Memory of Dr. William W. Fort Jessica and Brent Gibadlo William Gregorie Greystar

Marie Gross and Kevin Fitzgerald Gwynns of Mount Pleasant Nancy Hall Elizabeth Heck Dirk and June Hoffius Steve and Susan Hoffius Hooser Legal Counsel LLC ICL Growing Solutions Carolyn Jennings Hayden Jennings William and CJ Kerr Kiawah Partners Lesemann & Associates, LLC Leucadia Coast Properties, LLC Liollio Architecture, PC Lowcountry ReLeaf Endowment of Coastal Community Foundation of SC Thomas Maher Michael and Susan Master Carrie McDermott Kelly Megeath Austin Nelson Lauren Netter Adrienne Nickol Mark & Diana Permar Plugs Appliance Center

Laura and Paul Raffle Mrs. Rebecca Ramsay Susan Ravenel Layton Register Katharine and Randal Robinson Tim Rogers Rotary Club of Charleston-Breakfast Beautification Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SC William and Elaine Simpson Leslie and Hunter Smith Nora Smith Smithey Ironware Co. South Carolina Ports Authority Brian and Cheryl Starer Ken and Anne Tidwell Walker Creative Warner Strategies Larry and Glenda Wetzel Mr. and Ms. Cope M. Willis Carl Wise Ronald and Pam Wyman James Yanney Steve and Suzan Zoukis

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2023 DONORS CONTINUED $500 - $999

Jon and Rochelle Altman Debbie Austin and Randall Phillips Bank of South Carolina Donna Bowers Madeline Britton Kevin and Mary Casey David and Claudia Cohen Maria Cooper David and Gail Corvette Phillip D'Elia Charles P. Darby, Jr. Patrick and Ann Marie Dolan

$100 - $499

Abbey Adams Jenny Alstad Lily and Cassidy Arnold Sara Arnold Jackie Ball Susan Barrett Ruth Barrow Rachel Barry Amanda and Walter Barton Mandi Herring Bello and Eddie Bello Jessie Bleichman and Michael Hane Marijana and Christopher Boone Lisa Bowen Susan and Gary Bowen Charlotte and Henry Brandt Elizabeth Bray Charles Bryan and Jane McFaddin Lauren Bryant Dr. and Mrs. W. Y. Buchanan, Jr. Robert and Cristina Cain Adam Cantrell and Mary French William R. Capehart III Matthew Chalifoux Charles Towne Fermentory Chris Clemens Tammy Coghill Ellen Colehower Kevin and Ginny Conlon Nigel and Kathleen Cooper David and Julia Couey Kathryn Cox Dance Conservatory of Charleston Kat Dausey Jodi Davidson Jen Dease Michael DeFee Katherine Dodson

Hall Easton Elizabeth Stuart David Ellis Mr. Peter Finnerty, Jr. Ryan Fogelgren Elise Gahagan Faye Griffin Barry and Beverly Gumb Steve Hanson Darlene Heater James Hewlette Huriyali by the River

Christopher Jaros and Brooke Seidelmann Daniel Kendra Tom Lennon Harry Lesesne and Kendra Stewart W. Lucas and Susan Simons Maybank Public House Linda and George Neill Scott and Anne Parker William and Carol Poloski Wilbur and Sheila Prezzano Janie Purser Second Palate LLC

Monica and Ken Seeger Pricilla Shumway and John Hurley Gwynneth Smith Katherine Strickler Rowan Taylor Marcie and Zeke Walton Mary Ellen Way The Wilbur S. Smith and Sally J. Smith Foundation

Meg Dorsel Mrs. English Drews and Mr. Stephen Giebner Anthony Dubato Sissy Ehrhardt Tamzin Erickson Lewis and Yvonne D Evans Harriet Fetner Angeleita Floyd and Scott Cawelti Robbie and Berta Freeman Claire Fund Harriett and Stephen Gaddy Neva and Richard Gadsden Affra Gibbs Gary and Carolyn Gildersleeve Joseph and Penelope Gnesin Louisa Gooding Greek Goodness, LLC Marian Greely and Darrell Olson Emily Gregg Becky and Paul Griffin Kendrick Grimes Charles and Celia Hansult Joseph Harle Nehal Harley Kenneth Hirsch Kim and Eliot Hobbs Peter Hodson Sean Holleran Donna and Carter Hudgins Tyler Hueter Lindsay Hutto James I. and Nicole H. Hess Carol Jackson Donna and Jeff Jacobs Dr. and Mrs. Joseph F. John Onett Johnson Michelle and Jason Kauczka

Kathy Kauffmann Lucille Keller Christine Kennedy Kiawah Island Garden Club Liz King David and Pat Kozersky Steve Krameisen Ron Krauskopf and Heather Antos Susan Kridler Jason Kronsberg Julia Langston Cynthia Lawton Candy and LeBlanc Edwards Annie Lee Mr. and Ms. Thomas Lennon Margaret Lewis Mike Lindley Timothy Logan Longwood University Kim Maloof Peter Mani Ann & David Marconi Marilyn Mattice Katie McKain Jan and Richard Menniti Munkle Brewing Company Lauren Napolitano Melissa Nelson Kate Hooray Osmond Betty Oswald Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Otis Roy Owen and Sue McClinton Shelly Ozark Abraham Pardee Harriott Parker Dereck Patterson Victoria Patton Cheryl Pedersen

Daniel Perlmutter and Anahita Modaresi Lloyd and Sharlene Ray Ellen Read Grace Reed Brooks and Erin Reitz Revelry Brewing Co. Marlene and Joe Rotter Jill Ruppel Margaret P Schachte and Hal S Currey Erin Simmons Site One Landscape Supply Amanda Lee Slade Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Smith William D. Smyth Christopher Stephens Joyce Stokely Justin Stokes Michael Stoner Mary Ann Sullivan Stephanie Sullivan Bruce Thiers Rhett Thurman and Harry Clark Jeff and Lynn Trenning Colleen and John Trepen Erin Walker White Gold Land Company LLC Catherine Wilhoit Robert and Linda Wilkens Edith Wood John Young Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Young Ann Marie Zawacki Melissa Zawacki

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OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Lily Abromeit Amazon Smile Rachel Anderson Madelyn Anderson Angela Askeland Tara Bailey Melissa Barbour Mollie Beach Trish Bender Kirsten Bhattacharyya Lauren Binard Jon Bolt Alexandra Booker Christine Branker Virginia Britt Minnie Britt Melissa Britton Elizabeth Buckles Sarah Bullock Brian Burgess Derek Burke Britteny Burlingham Katy Calloway Megan Campbell Carson Carroll Meta Carter Brynn Casey Heather and Tamin Champagne Trish Chaney Dafne Chianella Kathy Christon Suzanne Coffman Becki Cole Mandy Coleman Cooper Collins Christine Cotton Rachel Coughlin Jillmarie and David Cross Chelsea Cullins Maren Dagg Bret Davis Alison Dawson Renee Deering Leslie Denton Andy Detterline Alexa DiMuzio Susan Kimble Duckworth Pamela Dugan Debra Easter Suzanne Eddy

Candy and LeBlanc Edwards Kathleen Ellis Liz Farrington Lindsay Farris Monica Fay Mary Fetschetr Katie Ford John Ford Andrew Froncillo Julia Burdick Gaddy Seth Gainey Garden Club of Drayton Howard and Sandy Garfinkel Mark Gay Kimberly and Yon Gleason Jackie Goedde Jameela Goudarzi Nancy Greene Susan Gulyas Cameron Gunter Sam Haab Michelle Hagar Blair Halford Brandy Hall Kristin Hamilton Patrick Hannaford Lucille (Celie) Harris Ellen Hassell John and Cynthia Hayes Debra Henninger-Borckardt Donald Hill Anna Hofford Merry Hofford Caitlin Hooper Mrs. Sarah and Mr. Ozey Horton Stuart Hotchkiss Richard Houck Lisa Hudd Lyla Hudson Kim Huey Kayla Huff Laurie and Rick Hull Allison Hunt Elizabeth Ilderton Sharon Infinger Amy Jackson Joella Jackson Heather Johnson Wilson Jones Linda and Richard Judson

Laura Buchanan Kane Alexandra Kejner Forrest Kennedy Kaitlyn Kessler King of Pops Alicia Kokkinis Jeannette Kossuth David Lang Hank LaRue Stephanie and Justin Lee Lenovo Donna Letteney Annie Marie Lewis Kate Little Meghan Lord Ashley Mackintosh Emmie Mai Juliana Martinez Mary Martinich Aly Maxwell Dan McCall John McCormick Breanna McCormick Kate Meekins Libby Metzler Susan Milliken Harold and Diana Millman Brennen Moore Paige Morris George Mosby Laura Moses Marc and Ami Murphy Karli Myers Debi Myers Jessica Nackel Marion Neely Network for Good Marcia Newbert-Eslami Taylor Nilan Adam Olejarczyk Matt Ondo LeeAnne Owens Amanda and Ryan Padgett Elizabeth Parker Karla Plank Laura Plotts Elizabeth Pope Cynthia Post Print Your Cause Samantha Reipke

Judson Roberts Abby Robertson Barbara Ronnquist Samuel and Sara Beth Rosen Marianne Rosen Andrew and Anne Ruder Carly Runey Desiree Runey Caitlin Schaffner Madeline Scully Kristina Koklas Shernoff Bonnie and Charles Simmons Emily Smythe Stephanie Snider Kristina Snipes Lacey Stallard Kate Stark Teri Stech Blake Suarez Lauton Sutley Guerry Tamsberg Deirdre Tanner Gloria Tarantino Shrikant Tele Angela Teufel Lydia Theos Connie Thomas Courtnay Thompson Evan Tomaschek Emily Topham Leigh Trivette and Richard Malaspina Brian Turner Courtney Vanover Craig Velozo and Kathleen Gunning Logan and Brooke Waddell Derek Wade Leslie Wade and Ben Davidson Judith Walker Kristen Walpole Sharon Ward Anna Waring Cheryl Webster Margaret White Carolyn Williams Amy Williams Julia Windham Flannery Wood Leah Yeager Candace Young

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COMMITTEES Through our committees’ collaborative spirit and innovative ideas, these members have transformed gatherings into extraordinary occasions, leaving a lasting impact on all those who attend. The funds raised through their collective efforts have enabled the Charleston Parks Conservancy to host many free educational programs that enrich the lives of our community members and open doors to learning, growth, and inspiration.

PICNIC FOR THE PARK COMMITTEE

PARTY FOR THE PARKS COMMITTEE

Alex Malloy, Co-Chair Lauren Netter, Co-Chair Marion Blunt Kate Boyette Lydia Fitzpatrick David Elisabeth Hunter

Rebecca Ramsay, Chair Nicole Barnes Kathryn Becker Rachel Dailey Ellie Gray Ashley Greenwell Sean Holleran

Michaela Muller Russell Powell Martina Radic Jasmine Rose Camila Soriano Jackie Tyler Thomason

CONSERVANCY AMBASSADORS Rachel Barry Kirsten Bhattacharyya Joey Current Lauren Ellis Mary Fox Tresha Gruel Ben Gunter Devin Hannah Sean Holleran Carleigh Hay Alexandra Kahl McKain Kerr

Nikki Kuniej Andrea LaFalce Liza Layfield Shelley Puckett Sam Reipke Ana Richards Jerome Smalls Kinnison Sumner Meg Thompson Gregory Von Candace Young

Lavinia Klietmann Alex Malloy Maria Scott Cristina Soriano Katie Stevenson Mimi Van Wyck

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GROWING GOOD IN 2024 CUT FLOWER PROGRAM EXPANSION

701 BOUQUETS DONATED IN 2023 TO LOCAL WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUPS

As we look forward to 2024, our Flower Share is set to expand into Magnolia Community Garden under our Cut Flower Program. This program will allow the Conservancy to bring local, fresh flower bouquets to those around Charleston.

All funds raised from the Flower Share program support costs for operation within the Community Gardens.

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A LOOK INTO 2024 ART ON THE BIKEWAY

A second piece of art for Charleston trails will be created and installed on the bikeway at Magnolia Road in the Maryville Neighborhood. TuxedoKat, an award-winning artist from the Artfields juried program, will create and install a 12' Coneflower using all recycled materials.

FOOD FOREST AT MULBERRY PARK

After a year of planning and community engagement, the food forest at Mulberry Park will come to life with the addition of irrigation, planting beds, 106 fruit and nut trees, 138 Berry Brambles, 125 mushroom logs, various vegetables and pollinator-attracting perennials. A summer community celebration will cap off months of planning and planting.

HORTICULTURE FELLOWSHIP

Two cohort fellows will complete training and education experiences with six fellowship partners in 2024, gaining valuable experience in greenhouse management, turf, equipment operation and horticulture.

PARK RENOVATIONS

Five Conservancy-managed parks will receive complete renovations or general garden refreshes. These parks include Wragg Square, Vangie Rainsford Park, Colonial Lake, Moultrie Park and Playground, Corrine Jones Park and Community Garden.

SENSORY & DISCOVERY GARDENS

Corrine Jones Park and Playground will soon bloom with a new pollinator garden and playground planting refresh. Through the generous financial support of The Bee Cause project, the Conservancy will add playful plants that encourage exploration and a new habitat for pollinators.

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OUR VALUES COMMUNITY WE ARE COMMITTED TO CULTIVATING A HEALTHY, VIBRANT, AND WELCOMING CITY, AND WE STRIVE TO ENRICH OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY BY FOSTERING DEEP INVOLVEMENT IN OUR SHARED PUBLIC SPACES Parks belong to everyone. We are better together, sharing our daily joys and sorrows and growing healthier and happier through time spent working and playing together in our public parks.

RESPECT WE TREAT PUBLIC SPACES, PARK USERS, AND NEIGHBORS, BOTH PRESENT AND FUTURE, WITH RESPECT. We are privileged to share in the stewardship of our magnificent parks, and we cherish the incredible contributions of ideas, time, and financial support from community members. We revere the historic legacy of our parks and our city’s investments in their design.

INTEGRITY WE OPERATE AND EXECUTE OUR VISION ETHICALLY, WITH INTEGRITY, PASSION, HONOR, AND SINCERITY. We value honesty in words and deed. We honor our commitments to each other and to our community and approach every partnership with openness and accountability.

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EXCELLENCE WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT DELIVERING INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE PARKS, PROGRAMS, AND EXPERIENCES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. We aspire to be leaders in the community in showcasing what is achievable when determination and creativity are aligned. From stunning, year-round horticultural displays, diverse programs, and fundraising to an unparalleled volunteer experience and vibrant, lively events, the Conservancy does it all at the highest level.

SUSTAINABILITY WE STRIVE IN EVERY FACET OF OPERATION TO RESPONSIBLY FORGE AN ORGANIZATION AND PARKS FOR ALL SPECIES THAT ENJOY AND RELY ON THEM FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. We operate in a fashion that is conscious of today and the future, both administratively and horticulturally. By incorporating deliberate and sound practices, we commit to a legacy for the future of the Conservancy, our parks, and all the beings that utilize and cherish them.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is focused now on broadening and diversifying community engagement, deepening, and increasing partnerships to increase its impact and broaden its support.

VISION People embrace Charleston parks as an essential part of their lives.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy forges a legacy for our community by combining bold horticulture and rich experiences in our parks. The work of the Conservancy is resourceful and sustainable.

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Photography credits: Kerry Adams, Will Allen-Dupraw, Justin Falk, Devin Hannah, Shannon Oleksak Photography, Joshua Smith, and Jenion Tyson

P.O. BOX 31187 CHARLESTON, SC 29417 843.724.5003 CHARLESTONPARKSCONSERVANCY.ORG