Charleston Parks Conservancy 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

MISSION

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

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

CHARLES MCLENDON

edication to our shared vision. Together, let's continue to cultivate a r all.

DARLENE HEATER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

INDIVIDUAL

donat ng more than 25 hours

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

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.

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.

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.

NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

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

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

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.

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.

2023 IMPACTS

24 parks under Conservancy stewardship

25,000+

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

6,920

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

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

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

4,297

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

1,760 square feet of turf space converted into a productive habitat with edible and native plants at Medway Park and Community Garden.

300+

different plant species maintained in the parks and community gardens

70+

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

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Grants/Foundations

Government Support

In-Kind/Other

Earned Revenue

One Two Three Four Five Six SEven Eight Nine Contributions Fundraising Events Sponsorships

TOTAL REVENUE $2,493,007

Restricted Funding Reserve Draw One Two Three Four Five Six Park Renovations Management and General Fundraising Ongoing Park Care Community Gardens

Engagement

TOTAL EXPENSES $2,493,007

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

$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

$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

Magnolias Restaurant

Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLendon, Jr.

Morrison Yard

Pathfinder Foundation

Theodora Park Fund of the BNY Mellon

Charitable Gift Fund

US Foods

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

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

$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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Malloy, Co-Chair

Lauren Netter, Co-Chair

Marion Blunt

Kate Boyette

Lydia Fitzpatrick David

Elisabeth Hunter

Michaela Muller

Russell Powell

Martina Radic

Jasmine Rose

Camila Soriano

Jackie Tyler Thomason

PARTY FOR THE PARKS COMMITTEE

Rebecca Ramsay, Chair

Nicole Barnes

Kathryn Becker

Rachel Dailey

Ellie Gray

Ashley Greenwell

Sean Holleran

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

RESPECT 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.

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.

EXCELLENCE 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.

STAY CONNECTED

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