The Secret Life of the Diamondback Terrapin
BY AUTUM BLANCHARD | For The Island Connection
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a salt marsh watching the tide slip through winding creeks, you’ve been closer than you think to one of its most fascinating residents.
You just probably didn’t see it.
Meet the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), a turtle that lives in the “in-between” where saltwater meets freshwater and where the land meets the sea. In fact, it’s the only turtle in North America that spends nearly its entire life in brackish water, making it a true specialist of the marsh.
AOften, you’ll catch only a glimpse of their small heads just breaking the water’s surface. At first glance, they may seem understated, but if you look closer, they’re quietly striking. Their shells are etched with soft, diamond-shaped patterns, and their skin is grey and dotted in black. Beneath their subtle beauty lies something even more remarkable: these turtles are built for balance. Specialized glands near their eyes help flush excess salt, sometimes leaving them looking as though they’re quietly crying.
Life in the marsh requires adaptability, and diamondback terrapins deliver. They forage along muddy creek banks and oyster beds, feeding on snails, small crabs and clams. In doing so, they help keep marsh ecosystems in balance, linking their survival directly to the health of these coastal habitats. That connection is becoming more important than ever.
Living shoreline projects, like the Conservancy of the Sea Islands’ manufactured wire reef (MWR) installation at Mingo Point and the Kiawah River Bridge, are helping rebuild the very habitats diamondback terrapins depend on. By
stabilizing eroding shorelines and creating new oyster reef structure, these efforts do more than protect land; they restore feeding grounds. For diamondback terrapins, that means more places to find food, shelter and thrive just beneath the surface.
But their lives don’t stay hidden year-round. On warm summer days, females make a risky journey out of the marsh, often crossing roads and open land to lay eggs in sandy soils. It’s a short trip, but a dangerous one, and many never make it back.
And that’s part of a bigger story.
Despite their resilience, diamondback terrapins are considered vulnerable. Habitat loss, rising seas and one particularly surprising threat – abandoned crab traps – have all taken a toll on this special reptile. These traps can unintentionally drown terrapins, creating a cycle that continues if left unchecked.
Still, there’s hope.
Simple solutions like bycatch reduction devices on crab traps, reporting abandoned gear and protecting nesting areas are already making a difference. And projects that restore shorelines are quietly helping, too.
Because the truth is, the marsh doesn’t just belong to the birds or the dolphins. It also belongs to the quiet, patterned turtle just beneath the surface, who is steady, resilient and perfectly at home in the space between worlds.
Should Seabrook Have a Larger Town Hall?
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
new council member and a newly named committee will take on a project focusing on possibly increasing the size of Seabrook Island’s current Town Hall building.
Council Member Thomas Hund, chair of the Community Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, spoke about the ideas at the February 24 town council meeting.
“We’re well aware that there’s a big need here at Town Hall for space. It’s where we do business with vendors and contractors, and the space affects how the employees work,” he said.
He mentioned that the committee discussed ways to move the project forward, including whether that would require an RFP process, a consultant or conducting the research internally.
“Where we are now is that we are looking at this new project and trying to figure out if it’s going to require a phased scenario, as well,” he added.
They are considering programming spaces for the Town Hall, how those would be used and the size. They are also considering site requirements
and whether a different site would be beneficial.
The committee is looking into possibly having a third-party consultant and a design professional help them with the plans.
“We need to ensure we are asking the right questions and compiling the right space needs. We want to define what we need first,” Hund said.
The committee hopes to undergo an informal selection process for a consultant. “That would be the first phase,” he said.
The second phase would be committing to a site and using those physical requirements to come up with a conceptual design. “We want to be proactive because we know that getting space is extremely important right now.”
Increasing the size of Town Hall would make a positive impact, according to Hund, who also said that they need to be prepared for what is going to change with the town in the future.
Seabrook’s current town hall structure is located at 2001 Seabrook Island Road. It was constructed in 2001 and measures a little over 4,400
square feet. The design includes space for public meetings and offices for administrative staff.
At the March 24 Seabrook Island Town Council meeting, Hund announced that no action had been taken since the February meeting, except for starting the conversation about this project.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Photo by Pamela Cohen
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Rooted in Community, Built for the Future
BY AUTUM BLANCHARD | For The Island Connection
On a breezy Wednesday afternoon along the Kiawah River, the shoreline transformed into a classroom, a worksite and a gathering place all at once. This living shoreline project, led by the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, brought together community, science and stewardship in a hands-on effort to protect and restore the coast.
Volunteers from across the Sea Islands community, including students from Charleston Collegiate School, stepped into the mud with a shared purpose: to build something lasting. Working alongside Conservancy staff and partners from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, they installed manufactured wire reefs (MWRs) along the muddy banks near the Kiawah River Bridge, turning recycled oyster shells into a living solution for a changing coastline.
For many, especially the students, the experience was hands-on in the truest sense. Charleston Collegiate participants didn’t just show up for the install; they helped build the reefs
Town of Kiawah Island
Arts Council Board
Monday, April 6, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Special Call Town Council Workshop
Tuesday, April 7, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways and Means Committee
Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, April 7, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, April 8, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
in advance, learning how each wire frame, once filled with shell and coconut husk, becomes a foundation for new life. It’s a lesson that extends well beyond the classroom, forging a direct connection between coastal science and real-world impact.
“Our teacher, Ms. Button, originally took us to help build the manufactured wire reefs,” said Evie Baslow, a sophomore at Charleston Collegiate. “When we were building them, we learned about how they were effective in reducing erosion on the coastlines.”
And that impact is significant.
Designed as “living shorelines,” MWRs do more than sit in place. “They act as a breakwater, stabilizing the shoreline so waves don’t come in and carry the soil away,” said the Conservancy of the Sea Islands’ Restoration and Enhancement Specialist Sean Cannon.
Over time, these reefs trap sediment, allowing marsh grasses like Spartina to take root and strengthen the shoreline from behind. “It’s shoreline stabilization, habitat creation and
Town of Seabrook Island
Planning Commission
Wednesday, April 8, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, April 15, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Community Facilities & Infrastructure Committee
Wednesday, April 16, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, April 28, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
water quality improvement,” Cannon added.
As oysters colonize the reefs, the benefits multiply. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water each day, improving water quality by removing excess nutrients and particles. As the reefs grow, they create habitat for fish, crabs and wading birds, which supports more than 100 species and brings renewed vitality to the surrounding ecosystem.
Just as important as the ecological impact is the model behind the work. Volunteers weren’t just participants; they were essential. From hauling materials to placing reefs in the mud, their effort turned a large-scale restoration project into a shared accomplishment.
It’s a powerful reminder that protecting our coast doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, get their hands dirty and invest in the places they care about. Along the Kiawah River, that investment is already taking shape – one reef at a time.
K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 info@townofseabrookisland.org
JohnS iSland c ouncil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455
Chairman Christina Gammons White
charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Photo Credit: Conservancy of the Sea Islands
Lowcountry Cajun Festival set for April 18 at James Island County Park
For The Island Connection
JAMES ISLAND – The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is back this spring at James Island County Park. Charleston’s favorite ragin’ Cajun celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is an afternoon of Zydeco music, food, kids’ activities and all-around fun. Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare, including jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage and crawfish. Also available will be favorites such as seafood, Southern barbecue and traditional festival foods. Festival attendees can dance to live, non-stop Zydeco and Cajun music performed on stage throughout the day.
Other festivities include a large crafters’ market, souvenirs for sale and a kids’ area. Children can enjoy access to the inflatables and the climbing wall in the kids’ area all day with the purchase of a $10 hand stamp. Credit cards will be accepted at select locations, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for convenience purposes.
Festival admission will be charged per vehicle. A limited number of vehicles will be admitted, so advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are $30 per vehicle of up to 15 people in advance. Tickets at the gate will be $40 per vehicle. For details and to purchase tickets, visit charlestoncountyparks.com. Gold Pass holders do not need a ticket.
Gold Passes will be valid for vehicle admission;
the pass must be presented at the gate for entry. Gold Passes will not be sold on site the day of the festival, but may be purchased in advance at charlestoncountyparks.com (receipt will not be accepted).
No coolers or outside food or alcohol permitted. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted at this event. James Island County Park will be closed to regular park guests on April 18 in order to host the festival. Accessible restrooms and porta-potties are available at the event. An accessible viewing area will be available near the stage. A quiet area will be offered at the Toogoodoo Porch. Visit the Accessibility Tent for more information and to check out KultureCity sensory bags.
For more information on the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, including event rules or to purchase tickets, visit charlestoncountyparks.com or call 843-7954386.
Owned by Charleston County Parks, James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding,
meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
Photo provided by CCPRC.
Watercolor Book Brings Native Plants to Life
For The Island Connection
Nearly 200 native Lowcountry plants come to life in “Native Plants of Kiawah Island: A Collection of Watercolors,” a striking new coffee table book by local artist Audrey Straus. Released in November 2025, this 375-page hardcover volume showcases nearly 200 original botanical paintings celebrating the flowers, trees and native flora that define Kiawah Island’s landscape.
Substantial in both scope and design, the book measures just over 11 by 9 inches and is bound in a slightly textured hardcover with a hand-sewn ribbon marker. Each plant is accompanied by its taxonomy and notes on preferred growing conditions, making the collection both informative and beautiful — a resource for gardeners, nature lovers and admirers of coastal art alike.
After several years living on Kiawah Island, Straus’s interest in the
plants and flora she encountered on daily walks and bike rides grew, and she began painting her way through the island’s botanical database. As her portfolio expanded, so did her vision: a curated collection that honors both art and place. While grounded in respected botanical resources, the book is ultimately an artistic and educational tribute, inviting readers to slow down and notice the quiet beauty of the island’s natural landscape.
A portion of the sales will be donated to The Conservancy of the Sea Islands to support its ongoing work preserving Kiawah’s extraordinary ecosystem and coastal habitats.
“Native Plants of Kiawah Island: A Collection of Watercolors” retails for $70 and is available for purchase at www.nativeplantbook.com and locally at GDC Home, Buxton Books, Indigo Books, Cafe Eugenia, The Sanctuary Beach Shop and Rhodes Boutique.
Health care Entrepreneur Johnnie
Garmon Files for SC House District 115
For The Island Connection
Charleston, SC — Johnnie Garmon, a Lowcountry health care entrepreneur, author and community leader, officially filed his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 115, at the Charleston County Board of Elections.
District 115 includes parts of James and Johns Islands, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands and Folly Beach — a diverse coastal community facing shared challenges around infrastructure, cost of living and access to quality care. With the seat open, Garmon is entering the race focused on delivering practical, results-driven solutions that put residents first.
“For me, this campaign is about people and results,” said Garmon. “Families across the district are dealing with traffic congestion, rising costs, and concerns about unmanaged growth and coastal flooding. We need less noise and more problem-solving, and that’s exactly what I’ve spent my career doing.”
Garmon is the founder of multiple health care organizations that have served thousands of South Carolinians, particularly seniors and vulnerable populations. His work in expanding access to care led to his 2019 appointment by the Governor to the South Carolina Palliative Care Study Committee. Garmon built and led organizations that created thousands of jobs and delivered essential services across South Carolina. He teaches entrepreneurship and leadership at Charleston Southern University and is the author of “Failure Disrupted,” a book on building sustainable organizations. He lives on Seabrook Island with his family and is a member of James Island Christian Church, where he is actively involved in community and education initiatives.
“I know how to create partnerships. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life — patients, regulators, small business owners, and frontline workers,” Garmon said. “What I’ve learned is that most people aren’t interested in partisan talking points. They want safe roads, responsible spending and a system that makes life better. This isn’t about party labels — it’s about competence. District 115 needs someone who has signed the front of paychecks, funded and balanced multimillion dollar budgets and built teams that delivered measurable outcomes — a serious and tested representative who works hard, listens, leads and produces progress, not just movement.”
Garmon’s campaign is centered on improving infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion and flooding; supporting seniors and caregivers, as well as promoting responsible, efficient government.
The primary election will be held on June 9, followed by the general election in November.
The Kiawah Art Guild Celebrates Spring
BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN
For The Island Connection
Dress in your brightest spring attire, bring your neighbors and friends and join the Kiawah Art Guild to appreciate the distinctive contributions of local artists. The show will feature personalized wall art, inspired by the dynamic curvature of the surf. There will also be paintings in different mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media, many inspired by the Lowcountry, as well as sculptures and other creations
The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 11 at the Kiawah Island Town Hall.
The Kiawah Island Art Guild started in 1991 as an organization to promote art and artists in the community. There are both full-time and part-time members. Periodic workshop meetings start with a featured demonstration of a different art application.
Workshops are held periodically to encourage and experiment with new styles and methods. A recent workshop featured the concept of “share a canvas.” The group, numbering around 24 artists, was allocated two minutes to start a new canvas. Each canvas was then passed to a neighbor for a two-minute addition. Canvases were voted on at the end. The winner was a canvas that started as a concept of purple clouds and, in 12 iterations, became an abstract beach landscape.
New participants are welcome, and new mediums and art forms are encouraged. For more information on the Kiawah Art Guild, visit www.kiawahartguild.org.
Tamie Bergstrom at the art show in the fall of 2025.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
MULTIPLE DATES
WHAT: Fleece + Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, Veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of six samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.
WHAT: Southern Sips
WHERE: Dunlin Resort, 1030 Sound Dr., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 pm
MORE INFO: Step into the world of mixology with this Southern Sips Class, where you’ll master the art of crafting two unique cocktails using ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s farm.
WHAT: Winedown Wednesdays
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Showroom Kiawah every Wednesday for Winedown Wednesday.
WHAT: The Charleston Festival
WHERE: Various locations.
WHEN: March 18 – April 11
MORE INFO: Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947 as the Festival of Houses and Gardens. As the Foundation’s longest running fundraising and educational event, the Festival has evolved into a celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community.
WHAT: Cirque Ma’Ceo
WHERE: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: March 27 to April 5
MORE INFO: Cirque Ma’Ceo is a theatrical performance by Cavallo Equestrian Arts featuring acrobatic feats, aerial dancing and exotic horses. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit cirquemaceo.com.
WHAT: Credit One Charleston Open
WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island
WHEN: March 28 - April 5
MORE INFO: The Credit One Charleston Open is North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament.
WHAT: Banana Ball: Loco Beach Coconuts vs. Indianapolis Clowns
WHERE: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, 360 Fishburne St., Charleston
WHEN: April 10 and 11
MORE INFO: The Charleston RiverDogs will host two games of the 2026 Banana Ball World. The two contests will be between the Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns, the two newest teams in the Savannah Bananas’ recently established Banana Ball Championship League.
WHAT: Charleston Cocktail Week
WHERE: Various locations.
WHEN: April 20 - 26
MORE INFO: Charleston Cocktail Week showcases the best bars and restaurants in the area, bringing locals and travelers together to experience the epicurean masterpieces of Charleston’s renowned chefs, mixologists, and bartenders. Passes are available for purchase on their website at charlestoncocktailweek.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
WHAT: Spring Music on the Green WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Head to the Village Green at Freshfields Village for a complimentary, outdoor concert featuring The Island Trio. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets as we welcome back one of our favorite events.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
WHAT: Easter Market and Home Tour
WHERE: Kiawah River, 3883 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island
WHEN: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy a fun-filled day of Easter celebrations at The Farmhouse at Kiawah River. What to expect: home tour, food trucks, live music, local artisanal market, children’s activities, and more.
WHAT: World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: With 50 world-class dancers, handcrafted costumes, and lush, hand-painted sets, this is Swan Lake at its most powerful and majestic. Hear Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score performed live and witness iconic moments like the Dance of the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés.
WHAT: Spring Outdoor Movie on the Village Green: Peter Rabbit (2018, PG, 100 minutes) WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate the arrival of spring with an outdoor movie night on the Village Green. Bring your chairs, blankets, and favorite picnic treats, and make it a cozy evening with friends and family.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
WHAT: Bunnies & Bellinis Easter Brunch at Gabrielle WHERE: Hotel Bennett, 404 King St., Charleston WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Gather your loved ones for a delightful brunch featuring a variety of culinary delights, accompanied by bottomless bellinis to toast the occasion. Book your reservation through Resy.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
WHAT: Darius Rucker Big Band Gala WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The gala performance offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Rucker in an intimate concert setting backed by the Robert Lewis Orchestra, conducted by Peter Graves, creating a distinctive evening tailored to the Gaillard stage. A portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County schools and the Shawn Jenkins MUSC Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship Program.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
WHAT: Art Film Series in the Theatre WHERE: Seafields, Kiawah Island WHEN: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy a screening a “Gauguin: Voyage to Tahiti.”
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
WHAT: Cars & Coffee WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique and other cool cars. Coffee and breakfast will be available for purchase at Java Java.
Beach Operations Prove to Be Quite the Operation Indeed
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
Various beach operation agreements were discussed at the March 3 Kiawah Island Town Council meeting. The main issue at hand was regarding the number of beach chairs that several beach operation companies set out on the beach.
Physically demanding, setting out chairs on the beach is quite the operation indeed. The companies up for approval were Coastal Expeditions, the Kiawah Island Inn Company, Kiawah Island Club Holdings and the Barrier Island Beach Service. Kiawah Island Club Holdings operates the Beach Club and the Cape Club.
Mayor Bradley Belt pointed out that traditionally, Town Councils do not approve these types of agreements, but that Kiawah Island’s Town Council has, in the past, approved them, so they would continue to do so.
Also, storing equipment on the beach and bringing vehicles on the beach is strictly prohibited without Town Council approval.
Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Town Council Member Luke Ferrell, said that they were mainly considering how much the companies were paid per chair to provide the service, and how they stored the chairs and umbrellas on the beach.
Coastal Expeditions, which is an educational boat tour, places chairs out on the beach for the purpose of teaching environmental classes. Their contract was approved unanimously.
$1,830,000
Barrier Island Beach Service, which has been servicing Kiawah Island for 41 years, could utilize up to 2,000 chairs on a peak busy day on the beach. However, this number is only reached on or around July 4. They work strictly on demand and bring their equipment out only as needed. Barrier Island Beach Services utilizes about 30 storage boxes on the beach for umbrellas only. Cables attached to the boxes can store the chairs. The Barrier Island Beach Service agreement was also unanimously approved.
Guests reserve the chairs, and the companies set them out. The chairs and umbrellas are set up in the morning and taken down at night. They are reestablished the following morning for the guests.
Special language had to be added to the agreements regarding vehicles on the beach. The Town Council basically wanted to make it clear that only vehicles necessary for the delivery and removal of equipment were allowed.
In the end, procedural concerns caused the
beach operation agreements for the Kiawah Island Inn Company and the Kiawah Island Club Holdings to be tabled until the next meeting, unless a special-called meeting was necessary. Belt said, “Further discussion is needed around the operating area and what the economics are associated with these agreements.”
What a Catch! Your Latest Fishing Report
BY CAPT. GEOFF BENNETT For The Island Connection
At the beginning of March, Charleston began to shed winter’s hold. The bite improved noticeably, then two weeks of storms and wind slowed things down again. Redfish are available, and trout can be found if you work the right lures. Temperatures should rebound in April, and with warmer water, the fishing will too.
The big winter schools of redfish are breaking up as these fish become more active. Switch to artificial plastics that mimic baitfish. Jerk-shad style lures are a great choice and come in many colors. I’ve had the best results with silver and blue patterns. They produce even when the water is stained. Rig them with a 3/0 flutter hook for optimal action.
The trout bite should ramp up in April as water temperatures warm. Live bait under a popping cork remains a top tactic. Live shrimp are now available and offer a solid alternative to mud minnows. If you can cast-net finger mullet, use them under a cork. Finger mullet under a popping cork is deadly.
Flounder are on the feed. Target structure – docks, pilings and other bottom contours – using mud minnows on the bottom or mud minnows under a popping cork. Keep your bait on or just above the bottom. Flounder sit tight and ambush prey, so presentation in their strike zone is key.
See you on the water!
Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial, live bait and fly fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie Commemorate First Shot of the Civil War
For The Island Connection
On April 11, the public is invited to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Parks to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the opening shots of the American Civil War. The parks will observe a fee-free day.
Fort Moultrie will host a variety of special programs. They will feature living historians in period clothing, portraying soldiers and civilians, as well as musket firing demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Park rangers will present programs at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. They will also feature hands-on interactive activities at History Row, where visitors can learn about historic games, make their own cartridge and sachet, learn about clothing of the time and more.
All activities will take place at Fort Moultrie, located at 1214 Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 843-883-3123 or visit www.nps.gov/fosu.
About the National Park Service
Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Catherine Moeder from Atlanta holding a nice redfish
Civil War-era United States soldiers march into Fort Moultrie
Credit: National Park Service
TIDE CHART
Totally new to Seabrook Island, the Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) is set to unveil a new exhibition called Treasures of Seabrook Island.
All 115 members of the Guild have been invited to create an original work of art for the exhibition. Each participating artist will submit an anonymous piece that captures what they believe is a true treasure of Seabrook Island — its beauty, spirit, wildlife, landscapes, people or hidden gems.
The exhibition will feature a stunning variety of media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculpture, fiber art, inks, pottery and more. The guild family anticipates there will be between 45 and 50 original pieces of truly unique art on display.
The artwork, however, will not be identified by the artist or by the title of the piece. It will all be on display anonymously.
Seabrook Island residents, guests, visitors and vacationers will determine the winners. Anyone ages 10 and up can cast three votes for their three favorite pieces.
There will be three identical People’s Choice Award trophies given out at the awards ceremony.
Seabrook Island Real Estate Office at 1002 Landfall Way will host the exhibition. The Living Room Gallery is open during the regular office hours of the real estate office. The artwork will be on display from April 1 through June 30. Voting will take place from April 1 through April 25. The reception and award announcement will take place on April 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Seabrook Island Real Estate Office will collect and tabulate the votes.
BY SUSAN HODGE For The Island Connection
Brian Wheat, a professor of horticulture at Trident Technical College and founder of Common Joy, a family-run farm specializing in sustainably grown luffa gourds, spoke at the Seabrook Island Garden Club meeting on March 13 about growing and using luffa. Wheat’s extensive education and experience with horticulture and agribusiness led him to found Common Joy. Common Joy is one of only a few commercial luffa farms in the country and is located on Johns Island.
The luffa is a member of the cucumber family and grows in a similar vining manner. Native to Southeast Asia, the luffa loves heat and humidity, which is perfect for growing on Johns Island. Although the flowers, tendrils and whole gourd are edible, the dried gourd is used primarily as a sponge for any task a sponge can do.
Wheat described his planting and growing methods, as well as harvesting procedures. The luffa plant needs an upright support and regular irrigation to keep growing properly.
He showed examples of the ripened gourd and the finished product. Garden Club members went home with a luffa sponge and some luffa seeds. For more information about this interesting plant, go to www.commonjoy.com.
The next Garden Club meeting will be on April 10, from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. The presentation will feature Athena Herder, clinical herbalist and founder of Arizkatt’s Herbs. Herder’s topic is “The Healing Power of Herbs and Other Medicinal Plants.” Members are free. Guests are asked for a $5 donation.
Sign up for the Alcohol Ink Painting Workshop!
For The Island Connection
Register now for the Intro to Alcohol In Workshop on May 5, taught by artist Debbie Grogen. All the materials will be provided, and registrants will paint two paint -
ings: one floral and one seascape.
She will also teach how to combine alcohol ink with other media for non-porous surfaces. Grogen said, “Alcohol ink is often described as a medium of happy accidents, where you let go and see great things happen.”
The one-day workshop costs $100 for members of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild. Email Rod Morris, VP of publicity for the Artist Guild, at rodmorris1@yahoo.com for registration and payment information.
Lynn Madison and Paula Murphy
Victoria Fehr. Lynn Maney-McIntosh, Lee Metts
Robin Aaron, Diana Teitsma, Jeanne Macdonald
Brian Wheat showcases a luffa plant to members ( Julie Minch observing)
