Going Green
KIAWAH HOPES TO LEAD THE WAY
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Most homeowners on Kiawah Island would admit that they were drawn to the area due to its environmental stewardship and the eco-conscious priorities that leaders of the town set as a priority.
Sure, it’s beautiful on Kiawah Island, but there is a reason why it has stayed that way all these years.
Actually, Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder said that he fell in love with Kiawah Island more than 20 years ago because the unique environment was obviously well-cared for, clean and, quite honestly, pristine. He also said he took particular notice at how the community worked hard to keep it that way.
Now, he is leading an effort called Kiawah Goes Green. It’s a community-committed group of various stakeholders, business owners and homeowners who want to enact a number of “green” initiatives, as well as educate the community on things they can do to further enhance and care for Kiawah’s fragile environment.
This isn’t the first time that the Town of Kiawah Island has taken on a green commitment. Former Council Member Dr. Scott Parker led a “Kiawah Goes Greener” ad-hoc working group that began in October of 2021. The goals for that group were similar to the goals that Heidingsfelder described for the current green initiative. However, they were updated to reflect more of the issues that Kiawah Islanders face today.
Still, some of the same issues that Kiawah faced then, they face today, and Heidingsfelder
(continued on page 3)
A Pledge of Support PLANS FOR ANDELL WEST MOVE FORWARD
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Kiawah Island Town Council conveyed their unanimous support for the Andell West Community Update and rendering presented at the June 6 Town Council meeting. Riverstone Properties, the development company responsible for the plans and design of Andell West, was not present at the meeting but provided an update on the agenda. Riverstone will be presenting this final design to Charleston County’s Planning Commission in August and was basically asking for a final blessing from Town Council before that big presentation takes place.
This final design and rendering comes after the presentation given by Chris Corrada, principal of Riverstone Properties, given at the early March Town Council meeting.
The current plan was created with a tremendous amount of Kiawah Island community involvement, including input from stakeholders on the island, businesses, Town Council and residents. The first community meeting was held in September 2021, and, at that time, dwelling units were a part of the plan. Since then, the
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SWIMMERS TAKE TO THE OPEN OCEAN FOR CANCER RESEARCH
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
If you happened to be taking a morning stroll on Kiawah Island’s beach near Night Heron Park on June 10, you might have noticed the 150 swimmers who took to the ocean for an open water swim, all for the sake of fighting cancer.
This spectacle was the 6th annual Swim Across America Charleston-Kiawah event, which attracts swimmers of all ages and levels. The event raises money for the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC and has been dubbed “Make Waves to Fight Cancer” for a reason.
Event Director Jana Chanthabane explained the reason. “An estimated 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. It's an honor being part of the Swim Across America team that creates tangible, positive outcomes to the lives and health of those affected in communities like Charleston and across the country.”
The event was held for the first time on Kiawah Island in 2018. Since then, this annual event has raised over $300,000 for the Hollings Cancer Center, which is one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the Southeast, located at MUSC in Charleston. This event specifically supports the Hollings Cancer Center Ferreira Lab, which is dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer and aging.
“When we partnered with Kiawah Island Golf Resort starting in 2017, we were able to provide a world-class location to host our philanthropic charity swim every year to support cancer research in the Charleston Community," Chanthabane added.
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort echoed their excitement by hosting the event each year.
Liz King, the Golf Resort’s director of recreation, said, “We thoroughly enjoy working with Swim Across America. The entire organization is so passionate and dedicated to the cause. And the fact that the funds raised stay right here in Charleston at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center — with which Kiawah Island Golf Resort has already enjoyed an enduring relationship through our Gourmet & Grapes event —makes this charity swim event more special.”
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort hosts a Gourmet & Grapes event, which also raises funds for the Hollings Cancer Center, every year in February at The Sanctuary. The 2023 event marked its 15th year, and, since that first event, KIGR has raised over $5 million for cancer research.
One aspect that made the 2023 Swim Across America at Kiawah Island different from previous years was the fact that they hosted a same-day pool swim for the first time
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150 swimmers recently went for an open water swim, all for the sake of fighting cancer.
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Make Like a Leaf Blower and Quiet Down
ONE SEABROOK RESIDENT’S TAKE ON THE LOUD LANDSCAPE
BY CAROL SUTTON
Iam writing in response to the recent article in The Island Connection titled: Seabrook Won't Remain Mute AnymoreNoise Ordinance Taking Effect. As a homeowner, I was disappointed to note its focus on noisy rental guests. Yes, I know: Rental guests make noise. So do homeowners. So I was glad to read that the Council was interested in studying the noise issue as it pertains to all of Seabrook's residents.
I was most surprised at the lack of any mention of the loudest, most pervasive noise on the Island. By far the noisiest, most noxious, health-harming and environmental threatening noise on Seabrook Island is unnecessarily created throughout the day by our hired landscapers.
Yes, I am talking about the gas-powered, 2-stroke engine backpack style leaf blowers used by many of Seabrook's approved and licensed landscape companies. The decibel rate of a 4-stroke backpack blower ranges between 70 and 80. The decibel rate of a 2-stroke backpack blower can be well over 100. In comparison, a soft whisper is 30
and a normal conversation is around 60. It is significant to note that, like hurricane strength measurements, every 10 decibel increase equates to a doubling of the noise created.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are not just loud, they are highly polluting. In one hour, each of these behemoths can spew more CO2 than an automobile idling for eight hours. The force that these exert far exceeds that need to move leaves and pine needles. They also stir up harmful substances such as pollen, fertilizers and weed killers.
So what are the possible solutions? How about offering a monetary incentive to switch to battery operated blowers? Waive licensing and gate entry fees for those companies that are willing to replace noisy and air polluting blowers with quieter, battery operated blowers. (The average decibel rate for battery-operated blowers is listed between 60 and 70 dB.) Allow them to advertise their service as low(er) noise and more environmentally aware.
Homeowners may worry that the landscaping companies will not be able to afford to make such a change. They are concerned about the
employees' right to earn a living. So am I. But those same employees are now risking hearing loss, permanent lung damage and other medical problems. That also concerns me.
For right now, homeowners might consider having their property blown only twice a month instead of weekly. Perhaps learn to live with a few errant leaves or pine needles on your lawns and walkways. Or better yet, homeowners who are able can purchase their own relatively inexpensive battery operated blowers to use at their own discretion.
Our community continues to grow. Lots are cleared of sound-buffering vegetation while the number of homes requiring landscaping services increases. By taking no action, the noise from blowers will increase in distance traveled and amount of time we spend hearing it. By the way, the decibels currently created exceed those of motorcycles (banned) traveling at our speed limit of 25 mph. Hundreds of other communities around the country have limited or banned the use of gas powered leaf blowers. I believe the time is right for Seabrook Island to follow their lead.
TOWN OF
Board of Zoning Appeals Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Audit Committee
Tuesday, June 20 at 11 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Arts Council Board Meeting
Monday, July 10 at 10 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, June 19
Seabrook Island Town Hall CLOSED
Disaster Recovery Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Utility Commission Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 27 at 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
This diagram shows decibel levels as described by Sutton.
Going Green (continued
from page 1)
said he hopes that this new Kiawah Goes Green initiative will revitalize some of the old objectives with renewed activity.
For example, they plan to enhance their support for electric vehicles. Not only do they hope to build a network of standardized electric vehicle charging stations across the area, but they also hope to convert many of the non-emergency and operating entities’ vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.
Beyond that, they are testing the use of battery-operated landscaping equipment — especially leaf blowers — on the island based on the newest available battery technology.
They also hope to decrease the use of single-use plastic materials, explore the use of solar panels, implement a hazardous waste collection program as well as implement a central composting process for food and perishable items from area restaurants and homes.
These efforts will also need an extensive education and communication plan to inform the community of these green initiatives. The goal is to one day certify Kiawah Island as a Green Tourist Destination.
Stakeholders in the Kiawah Goes Green working group will be from the Town of Kiawah Island, KICA, South Street Partners, the Kiawah Island Club, the resort, the Kiawah Conservancy and four community members.
Heidingsfelder said that the community members were vetted based on applications where their background, skills and the amount of time they could commit to the group were considered.
The mission statement for the Kiawah Goes Green working group is simple: “This initiative is targeted to formalize a strong commitment by Kiawah’s major entities, stakeholders and the entire community to continue our strong focus on environmental stewardship, sustainability and advancement of eco-friendly public and private practices across the entire island. While being fiscally responsible and understanding the need for operational efficiency in the different entities, the Town would like to encourage the different entities on the island and the entire community to have the ambition to become a leader in the implementation of projects and measures to help protect our island’s environment, nature and beach and marsh barriers. By doing so, we all can help to mitigate the negative influences from rising sea levels and potential new weather patterns.”
Heidingsfelder noted that this initiative is not an official government “committee” in the sense that they have a deadline to address these issues. He said that he expects this to take several years.
“We will have to work with several entities to get a network of charging stations, and we’ll have to work with several HOAs to get them approved,” he explained. “We have a team exploring the cost of the EV stations and how we could possibly utilize some federal funds.”
Heidingsfelder added that the charging stations could cost around $50,000 each. He said that he knows that there are currently more than
100 electric vehicles on the island, but that he believes more people would be open to purchasing an EV if they knew there was a convenient location to charge it.
Some of the non-emergency vehicles on Kiawah that he and the other members of the Kiawah Goes Green group hope to convert to EVs are for beach patrol, turtle patrol and the operations for chairs/umbrellas. They are also looking at operating vehicles for the Town, KICA, the resort and the Kiawah Conservancy.
He noted that he knows that getting contractors on board to use battery-powered equipment for things like landscaping will be challenging at first. “I am hopeful that in the years to come, it will be standard.”
He said they are looking at compostable materials to use at many of the area restaurants instead of plastics, and that they hope to work with the ARB on getting solar panels approved for some of the newer developments, especially Andell West.
But probably one of the biggest issues on Kiawah Island is when homeowners and guests mix their trash in with recyclables. “Recycling bins are not for trash. We need to do a major education campaign to teach people what is and what is not recyclable. When trash is mixed in with recyclables, they have to bring the whole load to the landfill because it is contaminated. It’s horrible. There is currently a whole condo community that is not being picked up for recyclables because their loads were continuously mixed with trash. The recycling contractor just stopped picking up there altogether,” he said.
Erin Pomrenke, the Town’s communication manager, will help Kiawah Goes Green get their word out to the community.
“There is so much more we can do,” Heidingsfelder continued. “We could keep this initiative going and really become the leaders for going green in Charleston County.”
Heidingsfelder said the group is looking into getting information online — or maybe even getting a website — but for now, he said to email him for more information at mheidingsfelder@ kiawahisland.org.
Kiawah’s recycling cans might look a bit different, but they work just as hard.
Open Water Swim
at Night Heron Park. This was an alternative for those that prefer a pool swim, rather than an open-water ocean swim.
Swim Across America is a national nonprofit organization that has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. They host more than 24 open water swims and charity pool events each year in various locations all across the country. The organization began in 1987 in Long Island, New York.
For more information, visit swimacrossamerica.org/Kiawah.
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The update from Riverstone says, “We have had numerous meetings and discussions with key stakeholders including TOKI and KICA officials, EDENs, Harris Teeter and representatives from community groups such as the Cassique HOA, Preserve Kiawah and the Kiawah Conservancy. The revised plan is the culmination of those efforts. We believe it not only addresses concerns that have been raised but has frankly resulted in a better plan than we had first envisioned. It has truly been a collaborative effort, and we appreciate the constructive approach that all community leaders have brought to the discussions.” Dwelling units, among other things, are no longer a part of the design. The plan that Riverstone will present to the Charleston County Planning Commission, and what was presented at the meeting on June 6, contains the following:
• Integration with Freshfields Village – The new development plan will be a natural extension of Freshfields Village and will provide both pedestrian and vehicular connections.
• Architectural Harmony – Riverstone Properties is known for their “unique and diverse” architectural styles. They promise to continue with that style in this new plan.
• Village Green and Restaurant Row – Dining options will be situated along a village green, a landscaped park surrounded by restaurant patios.
• Buffering and Landscaping – Riverstone is working with the Kiawah Conservancy to have all native plants for the landscaping. The parking lot for Harris Teeter will be buffered by the buildings and treescapes and will not be visible from the road. There will also be a minimum of 20% open space within the development including a linear tree-lined park on the south side with a multi-use trail and bike path.
• Gas Station and EV Stations – EV stations will be located inside Andell West. The gas station will be buffered from the road with an architectural fence, columns and landscaping. The footprint of this gas station was reduced from the original plan.
• Permitted Uses – Andell West will have a list of allowable uses. It restricts some uses, even some that are currently permitted at Freshfields Village.
• New Pond – A new pond will be constructed behind the grocery store along the trail system and paths.
• Traffic Management – The new Andell West plan has four access points and a possible connection in the future to Seabrook Island Road.
• Event Parking – Parking for large events on Kiawah Island will still be available on land that Riverstone owns.
• Phasing – The development will be constructed in phases. Riverstone will maintain sites not built on as either extra parking or mowed areas for special events.
• Naming – Work is being done to call it Freshfields Village as an extension of the current Freshfields Village, which will be connected.
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder commented that he would like to see someone from Riverstone Properties present this final plan to the Kiawah Island community before the planning commission meeting with Charleston County in August.
Kiawah Island Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson said that she anticipates Riverstone Properties “putting a date on the calendar” to present again before the community after they present to the County.
However, Heidingsfelder reiterated that he would like the meeting to take place before the August presentation to Charleston County. Each council member, including the mayor, expressed their support with this new plan. Council Member Bradley Belt suggested that a letter come from Council and go to the Charleston County Planning Commission ahead of the August meeting. The other council members agreed.
This diagram shows the proposed plans for the Andell West Community.
Andell West
It ain’t that bad A RESPONSE TO ROM REDDY
BY JON GUNDERSEN
For The Island Connection
In his June 2 editorial, Rom Reddy laments that our country, led by Presidents Trump and Biden, is in trouble and calls for a “new generation of leaders.” I agree – and I’m an old white guy, too. Mr. Reddy gives the current occupant of the White House straight Fs, similar to Animal House’s double secret probation level. We are, in Mr. Reddy’s words, headed into a “reverse social Darwinism – the survival of the unfittest.”
How are we really doing? While I don’t know Mr. Reddy, I assume he’s doing OK, as are, I would guess, most readers of this column. Sure, our nation is a messy, too often polarized democracy. However, rather than cursing the darkness, let’s look at some facts along with some common sense, bipartisan solutions based on Mr. Reddy’s top five priorities.
1) Economy: After years of Covid, a war of aggression in Ukraine and supply chain issues, the economy has a long way to go. Debt and deficits are up, yet GDP is also growing. In addition, Mr. Reddy fails to mention that we have the lowest unemployment rate in over five decades and that the minimum wage per hour has risen from $7.50 to $14 to $16 at Target and Walmart. Moreover, the House and Senate just passed a bipartisan debt ceiling bill that avoided economic catastrophe. It ain’t perfect, but that’s the nature of
democratic compromise.
2) Crime: It is a real problem that directly impacts all of us. However, crime happens in red and blue states alike – not just in Democratic cities and not just because of Black Lives Matter riots and Confederate statues being torn down. The vast majority of Americans do not want to defund the police. They want better trained, more accountable police. Like teachers and nurses, the police should be valued and respected. There is one easy solution to cut the homicide rate that Mr. Reddy does not mention: passing gun safety laws to make it more difficult or impossible for bad guys to get guns. Every other civilized nation in the world has such laws. And every other nation has much lower crime rates than the United States.
3). Open Borders: Mr. Reddy states that because of illegal immigration we will have “no country in the future.” Of course, it is the right and duty of every nation to control its borders. However, since our founding, immigration has been the cornerstone of building our nation. And contrary to unsubstantiated populist rhetoric, immigrants are more likely to hold a job and less likely to commit a crime or be on welfare than native born Americans. Finally, we need immigrants to take care of an aging population. A bipartisan immigration bill passed the
Senate in 2013; it died in the House. The bill secured our borders while increasing legal immigration. A similar bill has been recently proposed by female Hispanic House members. It deserves our support.
4) Standing in the World: Biden, according to Mr. Reddy, is “an embarrassment on the world stage.” “It scares us what America has become,” according to an Aussie friend of Mr. Reddy’s. I, too, have lived all over the world, but have not heard the same laments – perhaps I’m speaking to different foreigners. Mr. Reddy is correct in noting that the world “looks to America to lead.” Leadership, however, does not entail withdrawing from international treaties and allowing bullies to bully. After America’s precipitous, chaotic and ill-advised withdrawal from Afghanistan, the United States has now regained some standing. President Biden has mobilized – and expanded – the NATO alliance against Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine. And no, Mr. Reddy, Ukraine is not a “corrupt proxy regime.” It is a struggling democracy willing to fight for its freedom. Kyiv does not ask for American boots on the ground, but only for the equipment to repel the aggressor. In addition, the administration is working with like-minded Republicans to confront the growing Chinese threat. In other words, an isolationist American policy of retreat would only be welcomed by Putin and Xi. I imagine Presidents Reagan and Kennedy, conservative and liberal icons of the Cold War, would both be rolling over in their graves if America were to retreat from the world stage.
5) American values: America is a nation founded on respect for individual opinions freely expressed. Free speech should be protected on college campuses – too often restricted by the loony left – and books should be available in secondary schools –too often censored by the thought police of the right. Both of our major parties have some good and bad ideas. Advocating defunding the police is both bad policy and stupid politics; praising the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who tried to overthrow our duly elected government is even worse – it’s called sedition.
Governing, of course, ain’t easy. Domestically, while some politicians decry drug dealers and terrorists allegedly
infiltrating our borders, they conveniently ignore the American gun runners who supply guns to the Mexican drug cartels, who sell fentanyl to millions of our fellow citizens. Internationally, we need allies to stand up to dictators. But, as much as we may dislike it, we need to talk to – and understand – bad guys. In the immortal words of Michael Corleone: “Keep your friends close and your enemy closer.” Unfortunately, “America First” too often translates to America alone. I appreciate Mr. Reddy’s readiness to publish different viewpoints and to encourage respect and civility. In future editorials, Mr. Reddy promises to endorse “national and local candidates.” That is his prerogative as publisher. I trust he will hold all candidates to certain standards: That, in rhetoric and policy, they seek to unite, not divide us; that they will defend not denounce American institutions; that they will work across the aisle to seek common sense solutions; and that they will promote American interests and values both domestically and internationally. I also trust in future editions, we can continue to have a dialogue on the issues that affect us all.
A final note: beware politicians – and publishers – who offer simple solutions to complex problems.
In the early 1990s, Gundersen served as the first American charge' – acting ambassador – to Ukraine for both the George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. He also participated in early talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine on Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament and membership in NATO.
Events will mark opening of International African American Museum
BY ELIZABETH BOINEAU
For The Island Connection
The International African American Museum has released additional details for opening week events, including a worship service on June 22 and a dedication ceremony on June 24.
“We’re thrilled to welcome community members, visitors and dignitaries from far and wide to the grand opening of the International African American Museum. We have waited a long time for this moment –we have many to thank and much to celebrate,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of IAAM. “It’s exciting to invite the community to join us for this historic moment. We’re preparing to open our doors with music, food, poetry, incredible visuals and words of wisdom – and to truly celebrate African American culture and its connection to and influence on the world.”
The festivities will begin with a worship service June 22 at Morris Brown AME Church. Beginning at 6 p.m., the multifaith celebration will help build community, reflect on the work that led to the museum’s opening and celebrate the long history of the African American people and their culture. Registration is free but required for this event.
On June 24, a dedication in Charleston’s Marion Square will bring
visitors and members of the community together for a live simulcast of the ceremonies and presentations taking place at the museum and at Marion Square. Presented by Boeing, the celebration will include performances by a 12-piece band, local and big-name musicians and artists, and refreshments from Black-owned food trucks. Explore Charleston will host a mobile visitor center and hospitality tent to provide guests with visitor guides and local swag
and recommend activities around the Charleston area.
Boeing South Carolina’s DreamLearners, an educational program that provides students with opportunities to learn about STEM, advanced manufacturing and aerospace careers, also will host a celebration event in the square. Volunteers with the Boeing Black Employees Association volunteers will help lead the interactive programming, which will feature paper airplane
building, flight competition, free Boeing swag and other giveaway items. Registration is not required.
The International African American Museum, located at 14 Wharfside St. in Charleston, explores the history, culture and impact of the African American journey, sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. For more information, visit iaamuseum.org or call 843-872-5352.
Another Successful Spoleto Festival Bows Out
HOW THE CITY EMBRACED THE 47TH SEASON
BY MARIANNA LUNSFORD For The Island Connection
Currently completing its 47th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. Each spring, the city of Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces come to life with performances by world-renowned artists as part of the annual 17-day international celebration.
The festival showcases established artists and emerging performers in opera, theater and dance, as well as chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Spoleto has held a longstanding mission to promote the work of emerging talent, catalyzing countless breakthroughs for the world’s most promising artists.
This year, for the first time, Spoleto used the Queen Street Playhouse for the world premiere staging of A Poet’s Love, as well as a new Jazz at the Playhouse series. Additionally, the Gaillard served as a mainstage for Spoleto’s opera, Vanessa, as well as the Festival Orchestra showcase series.
The College of Charleston also played a major role as a partner of Spoleto; the festival utilized the Cistern Yard for beloved evening concerts under the oaks, and the Sottile Theatre serves as a versatile
backdrop for a wide variety of dance, choral and jazz concerts.
Festival Hall, which is operated by Spoleto, hosted two music concerts, a national premiere play, and the national premiere of Out of Chaos.
Other local venues for the festival included St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and Firefly Distillery.
But why Charleston — what does the city have to offer that attracted such an acclaimed and recognized performance of the arts?
“When Spoleto’s founder, Gian Carlo Menotti, sought a location for a sister festival to his Festival of Two Worlds, which he initiated in Italy in 1958, he immediately recognized Charleston as the ideal location,” said Jenny Ouellette, the festival’s associate
director of media relations and communications.
Menotti was inspired by Charleston’s similarity to the old world charm of Spoleto, Italy, finding that our city is packed with stunning natural beauty, an impressive array of preserved historical architecture and a wealth of performance venues.
Mena Hanna, Spoleto’s current general director and CEO, recognizes Charleston as a fundamental keystone
to Spoleto.
“Charleston is a port city, a collision of different cultures,” said Hanna. “Spoleto epitomizes this idea, yet also adds to it a dynamism of artistic endeavors that are at once timely and universal. Works reinvent age-old stories for this time and place—from a South African choreographer’s redux of The Rite of Spring to an American actor’s vivid adaptation of Homer’s Iliad.”
Flood of Information
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TRACKING WATER LEVELS THIS SEASON
BY JASON BURTON For The Island Connection
The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Throughout the season, the U.S. Geological Survey will be providing science that can help guide efforts to protect lives and property if a storm threatens the United States.
As a hurricane approaches land, the storm tide it produces is one of the most serious hurricane threats to people and infrastructure. Storm tide is ocean water that’s pushed ashore by a tropical storm or hurricane’s strong sustained winds, combined with the changes in water elevation caused by tidal cycles. Storm tide can cause water levels to rise and flood large areas very quickly and poses a major risk for drowning.
Before a storm makes landfall, the USGS may deploy scientific instruments called storm-tide sensors. These specialized instruments help determine the severity of a storm by recording data on storm tides, waves and coastal flooding. USGS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists use this information to improve forecast models. The data may also help relief efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal, state and local agencies by pinpointing the areas hardest hit by storm-tide flooding.
Once it’s determined a hurricane or tropical storm will likely strike, USGS
experts, often in discussion with the National Hurricane Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will decide whether and where to deploy storm-tide sensors. If deployed, USGS crews will attach the sensors to sturdy coastal infrastructure, like bridges and piers that are less likely to be washed away by strong waves. Once conditions allow scientists to return to the field, crews collect the sensors so the data they recorded can be downloaded.
The value of storm-tide sensor data continues long after a storm passes. The information can be used to design structures to better withstand floods, assess how well dunes and wetlands reduce storm damage and inform land-use practices and building codes that can lead to more resilient coastal communities.
This year, the USGS is continuing an ongoing pilot program to develop methods to deliver storm-tide sensor data faster than current methods permit. This includes storm-tide sensors that can be permanently installed, cutting down sensor deployment times, and sensors that can transmit, allowing the data to be available within hours instead of days.
Soon, we'll share how coastal change can impact coastal flooding and how the USGS works to forecast coastal changes before storms make landfall.
A guide to Father’s Day
ACTIVITIES, ADVENTURES AND FOOD
BY MARIANNA LUNSFORD For The Island Connection
Father’s Day is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than spending the day experiencing the unique attractions and natural beauty of Charleston and its barrier islands?
On their special day, dads might enjoy a variety of experiences the city has to offer on land or on the water. Consider taking dad out fishing, renting water sports equipment or golfing. Be sure to follow up his special day with a memorable meal at one of the city’s many excellent dining locations.
If Dad is the kind of guy who enjoys being on the water, consider taking him on an ecotour or chartering a boat with Barrier Islands Ecotours in Isle of Palms. You can enjoy the warm, summer breeze and immerse yourself in nature by scheduling one of a multitude of trips: discover wildlife on Capers Island; look for dolphins as the sun sets; enjoy a family fun day; take care of your appetite at a beachside cookout; or test your skills with an inshore fishing charter. Ecotourists or charters explore Charleston’s one-of-a-kind salt marshes and barrier islands with an expert naturalist guide, and you also might encounter dolphins, sea turtles, a variety of bird species and other marine life.
“Because our fishing guides and captains are also naturalists for our ecotours, when going on a fishing charter with us, not only will our clients have a great time catching fish, they will also learn details about our salt marsh ecosystem and the marine life that inhabits it,” said Shane Ziegler of Barrier Islands Ecotours. “On our fishing charters, we pull a crab trap, which is always fun to see. We also catch bait with the cast net. Our guides are used to working with kids and inexperienced fishers and truly enjoy getting people into fishing.”
“Our charters take place in the protected waters of the salt marsh,” Ziegler added. “We catch a variety of species depending on the time of year. Redfish, sea trout, ladyfish, flounder and sheepshead are a few of the species we may catch. Additionally, we always
have a shark rod or two out while fishing for other species, which adds to the excitement.”
“We have a 24-foot bay boat that can take up to six people called the Cut Mullet,” he continued. “We also have a 27-foot Carolina skiff called the Marsh Mama that can take up to 12 people fishing. The Marsh Mama is perfect for larger groups of families and friends that would like to share the experience together.”
Those interested in scheduling a Father’s Day ecotour or fishing charter can book a tour at nature-tours.com
If chartering isn’t quite Dad’s thing but fishing still spikes his interest, consider keeping him on land at any of the Charleston area’s finest fishing locations. Get all the gear ready and head out to the Mount Pleasant Pier, Pitt Street Bridge or Shem Creek Park in Mount Pleasant; the Copahee Sound in Awendaw; the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve on Edisto Island; the Folly Beach Pier; or James Island County Park.
If Dad is interested in being on or near the water and willing to take a more adventurous approach to celebrating his day, consider spending
a day out on and around the islands with rentals from Sealand Sports on Sullivan’s Island, a “one stop shop for all of your kite, surf, skate, paddle and adventure-related apparel.”
“Here at Sealand Sports, our shop offers a variety of rentals and retail options,” said General Manager Denver Yost. “For rentals, we offer standard beach cruisers, electric bikes and low-speed vehicles. For water enthusiasts, we offer stand-up paddleboards and surfboards. We also do beach chairs and umbrellas.”
“Renting water sports equipment and all of our other rental equipment makes for a fantastic outing for any occasion,” Yost continued. “Sullivan’s Island provides the perfect outlet for a fun recreation day for the whole family. Whether it be a fun day on the beach or a ride through the historic island on a bike, there’s no shortage of fun. The island provides incredible ocean views, and our beach cruisers are perfectly suited for a ride down the coastline.”
He added that sites to visit on Sullivan’s Island include the Edgar Allan Poe Library, Fort Moultrie and the iconic lighthouse.
Those interested in rentals for their Father’s Day festivities can learn more at sealandsports.com.
Maybe Dad’s thing isn’t being on or near the water at all. If that’s the case, the Charleston area offers a variety of golfing opportunities that never disappoint. A few courses to keep in mind are Kiawah Island Golf Resort; Patriots Point or Dunes West in Mount Pleasant and Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms.
No matter the method of celebration, be sure to top the day off with a meal at one of the area’s local dining establishments. Consider staying along the barrier islands with a meal at Bowens Island on Folly Beach. Another option is Paddock & Whisky in James Island or Park Circle in North Charleston. If you want to venture into downtown Charleston, you can visit 167 Raw to treat Dad to some of the city’s best oysters. It’s closed on Sundays but will be open the Friday and Saturday of Father’s Day weekend. If Dad is more of a steak guy, consider Oak Steakhouse on historic Broad Street. If you’re hoping to spend dinner at home, you can opt to have Table & Twine bring a chef-prepared barbecue package directly to your door.
In the Charleston area, the sky is the limit when it comes to finding a way to make Father’s Day just as special as he is.
Consider taking dad out on the water — and enjoying a seafood feast afterward.
COURTESY OF BARRIER ISLANDS ECOTOURS
South Carolina partners begin action on salt marsh conservation plan
BY THE SCDNR FOR THE ISLAND CONNECTION
After nearly three years of development, a comprehensive plan to protect salt marsh along the coast from North Carolina to east central Florida has finally come to fruition.
In South Carolina, a coalition of over 75 individuals, including those from the Coastal Conservation League, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Defense and local land trusts have worked together to recognize primary threats to salt marsh and identify key strategies, objectives and actions to conserve the marsh.
The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative’s plan calls for protecting the sinewy channels of coastal grasslands for their value in reducing flooding and erosion, providing wildlife habitat and supporting coastal businesses and economies.
“Salt marshes are iconic landscapes in the coastal Southeast, yet their health and sustainability is anything but assured,” said Robert Boyles, director of SCDNR.
“The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative represents a comprehensive effort to bring to the table all who have an interest in the health of these invaluable habitats to collaborate and cooperate to secure the future of these special ecosystems.”
The plan includes two key strategies: protect and restore the health and functions of existing salt marshes and conserve marsh migration corridors, including removing or retrofitting barriers to ensure salt marshes can shift as sea levels rise. Now that it has been finalized and released, partners are working to begin these implementation efforts.
Salt marshes are iconic landscapes in the coastal Southeast, yet their health and sustainability is anything but assured.
“I’m constantly reminded of how we are all interconnected and dependent on our environment. And while it is integral to our way of life, it is also a critical habitat for our fish, birds and other wildlife populations,” said Faith Rivers James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League. “Our marshes are the lifeblood of our ecosystem, and we must protect it so those who come after us can experience it in the way we have been blessed.”
Marshes are threatened by rising seas, polluted runoff, and unsustainable development. Strategies in the plan range from elevating roads to conserving land near marshes so the tidal wetlands can move as sea levels rise. It also calls for close collaboration between SASMI partners, local communities, and governments to identify and implement the tactics best suited for each location and includes suggestions for
securing funding, improving development planning processes and educating and engaging communities in salt marsh conservation projects.
“As we’ve demonstrated over the last few years, we can make more progress toward our goals when we come together,” James said. “Now we must continue to partner to ensure that this well-considered plan does not sit on a shelf; that we see it through to full implementation.”
In South Carolina, many partners are working diligently to map marsh migration all along the coast. With this mapping data on hand, the conservation
community will be able to prioritize these land protection efforts.
As an extension of decades of work on shoreline protection, the Conservation League has partnered with SCDNR and other partners in the Coalition to create a living shorelines contractor training course. This resource will give marine contractors an additional tool in their toolbelt to help private property owners build living shorelines along their marshfront properties.
The Lowcountry Sentinel Landscape was also designated in the South Coast, which will bring additional funds for conservation work to support space for the marsh to migrate.
From North Carolina to eastcentral Florida, the SASMI coalition includes more than 300 military and government officials, community leaders, conservationists, scientists, fishermen and others.
The framework for this work was modeled off America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative, and the coalition was brought together by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS), whose members include the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies along with state environmental and natural resource officials from across the Southeast.
around the islands...
ONGOING
WHAT: VITA Tax Assistance
WHERE: Johns Island Library (3531 Maybank Highway)
WHEN: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Call 800-726-8774 to schedule an appointment. For any other questions refer to ccpl.org.
WHAT: Baby Storytime (ages 0-2 with adult)
WHERE: Johns Island Library
WHEN: Mondays at 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Bond with your baby and introduce them to the wonders of storytime when you join us for simple stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Space may be limited. For more information, visit ccpl.org.
WHAT: Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3 with adult)
WHERE: Johns Island Library
WHEN: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun and support your child’s developing skills. Space may be limited. For more information, visit ccpl.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16
WHAT: Seabrook Island Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo
WHERE : 2001 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island
WHEN : June 16-28, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: The second annual run of this seasonal event happening right out in front of the Town Hall steps. We are excited to share with you a great variety of delicious food trucks bringing their tasty food and treats to our streets. We will also have beer and wine available for those who obtain our fun wristbands to be given out the day of each event with valid ID. So, please no BYOB or food. This year's performers include Molly Durnin, The Time Pirates, David Tabaka, and Don Colton. Each week menus change a bit but don't fret, we like to spice it up with a little variety. Contact (843) 768-9121 for more information.
WHAT: Music on the Green WHEN : June 16 -23, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Weekly Music on the Green Concert Series on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The free, family friendly concerts featuring a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, Country and more. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. For more information visit freshfieldsvillage.com.
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
WHAT: Hitchcock Films at John's Island Library
WHEN : June 20, 10 a.m.
WHERE : John's Island Library 3531 Maybank Highway Johns Island MORE INFO: Please join us for the ninth film of our Hitchcock series, the exciting "Notorious". For more information phone 843-559-1945.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
WHAT: Rain Garden Workshop
WHEN : June 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE : Kiawah Town Hall, 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway
MORE INFO: The Kiawah Conservancy will host a Rain Garden Workshop with Clemson Extension and Weston + Sampson Engineers. Come join us to learn more about how to install a rain garden, how they can help with local stormwater issues, and how they benefit the ecosystem. This workshop will begin with a presentation by Ami Scaroni with Clemson Extension. After the presentation, we will visit the rain garden site at the Kiawah Island Municipal Center where
we will hear from Kim Morganello with Weston + Sampson Engineers and install plants in the garden. In addition, we will provide a copy of the Kiawah Conservancy’s Nature-Based Solutions Manual for Kiawah Island to all participants. This workshop and garden installation is funded by a generous grant from the Town of Kiawah Island. Seating is limited and registration is required. To register go to kiawahconservancy.salsalabs.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 26
WHAT: Weekly Farmers Market
WHEN : June 26, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE : 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island
MORE INFO: Weekly Farmers Market on Mondays in June, July & August. Fresh organic produce, local food products, crafts during the summer. Visit freshfieldsvillage.com for a list of vendors.
Join the Club
BY ANDREW GRIMALDA
Our first endeavor is to inform the more than 350 veterans living on Seabrook Island about our club. If you know a fellow Vet, please ask them to register. We do not charge dues and you can select those activities you find to be fun and interesting.
I started this club, after having served for more than 24 years because I miss the social interaction we all enjoyed when we were in service. There is much to enjoy on Seabrook and it's even more fun when done with a group of friends.
After our initial registration period, I will email you about our first get together to be held in September, and then you will receive monthly newsletters informing you about upcoming activities and trips. Let's enjoy this time together!
Go to sivclub.org to register and select activities you are interested in, and for questions, contact Andy Grimalda at andrew. sivclub@gmail.com.
Not Mint for Juleps
BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection
Mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, horehound, mountain-mint, catnip, bee-balm, marjoram, pennyroyal, lemon-balm, hyssop, lavender, dittany and basil: what an aromatic bunch of plants these are. All of these are fragrant members of the widely distributed "mint" family, one of the larger families of flowering plants, with 5,000 or so different species.
This family is known correctly by either of two different names, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, so don't worry, if you prefer saying "Lamiaceae," [lame-ee-A-see-ee] someone using "Labiatae" [lay-BEEuh-tee] in the conversation will know what you mean.
Whichever name you use, this family is rather easily recognized in most cases, its component members having opposite leaves — two at a time — and square stems in cross section. In addition to the culinary value of this family, many of its members are well-known as popular garden ornamentals. The fragrance, or in some cases, the skunkiness, associated with various members of the mint family usually comes from volatile oils maintained in tiny glands on the surface of the leaves and stems.
There are some other characteristics shared by members of this family. For instance, the calyx and corolla are variously tubular, with the flower containing four stamens. True sage, in the genus Salvia, is an oddball, with
only two stamens. The shrubby "sage" or "sage-brushes" in the cowboy movies are actually members of the sunflower family. The fruits of these plants are tiny, dry, one-seeded nutlets, and each flower's ovary has the potential of producing a maximum of four of them.
Botanists sometimes refer, offhandedly, to members of this family as mints. It's good to remember, though, that everything in the mint family is not mint. What we call "mint" and what often ends up in juleps and iced tea, belongs to the genus Mentha; there are several dozen species. Similarly, it's also good to know that everything in this family is not fragrant or aromatic. Our Mystery Plant is one of these.
It's an attractive, perennial species, native to Europe and Asia, but is now widespread in much of North America. Here in the Southeast, it is frequently seen along roadsides and under power lines. It grows to be a couple of feet tall, and has narrowly egg-shaped leaves. There will be a dense cylindrical mass of flowers at the top. The corolla is flamboyant, strongly tubular and upturned, flaring out at the top into an upper and a ragged lower lip. Corolla color is generally deep purple or bluish, although white-flowered forms are occasionally encountered. Bees like them. After the flower is pollinated, the colorful corolla will eventually wither and fall away, leaving the calyx, and of course, there will be those 4 little nutlets
PHOTO BY LINDA LEE
inside.
Now if you use your imagination, the open flower might resemble a gaping mouth — perhaps like someone saying “ahhh” at the doctor’s office. Can you see why people sometimes have used the plant as a gargle for sore throats?
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
7:30am/7:57pm 8:17am/8:41pm 9:03am/9:23pm 9:47am/10:04pm 10:30am/10:43pm 11:13am/11:23pm 11:56am 12:02am/12:41pm 12:42am/1:27pm 1:24am/2:15pm 2:10am/3:05pm 2:59am/3:55pm 3:51am/4:47pm 4:46am/5:40pm
1:32am/1:23pm 2:20am/2:08pm 3:05am/2:52pm 3:47am/3:34pm 4:28am/4:15pm 5:08am/4:56pm 5:46am/5:37pm 6:23am/6:22pm 7:01am/7:10pm 7:42am/8:03pm 8:25am/9:01pm 9:12am/10:01pm 10:02am/11:01pm 10:55am/11:59pm
[Answer: “Heal-all” — Prunella vulgaris]
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