STATE NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER 2005

O ver a century ago, a handful of women began a campaign to protect

birds and created a national movement—the National
Audubon Society. Audubon South Carolina invites you to join us in
honoring our beginnings and South Carolina’s outstanding women of conservation.

EVELYN THAYER CHACE AWARD

Saturday, October 8, 2005
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Riverbanks Zoo, Ndoki Lodge
Columbia, South Carolina
Cocktail Hour and Dinner—$75.00 Per Person
RSVP by calling (843) 462-2150 by October 4, 2005

SPONSORED BY JOHNNIE AND BUFF CHACE

Keynote Speaker: John Flicker, President, National Audubon Society

The mission of Audubon South Carolina is to protect and enhance habitat for birds and other
wildlife, and to educate people and involve communities in conservation.
 A PERSPECTIVE ON THE AWARD by Norman Brunswig, Executive Director
South Carolina has been blessed with a remarkable sorority raised funds to pay the first Audubon wardens, who pro-
of conservationists. These women live and work across our tected bird colonies up and down the Eastern Coast.
state, representing a range of organizations and their own Following in Abbott’s footsteps, Evy protected some birds of
strong values. To them is owed much of the credit for the her own. While serving on Audubon’s National Board of Di-
wonderful natural resources we enjoy today. rectors in the 1980s, she chaired the Beidler Forest Land Ac-
The National Audubon Society owes its existence in large quisition Committee. Her committee raised $2 million and
measure to another group of remark- helped add 1,800 acres of
able women. In the late 18th century bottomland hardwood forest
fashion called for women to wear the to Beidler. Funds from that
plumes and sometimes the entire campaign drove future ac-
skins of birds, a practice that nearly quisitions and created the
drove birds like the Great Egret to Beidler mitigation bank,
extinction. One group of women de- which continues to enhance
termined that they would wear them wetland habitat today.
no more and called on their friends Evy’s early and unqualified
and family to do the same. From support emboldened Audu-
their actions sprang the National As- bon to expand a precious
sociation of Audubon Societies for 3,400 acre forest remnant
the Protection of Wild Birds and Ani- into today’s ever-expanding
mals. Soon came the passage of the 15,000-acre forested wet-
Plumage Act in New York, which out- land reserve. She was a
lawed the possession of feathers for great friend to me, to Beidler
sale. The law crippled the millenary Forest and to Audubon at
trade, a large consumer of feathers, large.
thus saving several species from near certain extinction.
As we celebrate 100 years of Audubon with the Evelyn
Evelyn Thayer Chace (Evy) has a wonderful Audubon line- Thayer Chace Awards, we acknowledge Evy’s remarkable
age. Her middle name, Thayer, links her to an early giant of life and showcase the tremendous contributions of five out-
Audubon conservation, Abbott H. Thayer. In 1900, Abbott standing South Carolina Women In Conservation.

ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE

FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
Anne Springs Close is known to many as one of South Carolina’s foremost environ-
mentalists and philanthropists. A native of Fort Mill, Anne is the daughter of textile
entrepreneur Colonel Elliot White Springs and Frances Hubbard Ley. Her love of
nature can be traced back to a childhood spent exploring the woods, playing in up-
state creeks and camping in the mountains. She has worked to improve the quality
of life of those around her through the discovery of nature and outdoor recreation.

She has lent her considerable talents to many organizations. Anne is the Board
Chair for the Springs/Close Foundation, a founding Board Member of the Palmetto
Conservation Foundation and Chairwoman of the Palmetto Trail program, which will
link South Carolina’s mountains and beaches through a 400-mile trail. Anne’s work
and conservation ethics often take her outside of the Boardroom and put her in a
hands-on role. She has directed equestrian camps for local youth and provided rid-
ing lessons and programs for handicapped children and adults.

A great motivation for her work has been the changing face of the upstate, particu-
larly the disappearance of farm lands. She has been involved in many initiatives
aimed at preserving critical lands in the upstate and making them available to the
public. In 1995 one of her lifelong dreams was realized with the dedication of the
Anne Springs Close Greenway, a project contributed to by Anne’s children, who
named the area after their mother. The Greenway is 2,300 acres that surrounds
and buffers Fort Mill from encroaching development. Three schools adjoin the
Greenway which serves as an outdoor classroom. Hiking, biking and fishing are some of the activities enjoyed by the public
along the Greenway.

“I try to be a good steward,” she says. That simple philosophy has proven effective in her public service efforts, conserva-
tion successes and contributions to maintaining the Upstate’s quality of life.

2 AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org
 AWARD WINNERS

HARRIET KEYSERLING
BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

Originally from New York City, Harriet Keyserling came to the Carolina Lowcountry after
marrying a Beaufort native. Sixty years later she is still a resident of the charming City
of Beaufort and has long been an inspirational figure for conservation in South Carolina.

Her love of nature was a gift from her parents. However, early awareness of the dam-
age perpetrated upon the environment came to her from another leading woman con-
servationist - Rachel Carson, author of “Silent Spring”, a book that chronicled the link
between DDT and the decline of many bird species. “Women are the carers and the
caregivers and so we take the long view—what will the world be like for our children, our
grandchildren.”

Defying the odds for both a non-native and a woman in South Carolina, Harriet spent
over twenty years in the South Carolina Legislature promoting the protection of both
South Carolina’s people and its environment. Among her many accomplishments, Har-
riet was the initial sponsor for the legislation which allowed land trusts in South Carolina
to take easements. “I believe that we are all responsible for the condition of the state,
country, world and all of the people in it. My way is through politics. The people we
elect determine the conditions, especially of the environment.”

Outside of the legislature, Harriet has served and supported many local organizations which work to protect the environment,
such as the Coastal Conservation League and The Nature Conservancy. She was a founding Board Member of Conserva-
tion Voters of South Carolina. Harriet is the author of “Against the Tide: One Woman’s Political Struggle,” which chronicles
both her time in the legislature and a wide range of issues that she feels must be closely watched and acted upon. While
she admits in her book that terms such as “inspirational” and “motivational” make her slightly uncomfortable there is no deny-
ing that her simple yet compelling lifelong message—Do Something—is both of those things.

MARY ARRINGTON WALTER

SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Mary Arrington Walter has been the Executive Director of the Spartanburg area land trust
known as SPACE (Spartanburg Area Conservancy) since its inception fifteen years ago.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Mary has spent her entire life as a resident of the
South Carolina upstate. Born to a family with a strong conservation ethic, Mary learned
early in life to love the land and all that it has to give. “My paternal grandmother was a
member of The Nature Conservancy in the ‘70s and spoke to me about the conservation
movement then,” Mary recalls. Her Aunt Hazael was also a big influence on her path in
life, including her work today to protect critical lands in the Spartanburg area.

SPACE’s focus on the best remaining natural areas in Spartanburg, including those found
within the already developed urban area, has proven highly successful, if not challenging
at times. One of Mary and SPACE’s greatest accomplishments has been the protection
and preservation of over 80 acres of land in the heart of Spartanburg and the subsequent
development of the Cottonwood Trail on that site. Today, the Cottonwood Trail attracts
area residents and outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the wildlife that still thrives on the site,
despite the development that surrounds the Trail.

Mary’s work is inspired not only by her conservation values but also her religious beliefs.
“I believe that God has a purpose for each of us and that we should make the most of our
life by striving for what feeds our souls. I believe in listening to your inner soul and pursu-
ing what energizes you. I try to focus on what’s really important in life in the big scheme of
things and to embrace that which is meaningful and satisfying.” Leading SPACE in its mission, while volunteering for her
church and other community organizations has proven both meaningful and satisfying for Mary.

AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org 3
AWARD WINNERS

ANGELA VINEY
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Angela Viney grew up in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. The oldest of
six children and the daughter of a coal miner, Angela’s conservation ethic came to
her early on and out of necessity. “Nothing could be wasted in our family and we
lived off the land through gardening and hunting.” The bounty of nature and her
family’s close connection to the land instilled in Angela a true appreciation of all
that nature provides, a connection that many fail to make in today’s society.

Much of Angela’s childhood recreation came from nature as well. On weekends

her family would pack a lunch, pile in the station wagon and head to a local state
park or other recreational area. Angela came to South Carolina in 1986. True to
her mountain heritage, one of Angela’s favorite spots in her adopted state is the
Jocassee Gorges Natural Resources Area. “I guess you can take the girl out of
the mountains but you can’t take the mountains out of the girl,” she jokes.

When asked about the role of women in the conservation movement and their
successes, Angela says, “Women strive for results and accomplishments—not for
the credit but for the cause itself. We are by nature very nurturing and have a
sense of caretaking and responsibility not only to our children but to future gen-
erations.”

Today, Angela is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation
and works tirelessly to protect the state’s wildlife habitat, the rights of the sporting
community and natural areas. Angela credits her success with the SCWF to her
overall conservation philosophy. “As a child I was taught to respect and appreciate all of God’s creations and creatures—
animal and human. I was instilled with a sense of coexistence, equality and tolerance. This foundation serves me well as we
strive for balance in this ever growing state.”

NANCY VINSON
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Born and raised near Columbia, Nancy Vinson has spent much of her life protect-
ing South Carolina’s coast. Her love of nature comes from growing up in rural
South Carolina and family vacations spent on St. Helena’s Island. Nancy shared
many wonderful moments with her father exploring marsh creeks. These early
years left a lifelong impression on Nancy and set her on her way to becoming one
of South Carolina’s leading women conservationists.
Nancy graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Marine
Science and developed an interest in coastal management policy. Her entry into
the conservation arena came as a volunteer for the Sierra Club and eventually she
would become the first full-time paid staff member for Sierra Club the state. Nancy
is quick to credit her early mentors—people like Richard Watkins of St. Matthews
and Barry Beasley and Nancy Stone-Collum of Columbia—with her success.
In 1994 she began to work for the Coastal Conservation League, which allowed her
to focus on wetland and coastal issues. Today, one of Nancy’s biggest challenges
is defending against the development of South Carolina’s public trust marshes by
building vehicular bridges to small marsh islands. “Our salt marshes are held in
trust for the benefit of all the citizens of South Carolina, not to maximize the profits
of a few developers. Building roadways through the ocean’s nursery grounds is
something that we shouldn’t even be considering. People need to contact their leg-
islators and let them know that this is unacceptable.”
“We are blessed with a diversity of rich natural resources here in South Carolina. Rather than seeing how many houses we
can cram into the most sensitive areas we need to focus on their preservation and how we can pass them on to future genera-
tions intact.”

AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org
4
 OTHER WOMEN TO CELEBRATE

ANN JENNINGS
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Ann Jennings can be considered one of the founding mothers of modern conservation in South Carolina. She helped create
The Environmental Coalition, one of the first grassroots advocacy groups in the state. Much of Ann’s life has been devoted to
a wide range of issues—from nuclear power safety to protecting coastal tidelands.
Ann was deeply involved in the early struggle to protect and expand Congaree Swamp National Monument, today Congaree
National Park. The conservation of Upper Santee Swamp has also been a focus of Ann’s. Her passion for the forested wet-
lands, rural landscapes and natural areas of the Midlands made for a natural fit for her as the Director of the Congaree Land
Trust. Under Ann’s leadership, the Trust has conserved nearly 2,000 acres of critical habitat in the Midlands, with plans for
much more.

GENEVIEVE PETERKIN
MURRELLS INLET, SOUTH CAROLINA

Genevieve Peterkin has lived most of her life in Murrells Inlet. Her connections of the land and the people there came to her in
large part through her mother, Genevieve Wilcox Chandler, who interviewed residents of the Waccamaw Neck for the WPA
Writers Project in the 1930’s. Genevieve would often accompany her mother on these interviews and became well-acquainted
with her community early in life.
Growing up near the marshes and waterways of Murrells Inlet fostered within her a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of
the Carolina Coast. That appreciation became a call to action to protect her home. In the 1950’s she formed the Murrells Inlet
Protective Assocation in an attempt to halt a dredging project in the area. She later helped mobilize local residents to protect
Sandy Island, and to protect the long-leaf pine forest at Brookgreen Gardens and arrange for its long-term management.
Genevieve’s lifetime of work has ensured that important parts of the Waccamaw Neck will be preserved and protected for future
generations.

SHARON RICHARDSON
SUNDERLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

While now a resident of Massachusetts, Sharon Richardson continues to impact the conservation of South
Carolina’s natural resources. She came to South Carolina in 1995 where she immediately began work as a Long Range Plan-
ner for Beaufort County.
Sharon became the Executive Director of the Lowcountry Open Land Trust in 1996 and led the organization for the next four
years. Sharon helped develop many of the partnerships that make LOLT so successful today. During this time, Sharon final-
ized easements for over 45 families to protect 10,000 acres of the Carolina Lowcountry.
In 2000 Sharon, despite her relocation to Massachusetts, began working with Audubon South Carolina on the long-term pres-
ervation and protection of Four Holes Swamp. With her planning expertise guiding the way, Audubon has added several thou-
sand acres to its Francis Beidler Forest.

LINNEA ROGERS-NOTTON
MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA

Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Linnea Rogers-Notton was inspired by the passion of local naturalists and their love of the
environment. Her time as a Campfire Girl also played a pivotal role in nurturing Linnea’s love of nature.
Linnea and her husband relocated to Mount Pleasant in 1993. Linnea soon realized that Mount Pleasant was in danger of los-
ing the very attributes that made it so desirable to begin with. After watching the failure of a local tax referendum to provide
for open space, Linnea formed “People for Preservation”. Linnea and the members of People for Preservation have worked
hard for the passage of a tax initiative for open spaces, fought a proposed Port terminal on Daniel Island and promoted local
ordinances to control growth in Mount Pleasant.

AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org 5
 AUDUBON ADVOCACY

A COMMON AGENDA FOR SOUTH CAROLINA’S CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS

Since June, the state conservation community, including Audubon South Carolina, have been meeting to establish the com-
munity’s priorities over the upcoming year. Individual organizations were invited to submit proposals to be considered for in-
clusion on a “common agenda”. Staff members and organization volunteers gathered in August for two planning sessions,
hosted by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

Participants chose the theme of “Preserving South Carolina’s Traditions and Creating a Healthy Future”. The introduction
explains that:

“Crucial decisions are being made today which affect the way we live here in South Caro-
lina. Whether our roots spring deeply from Carolina soil or from places afar, we live here
because we value our communities and our outdoor traditions. Everyday we spend too
much time in traffic, we see our fields, forests and hunting grounds threatened by develop-
ment and watch our streams polluted and posted with mercury fishing advisories. We worry
about the South Carolina our children and grandchildren will inherit….”

Four policy priorities were also identified: (1) investing in sound land use and road planning to ensure economic vitality, pro-
tect future property values and preserve outdoor traditions (2) preserving irreplaceable natural areas which sustain a variety
of sports and recreation (3) protecting water quality and quantity for our future and (4) affirming citizen rights to clean air, wa-
ter and healthy communities while defending against environmental rollbacks.

These goals will be translated into an action list for the 2006 legislative session which will include passing the Priority Invest-
ment Areas legislation, establish a fair permitting system for isolated wetlands, acquiring key corporate forest lands, ensuring
full funding for the Conservation Bank and continuing to oppose attempts to weaken environmental protections. On the edu-
cational front the conservation community will work to build support for increasing Department of Transportation accountabil-
ity, and to oppose the proposed Tyger River Dam and to better define the rights of citizens to a healthy environment.

The following groups are participating in the Common Agenda planning and action: Aiken Open Land Trust, Audubon Soci-
ety, Coastal Conservation League, Carolina Farmer Stewards, Congaree Land Trust, Conservation Voters of South Carolina
Education Fund, League of Women Voters, Native Plant Society, Sierra Club, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Southern
Environmental Law Center, The Nature Conservancy and Upstate Forever.

Plans are underway for a series of local meetings in Georgetown, Florence, Aiken, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Greenville,
Charleston and Beaufort during October so please look for information to be mailed to you later. A final version of the
state’s shared conservation priorities will be released at the Environmental Leaders Summit, November 13-14, follow by me-
dia and outreach efforts to educate and empower citizens to take part in preserving South Carolina’s traditions and creating
a healthy future. For more information about the agenda or upcoming Environmental Leaders Summit contact April Stallings
at (843) 462-2150.

SAVE THE ARCTIC!

September will be the best chance to save the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this year, drilling revenues were
placed in the national budget in an attempt to avoid a direct
vote on protecting the Refuge.
The Arctic Refuge is critical habitat for many of America’s
bird species and other wildlife. Drilling in the Arctic will not
reduce gas prices or provide a long-term energy solution.
September 20th is Arctic Action Day. Visit the Capitol with
thousands of other activists. Contact your Senators and
Representative. Write a letter to the Editor. Save the Ref-
uge!

For more information visit www.audubon.org

6 AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org
 AUDUBON EVENTS AND NEWS

SILVER BLUFF 2005 CALENDAR EXPLORE SOUTH CAROLINA’S

OF EVENTS
September 17, 2005 @ 7:30 A.M.
Fall Migration Bird Count. Free.
(803) 471-0291
BEIDLER FOREST CALENDAR
OF EVENTS 2005
September 10, 2005 @ 7:30 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
September 17, 2005 @ 7:30 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
October 8, 2005 @ 7:00 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
October 15, 2005 @ 7:00 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
November 12, 2005 @ 5:30 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
November 12th & December 3rd @ 8:00 a.m.
Woodpecker Walks: Explore the wide world of woodpeck-
ers that call Beidler Forest home. A visit to view Red-
cockaded Woodpeckers at the nearby Brosnan Forest will
follow.
December 10, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m.—Nightwalk, $8.00
IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN 2005
CROFT STATE NATURAL AREA, September 17, 2005 @ 8:00 a.m. - Join
Marion Clark in exploring this Important Bird Area. Part of the State Park
system, Croft State Natural Area is a unique ecosystem that supports a wide
variety of raptors and songbirds year round. To sign up contact Marion
Clark at (803) 996-0480 or (803) 422-8308 or mclark66@sc.rr.com. Meet
at the entrance gate on Dairy Ridge Road, just off of SC 56.
CAESER’S HEAD STATE PARK, September 24, 2005 - Join Lorraine
Brown, during Caser Head State Park’s Hawk Watch. View fall migration for
songbirds and raptors alike at this upstate gem! For sign up, meeting
times and directions contact Lorraine Brown at (864) 232-7574 or
jwljvdbrown@msn.com.
SANTEE COASTAL RESERVE, November 5, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m. - Join
Felicia Sanders, Department of Natural Resources Biologist, at the Santee
Coastal Reserve. One of South Carolina’s earliest Important Bird Areas,
Santee Coastal Reserve will feature opportunities to view shorebirds, water-
fowl, a variety of songbirds and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. To sign up
contact Felicia Sanders at (843) 520-0961 or SandersF@dnr.sc.gov.
Meet at the kiosk.

STORKS & CORKS

The 2nd Annual Storks &

Corks was held August 13,
2005 at the Silver Bluff
Audubon Center and Sanc-
tuary. The event brought
together 75 community resi-
dents for an evening of
Stork watching, wine and
hors d’oeuvres. The event
was co-sponsored by the
South Carolina Wildlife Fed-
eration.
The event raised over
$1,000 to support Audu-
bon’s work to protect the
endangered Wood Storks.
To learn more about Audu-
bon’s Support-A-Stork pro-
gram visit us online at
www.beidlerforest.com.

JOIN US FOR BEACH SWEEP/RIVER SWEEP 2005!

Audubon South Carolina invites you to join us to participate in the 17th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep. The clean-up will
take place on Saturday, September 17th from 9 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Audubon staff and volunteers will clean the Cooper
River along the western edge of Daniel Island, both from land and by water.

Thanks to the generous donation of a barge by Salmons Dredging Corporation, the clean-up will have less impact on the
marsh areas of Daniel Island. Volunteers on shore will bag the trash while volunteers in kayaks will shuttle the debris to the
nearby barge, minimizing negative impacts on the fragile marsh environment.

Gloves will be provided for the first 20 volunteers to arrive. Plenty of trash bags and eye protection will be available. Volun-
teers are asked to meet at the end of Grand Council Street (near cell phone tower) at 8:45 a.m.. Call (843) 462-2150 to sign
up or for additional information.

AUDUBON South Carolina, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448-3324, (843) 462-2150, beidler@audubon.org 7
 NON PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

336 Sanctuary Road PAID

Harleyville, South Carolina 29448-3324 PERMIT NO. 468

SUMMERVILLE,

SC

Please contact bthomas@audubon.org

with name or address corrections.

BOO IN THE SWAMP

A FUN, FALL EVENING AT THE FOREST!

Join us at Francis Beidler Forest on October 29th and

30th for the very first BOO IN THE SWAMP.

The evening begins at 6:00 PM, when small groups will

be taken out on the Boardwalk and into a world of frights
and fun! Visitors can take part in a Weenie and Marsh-
mallow Roast, face painting, story telling and other nature
related entertainment.

Cost is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children over 6.

Please call 843-462-2150 for more information and to
sign up.

There is still a need for volunteers on both nights of the

Boo In The Swamp. If you would like to be a part of mak-
ing this event a great success, please call us at the above
number.