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June Conservation News
Monitoring with Mark!
Land Stewardship Coordinator Mark Lowery recently hit the road to visit some beautiful properties in Kershaw, Clarendon, Sumter and Williamsburg Counties. Read about them in his field notes by clicking here!
National Rivers Month
June is National Rivers Month! Started in the 1990s by conservationists, National Rivers Month takes place each June with the goal of celebrating rivers and increasing awareness of the critical role that rivers place in our ecosystem. Rivers sustain us in many ways including providing clean drinking water, water for agricultural needs, water for recreation and also water for healthy wildlife habitats.
Here are a few fun facts courtesy of American Rivers. Did you know?
In the United States, one out of every three people gets their drinking water from a river or stream (though they might not know it!)
Rivers are good for our economy: people spend about $97 billion each year on river-related recreation and tourism.
Fish and wildlife depend on rivers, especially during breeding and migration.
South Carolina has approximately 29,898 miles of river, of which 41.9 miles are designated as wild and scenic.
There are 492 miles of rivers and streams on CLT-protected lands
15% of the Lower Wateree River Watershed is protected by CLT
According to the US Department of Agriculture, 77% of drinking water originates from surface water sources, such as rivers, streams, and reservoirs. Explore more data by clicking here.
Below are some snapshots of the rivers in our region that sustain us and that we are lucky enough to enjoy!
Congaree River Wateree River Broad River
Santee River
North Fork Edisto River
Lynches River
Lower Saluda River (photo credit to Palmetto Outdoors)
Dr. Leonard H. Buff (1933-2022) - COWASEE Giving Society
COWASEE LEGACY SOCIETY
Leaving a legacy through Planned Giving
Conservation supporters making planned gifts through the COWASEE Legacy Society have extraordinary impact on our work.
CLT recently received a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Leonard H. Buff, Jr. Dr. Buff was a longtime supporter of CLT who grew up in West Columbia. He had been a resident of Spartanburg for many years and taught Biology for 25 years at Spartanburg Methodist College, retiring in 1995.
In addition to his many accomplishments, L.H. was a Boy Scout leader for a number of years and loved working with the youth and enjoyed nature and hiking. He was a voice for many boys and girls in the Guardian ad Litem S.C. program for many years.
Between 1999 and 2001, Dr. Buff generously donated 28 acres of land within the Lower Saluda Scenic River Corridor to Congaree Land Trust.
The former Buff Property in Lexington County generously donated to CLT
If you have included CLT in your estate plans or plan to do so, we would like to recognize you as a member of the COWASEE Legacy Society. Please let us know.
Pictured left to right - Board President Trip Chavis, Henry Beard, Tripp Bradley and Executive Director Stuart White. Not pictured Tina Emerson and Johnny Williamson
The CLT Board of Directors & staff recently recognized board members Henry Beard, Tripp Bradley, Tina Emerson and Johnny Williamson for their board service over the last 6 years. The board members were presented personalized CLT blue bird boxes by Board Chairman Trip Chavis and Executive Director Stuart White. We are grateful for their leadership and service!
June 30 is the last day for Target shoppers to vote for CLT on the website or app. Votes will help direct corporate support to community nonprofits.
CLT has had a wonderful response so far! Cast your votes here and please help spread the word by sharing with your friends.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 3, 2025!
Plans are already underway for next year's Game and Garden Soiree. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer, we'd love to have you on board. Please contact Carla Moore @ carla@congareelt.org
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