Posted by: Kristen Marshall Mattson
on Mar 26, 2010
One of LCI's longtime partners, Friends of the Rivers, has launched a new website to act as a clearinghouse for all things environmental in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The website provides links to news articles regarding the environment, education programs, information about our local ecology, and so much more. Called River Smart, the purpose of the site is to promote education, awareness and stewardship in collaboration with individuals, organizations, grassroots groups, land trusts, scientists, governments and non-governmental organizations.
We hope that you will take a moment to visit the site and check out the wealth of information it provides! It is a great resource for longtime residents of the area as well as newcomers, visitors, and local leaders.
Posted by: Chris Marsh
on Mar 02, 2010
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This year promises to be a very productive year for LCI thanks, in large part, to the generous support of our donors. LCI's success at having a far reaching impact with limited staff is due to the collaborative relationships we have developed with Beaufort County, state agencies and other non-profits. We have four criteria that we use when evaluating possible projects and prioritizing them.
1. All projects must address one of LCI's four major goals and supporting strategies: (a) educate adults who have the ability to impact others through their careers or their volunteer efforts, (b) provide information not currently available that is needed to make important environmental policy decisions, (c) promote environmental education efforts that reach a large audience including schools, and (d) use Spring Island as a showcase for effective habitat management practices.
2. Projects that simultaneously address more than one of LCI's three goals are given higher priority.
3. Projects which have a majority of their funding from another source, but need LCI staff expertise or matching funds to be accomplished.
4. Projects that address an environmental issue that will influence a municipality or county's implementation of a law or ordinance that will improve environmental protection and stewardship.
This month's projects include:
- Establishing an LCI stormwater management work group for local engineers and regulatory staff to help them improve their ability to better understand how to retain stormwater in ways that protect local water quality.
- In partnership with SC DNR, LCI and volunteers from the LowCountry Master Naturalist Association began a 9 month citizen science project this month at Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve (Bluffton). Participants will help catalog plant and animal species found in the preserve.
- Don't miss it! The latest episode of Tony's TV show "Coastal Kingdom" is now showing on The County Channel.
- If you are interested in participating in the Master Naturalist class this fall, sign ups start April 1st. The class will meet on Mondays from Sept. 20 through Dec. 6. Visit our website - http://www.lowcountryinstitute.org/ - to find out more about how to sign up or contact Kristen Mattson (987-2732).
Thanks again to all of you who made this work possible through your contributions!
Dr. Chris Marsh
