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Lowcountry

McClellanville Land Placed in Conservation Easement

November 12, 2020 by 0 Comments
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22-acre parcel is part of important network of protected properties near McClellanville

CHARLESTON, S.C. — About 22 acres in McClellanville will be permanently protected after the owners opted to grant a conservation easement to the Lowcountry Land Trust. Known as Taylor’s Farm, the Pinckney Street property is in the Santee River Focus Area, one of 12 focus areas in the state identified for wildlife protection and land conservation.

“We are happy to have put our property in McClellanville into a conservation easement,” said property owners Charles and Frances Geer. “We are grateful to the Lowcountry Land Trust for enabling us to protect this natural area for the benefit of future generations.”

The protection of Taylor’s Farm expands a network of existing privately and publicly protected lands near McClellanville, including the Francis Marion National Forest, the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and several other conservation easements. Taylor’s Farm is also visible approaching the Robert E. Ashley boat landing, a public access point to Jeremy Creek. 

The property is primarily used as a residential retreat and is managed for passive recreational and forestry purposes. It offers protected views from the Intracoastal Waterway and Pinckney Street, in McClellanville, further protecting the rural character of the village of McClellanville.

With about 615 feet of creek frontage, the protection of Taylor’s Farm promotes scenic viewshed protection, biological diversity, and preservation of downstream water quality in the Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Geers for donating a conservation easement on this significant property,” said David Ray, acting CEO & chief conservation officer of Lowcountry Land Trust. “Taylor’s Farm is an important addition to the network of existing protected lands in the McClellanville area. We are actively working to protect places like this that preserve views and water quality for Lowcountry communities like McClellanville, particularly where they intersect with nationally significant places like Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.”\

Lowcountry Land Trust has protected nearly 148,000 acres of land across 14 South Carolina counties. In 2019, the Land Trust protected seven properties in four counties, totaling 3,402 acres of protected land, including the protection of Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant and Big Snooks in the Savannah River watershed. 

About Lowcountry Land Trust 

Founded in 1986, the Lowcountry Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to honor the relationship between people and land by protecting irreplaceable Lowcountry lands and treasured places. Lowcountry Land Trust has protected nearly 148,000 acres across 14 counties in coastal South Carolina. More information about the Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.  

Lowcountry

South Carolina Department of Education purchases $15.3M in online resources

November 10, 2020 by 0 Comments
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The S.C. Department of Education has purchased digital learning resources from Charlotte-based digital textbook and education resources company Discovery Education to support teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department purchased four Learning Management Systems, a Learning Object Repository, and a suite of digital learning resources, according to a news release.

Funding for the programs, totaling more than $15.3 million during a three-year period, is being provided through federal pandemic relief. Advertisement

“The purchase of these three platforms and the seamless ability for every South Carolina teacher to access them and incorporate high-quality content into their classroom instruction can be a game-changer for our state,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said in the release. “COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges to teaching and learning but this digital platform will help level the K-12 education playing field this school year and beyond.”

A Learning Management System is a software framework through which education content is delivered and managed. Students and educators are assigned licenses to access content and complete assignments. The education department presented four platform options: Canvas, Schoology, Blackboard, and Google Classroom, with student and staff licenses, fully funded by the state for the next three years.

A Learning Object Repository serves as a digital library of educational content, including Bill Nye: The Science Guy episodes and National Geographic documentaries, that can be shared through the learning management system. The education department chose SAFARI Montage, with access for every teacher paid for through 2023.

“The South Carolina Department of Education is providing every school district with a state Learning Object Repository chock full of high-quality digital educational video resources to support teachers, students and parents at home and in school during these challenging educational times,” Andrew Schlessinger, CEO and co-founder of SAFARI Montage, said. “This will go a long way to supporting educational equity throughout South Carolina by providing all public school students with easy access to the outstanding digital content they need for meaningful remote learning. All school districts will be able to customize the LOR for their own district to make sure many of their procured course digital resources are also accessible in one place.”

All S.C. students and teachers will also receive access to Discovery Education Experience, a collection of high-quality content, professional learning resources and digital lessons.

“Discovery Education is honored to be selected by the South Carolina Department of Education to support the education of K-12 students statewide,” said Anna Strassner, Discovery Education senior manager of education partnerships. “With our headquarters in nearby Charlotte, many of us at Discovery Education call South Carolina home and send our children to the state’s excellent schools. We look forward to working in our own community to bring our powerful, engaging digital resources to teachers and students statewide.”

Source Link

Lowcountry

Charleston Local Escape Spotlight: Stono County Park

November 10, 2020 by 0 Comments
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In the heart of Johns Island, just off of Savannah Highway and adjacent to the long beautiful Stono Bridge is Stono County Park. This scenic walking and biking path will offer sun-filled and shaded paths of exercise and relaxation. You may even find a few great photo opportunities.

Location: 3644 Moonglow Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455

Here are a few highlights:

Approximately 2 1/2 miles of paved, dirt, and boardwalk (FYI – Bikes cannot we rode on the boardwalk. They must be walked

  • Dog friendly
  • Single user restrooms
  • Water bottle filling fountain
  • Beautiful views of the marsh and Stono Bridge
  • Benches throughout to rest or take a scenic selfie or family picture
  • There is a kiosk for a $1 honor system entrance fee

Here are some visuals to help motivate you

Happy Hiking, Walking, Biking, or just enjoying the beauty of the Lowcountry.

Lowcountry

Dear Young Woman – Original Poem

November 9, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Dear young woman, you are the future
Dear young woman, you will shine in the midst of darkness
Dear young woman, you will hold the torch that will guide the path to a new and amazing tomorrow
Dear young woman, you are the voice that will sing a chorus of love

That is the song that we hear
You are the footsteps
You will never walk alone
Two steps; hundreds, thousands, millions, billions together hand in hand
You will embrace the struggle; united together as one
Coast to coast; ocean to ocean;

In the schools
The workplace
The playing field
The homes
The limitless places defying gravity

Dear Young Woman

You are the inventors, the scientists, the athletes, the dreamers, the visionaries and the leaders

Dear Young Woman

You inspire through compassion
Empower with unstoppable force
Change through the power of unification

Dear Young Woman

You will do good
Goodness; kindness; hope, perseverance

No longer will you look to the stars and only dream
You will touch them and smile
And look down upon a world you have shaped

Dear Young Woman

The gift of responsibility is upon you
Take hold and instill a new day we can all be proud of
Change is gradual, but change is real and now

It is your mind
Your body
Your emotions
Your strength

Dear Young Woman

We are so proud to see the future in your eyes
Seeing a world we have yearned and fought for and oh what a beautiful place it will be



Lowcountry

Tecovas Charleston Grand Opening (King Street – Charleston) – Friday, November 6, 2020

November 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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We are thrilled to welcome you to the Grand Opening of our Charleston store.

Official Event Page

Everything kicks off on Friday, November 6th at 10 AM. Swing by and have a drink on us, enjoy live music, complimentary drinks, boot shines, and receive a free gift if you’re among the first 50 folks in the door each day!

Friday, 11/06: 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, 11/07:- 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, 11/08: – 12 PM – 6 PM

Address: 288 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

As always, we’re committed to the safety of our employees and customers and will continue to take precautions. Don’t forget, masks are mandatory. We’ll have them available if you forget yours.

We hope to see y’all (safely) there!

Lowcountry

CARTA Board Approves Free Student Fare Program

November 4, 2020 by 0 Comments
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MAKES NO-COST FARES FOR K-12 STUDENTS A PERMANENT FEATURE

NORTH CHARLESTON (Nov. 2, 2020) – The Charleston Area Transportation Authority (CARTA) Board of Directors voted at its most recent meeting to implement a permanent policy allowing students in grades K-12 to ride at no cost as part of the system’s Free Student Fare initiative.

The fare structure had previously been in place as a pilot program since early 2019 and has seen monthly ridership surpass 7,000.

“The Free Student Fare initiative permanently eliminates a mobility barrier for students, sets the stage for the next generation of transit ridership, and offers relief to parents whose children ride CARTA,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “Getting to school, recreational activities or a part-time job is easier than ever for students, and making those connections for free today allows kids to get comfortable with public transit.”

The Free Student Fare program is available to all public and private school students and applies to all CARTA services. Children under 5 also ride for free. Student IDs are recommended when boarding.

CARTA buses can be tracked in real-time by downloading the Transit App. Trips can be planned and details on CARTA routes and services can be found at RideCARTA.com. Questions regarding the program should be directed to CARTA marketing and communications manager Michelle Emerson, who can be reached at memerson@bcdcog.com or (843) 529-0333.

ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service, and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.

Lowcountry

State of South Carolina assembles task force to address control of rodents on Kiawah Island

November 2, 2020 by 2 Comments
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CLEMSON, S.C. – Throughout history, people have tried to strike a delicate balance between their needs and those of nature. Rats complicate the issue considerably.

That’s the reason behind the South Carolina SGA Rodenticide Task Force, recently formed by the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), which seeks to balance the scales between the tenuous hold of wildlife along South Carolina’s fast-developing coast and the human health concerns of the deadly diseases — like plague, hantavirus or rat-bite fever — that rodents spread.

The task force brings together the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Clemson University science researchers, local officials, and the pest control industry. It is charged with researching and creating strategies to address rodent populations on Kiawah Island and the simultaneous loss of several of the island’s famed bobcats, some of whom have shown traces of rat poison in their systems.

“Our goal is to continue to monitor rodent control and the effects of second-generation rodenticides on Kiawah and provide research on the progress being made there,” said Steve Cole, director of Regulatory Services at Clemson, which administers DPR and other state regulatory agencies. “Hard data is essential, so we’re fortunate to have the help of all the parties involved, from local and state government as well as pest control operators, to examine all sides of the issue.”

In the 1950s anticoagulants, which keep blood from clotting, began to be used in rodenticides. The second generation of anticoagulants, called SGAs, were developed in the 1970s and proved faster and more effective. They’ve been used internationally to control rodents ever since.

But when biologists found traces of SGAs in some Kiawah bobcats — which are known to feed on rats — the discovery sparked concern that the chemicals were a danger to the feline predators.

Nine companies handle more than 90 percent of the pest control contracts on Kiawah, according to DPR. Those and other smaller companies already have begun to adopt a type of control known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which employs a variety of control methods, many of which don’t involve chemicals at all. An August training for pest control operators held online by Clemson offered an arsenal of IPM techniques for 50 attendees.

“I think we are absolutely headed in the right direction as we consider the wildlife issue on Kiawah,” said Jim Wright, executive director of the South Carolina Pest Control Association (SCPCA). “We’re very appreciative that DPR put together this task force to focus on rodent control in this part of our state. This ensures the unbiased collection of information and effective communication about rodent control sensitivities with pest management professionals.”

The assistance of DNR wildlife officials and Clemson research scientists such as toxicologist Thomas Rainwater of Clemson’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown is a welcome addition, said Mike Weyman, deputy director of Clemson’s Regulatory Services, who leads DPR.

“This is a multifaceted problem and we need data to address it effectively,” Weyman said. “DNR is now mapping the island and determining where to deploy traps. We are conducting a blind survey of the 74 licensed pest control companies on Kiawah to determine how many SGAs have been used in the past year.”

“SGAs are used because they work. They’re a crucial arrow in the quiver for pest control operators,” he said. “In a restaurant or food storage facility the threshold for a rat is zero. They don’t have a choice. A rat dropping will shut them down. They have to use the best product available. It all comes down to public safety. The important thing now is that the task force collect accurate data and share the facts with all the parties involved so we can reach shared decisions.”

Wildlife may not read the data, but they are among the parties most involved, said Emily Cope, deputy director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at DNR, whose agency is experienced in dealing with the complex issues that arise with any threat to South Carolina wildlife and their habitats.

“We appreciate the opportunity to further investigate any potential impact of rodenticides upon the wildlife at Kiawah,” Cope said. “We are grateful to have the support of Clemson and Kiawah Island in this project. We all share the same ultimate goals.”

Chief among the goals is the age-old balance of man’s needs with nature’s — ensuring that, as Kiawah Island continues to develop, its visitors and residents can be safe from dangerous pests while the remaining wildlife and its habitat are protected.

“This task force is another step forward to addressing the big picture,” Wright said. “The SCPCA agrees the pest management industry can voluntarily reduce the use of these products. We’re committed to helping resolve the problem and more than willing to be part of the solution.”
Lowcountry

Vigilent Labs establishing operations in Charleston County with plans to create 400 jobs

November 2, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Vigilent Labs, an advanced health and medical technology company, today announced plans to establish operations in Charleston County. The company is investing more than $104.6 million and will create over 400 new jobs at its state-of-the-art COVID-19 test manufacturing facility in the Charleston Navy Yard.

Established in 2019, Vigilent Labs provides unique solutions to the detection, identification, and assessment of health and bio-threats. The company’s team has substantial experience in the development of medical and bio-surveillance technologies as well as medical devices.

Located at 1105 Truxton Avenue, Building 74 in North Charleston, Vigilent Labs’ new operations will serve as the company’s headquarters, which will include its East Coast production and manufacturing operations. Specifically, the company will work with its partners, SeroClinix and Leinco, to produce rapid COVID-19 antibody and antigen test kits. These FDA-approved and emergency use authorized test kits are cost-effective and will produce fast and accurate results in seven to 10 minutes.

The new facility will begin manufacturing activities in December. Vigilent Labs is working with readySC to assist in recruiting and training prospective employees.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has awarded a $1 million Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with costs related to this project.

“We are so honored by this substantial support from Governor McMaster, Secretary Hitt, the Coordinating Council, and Charleston County to center our Vigilant Labs at the historic Charleston Navy Yard in South Carolina. This new facility will specialize in state-of-the-art health and bio-threat testing, screening technologies, and products that will help address the expanding need for reliable and accurate COVID-19 testing to confront this pandemic. The Governor, Secretary of Commerce, Charleston County and their teams truly went above and beyond the call of duty to welcome us, attract us and support us, and we are so proud to claim South Carolina as home.” -Vigilent Labs President John Falk

“Companies like Vigilent Labs continue to come to our state and invest in our people because of all that South Carolina has to offer. We are thankful for Vigilent Labs’ decision to invest more than $104.6 million and create over 400 new jobs here in South Carolina, and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring for this fantastic company and its leadership.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s business-friendly climate continues to attract companies in every industry, and we’re proud to welcome Vigilent Labs to Charleston County. We look forward to working with this great company and watching them thrive in South Carolina.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Vigilent Labs’ announcement shows the community’s commitment and ability to compete in the life sciences sector and tap into this talent pipeline. We proudly welcome Vigilent to Charleston County and appreciate the more than 400 jobs created for our region.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

“North Charleston is excited to welcome Vigilent Labs and their expanding workforce to our city. North Charleston brings a business-friendly atmosphere, and we keenly understand the positive community impacts when our industries thrive. The city of North Charleston stands alongside Vigilent to ensure future success in its new home.” -North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“Vigilent Labs is committed to providing next-generation solutions to address current and future biological threats, and their announcement to establish operations in North Charleston is a win for our community. This is important work and supports a promising future for Charleston County in the technology and life sciences sectors.” -Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Vigilent Labs is establishing operations in Charleston County.
  • The more than $104.6 million investment will create over 400 new jobs.
  • Vigilent Labs is an advanced health and medical technology company.
  • Located at 1105 Truxton Avenue, Building 74 in North Charleston, S.C.
  • Vigilent Labs is working with readySC to assist in recruiting and training prospective employees.
Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant Based Kids Teeth Urges Parents to Keep Up With Children’s Dental Checkups, Cleanings

October 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Skipping dental visits during the pandemic can lead to more serious issues later

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s tempting to put off routine medical care and checkups. But delaying those important exams could lead to additional problems down the road. The doctors and staff at Mount Pleasant pediatric dentist Kids Teeth are urging parents to keep up those regular dental checkups and cleanings for their children.

“Dentistry is essential health care,” said Dr. Mike Myers, a board-certified dentist at Kids Teeth. “Studies have shown that underlying dental and periodontal disease puts patients at an increased risk for other systemic illnesses.”

Kids Teeth offers some ways parents can make children’s oral health a priority – even during a pandemic.

Prevention: Brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice per year are the best ways to prevent early-stage cavities from growing into more serious issues. Catching issues, like cavities, early can prevent pain, infection, and the need for emergency treatments.

Routine: Creating a dental routine for your child reduces anxiety and makes it more likely they’ll enjoy their trips to the dentist. Visiting the same dental office regularly helps children get familiar with the pediatric dental practice, its surroundings and the dental team.

Improved Overall Health: Untreated dental issues can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Save Money: Skipping your biannual cleanings and X-rays can cost you more in the long run. Paying for preventative dental care is much less expensive than paying for fillings, crowns and other expensive procedures to repair damage missed due to lack of regular care.

Reinforcement: Children tend to tune out their parents. Sometimes they need another adult or doctor to reinforce messages about brushing, flossing and good dental hygiene habits.

The team at Kids Teeth understands that parents are even more concerned about the health and safety of medical offices right now. Kids Teeth always prioritizes the health and care of their patients and families. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the team has taken additional precautions to keep patients, families and staff safe.

“We understand that these are different times, and we must add these extra safety measures to protect our patients and staff,” said Dr. Will MacDonald, board-certified pediatric dentist at Kids Teeth. “But there’s no reason we can’t continue the Kids Teeth experience that patients and parents love.”

About Kids Teeth
Located in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Kids Teeth is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to infants, children and adolescents in a friendly and comfortable environment. Serving the Charleston area for more than 40 years, Kids Teeth believes that through the education and motivation of children and their parents, patients can maintain a lifetime of good oral health. Learn more at www.kidsteethsc.com.