2011 Top Dog Mascot, Dusty enjoying the dog park at James Island County park

C h a r l e s t o n C o u n t y p a r k & R e c r e a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n M e m b e r s h i p N e w s l e t t e r

Summer 2011June, July, August

I N S I D e :From SeedS to Shoreline

Swim SaFely thiS Summer

team CharleSton: a CoaCh’S perSpeCtive

LeisureLINE

CCPRC ToP Dog MasCoT

DusTy

Charleston County park & Recreation Commission Membership Newsletter2

n partnership with the Clemson Extension and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

(DNR), the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium (SCSGC) is working with students to restore the coastlines throughout the Lowcountry, including some of those right here in your county parks. In April, Palmetto Islands County Park hosted students from local elementary schools as they restored one of the park’s salt marshes.

Much of South Carolina’s coastline has lost important natural buffers and critical habitats like marshland. Restoring the salt marsh’s dominant plant, Spartina alterniflora, helps rebuild these important shore features. The pilot program “From Seeds to Shoreline” began in winter 2011 with the goal of engaging students in the full process of growth and transplanting of Spartina.

Throughout the hands-on program, students learned about the importance of salt marsh ecosystems and actively contributed to all steps in

the restoration process. From Seeds to Shoreline partners worked with students in schools last winter to plant Spartina seeds. With the help of the Clemson Extension Research Station, the majority of the planted seeds were placed in greenhouses to germinate and grow. In April, students transplanted the young plants to shoreline locations throughout the Lowcountry, including the salt marsh of Palmetto Islands County Park.

Next, the students learned about the salt marsh ecosystem in depth including programs provided by DNR’s South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Education program, estuary ecology, watersheds, and water quality. These educational sessions taught students about Spartina and its impact on coastal ecosystems. “We are working hard to keep the kids engaged in the process throughout the school year,” said SCSGC Marine Education Specialist Elizabeth Bell, who heads up From Seeds to Shoreline. “While the plants are growing and before they

are restored, we offer supplemental programming to emphasize the importance of protecting our local coastlines.”

From Seeds to Shoreline addresses state science standards for students, exposing them to different careers in the field of science as well as allowing them to assist their community and learn the importance of environmental stewardship. For CCPRC, it was a win-win situation; Palmetto Islands County Park’s salt marsh received restoration of one of its most integral features, and the agency was thrilled to host students during this eye-opening educational experience.

Students and the program’s partners will monitor the restoration sites’ progress throughout the summer. The program is free to participating students and schools. For more information on the Seeds to Shoreline program, contact Elizabeth Bell at (843) 953-2078.

I

From SeedS to Shoreline: STuDeNTS MAkINg A DIffeReNCe IN YouR CouNTY pARkS

Students from Reeves Elementary School plant spartina plants in the marsh at Palmetto Islands County Park on April 29.

Summer 2011 3

CPRC parks are known as sanctuaries where birds can rest, feed, and nest. Folly Beach

County Park and Kiawah Beachwalker Park are both happy homes to sizable nesting and resting shorebird populations. Some of these birds are migratory and can fly over 18,000 miles, stopping at our local beaches for a rest, while others stop here to nest and raise their families. In an effort to educate park visitors about how to share the beach with these beautiful and amazing creatures, CCPRC recently installed interpretive signs at the two beach parks.

Resting is an important part of birds’ migration process. Not only is it a time for them to relax their flight muscles before continuing on their migratory journey, but it’s also a time to feed and replenish their fat and energy. Additionally, many shorebirds use the natural features of the beach to create their nests, often in difficult-to-see depressions or in small piles near sand dunes or berms. Visitors to the beach are encouraged to look for resting and nesting adult shorebirds, as well as eggs or mature chicks exploring the area. It’s up to humans to use caution as they walk or bike to avoid not only the birds themselves, but also their delicate nesting areas.

Other ways that park patrons may help keep our shorebirds safe include:

• Keepingdogsleashed

• Stayingoutofsanddunes

• Avoidingfeedinggullsorleavingtrash on the beach

• Steeringclearofpilesofstraw-likegrass stems known as “wrack,” which some birds may use to camouflage their nests.

The interpretive signs also help patrons spot common shorebirds. Birds that may be seen at your county beach parks this summer include the Wilson’s Plover and the Sanderling, both summer residents, as well as year-round residents the Willet and the American Oystercatcher.

So, while you are enjoying the sun and sand this summer, remember that we share the beach with other creatures. Stop and read these new interpretive shorebird signs, share these rules with others, and be mindful of our shore-side friends!

Share the BeaCh wITh ReSTINg AND NeSTINg ShoRebIRDS

C

Can you find the nesting shorebird in this picture?

Willet showing wing stripes

Photo credit: Mike Baird

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Charleston County park & Recreation Commission Membership Newsletter4

he avenue of oaks draws you into a vivid snapshot of plantation life during the Civil War. Gazing at the main house, the slave cabins, and over the fields that once grew

cotton and sweetgrass, this historic gem seems to tell its own story. McLeod Plantation on James Island has a rich past–one that includes serving as a Confederate hospital, a headquarters for the Freedmen’s Bureau, and as a burial ground for slaves and Union soldiers.

But its future is what Charleston County Parks wants to preserve. Since the plantation is encircled by commercial businesses, CCPRC, the James Island community, and other preservation supporters feared this important property would succumb to urban development. In February, CCPRC was thrilled to purchase McLeod Plantation from the Trustees of Historic Charleston Foundation.

To ensure the protection of this historic site, CCPRC has hired historic preservation consultants to develop a master plan for the property and stabilize the many structures on the property. Additional archeological research and studies are also underway.

CCPRC is proud to be the owner of McLeod Plantation! Look for further news and information on our website as we prepare this property for public access.

The Road Once Traveled

T

T his spring, visitors to the Lowcountry Cajun Festival were involved in a special

Resource and Recovery mission. But this mission didn’t require rappelling or night vision goggles… just a number of recycling bins and diligent volunteers!

Eighty-seven percent of the waste produced at the 2011 Lowcountry Cajun Festival was recovered and diverted from area landfills this year. CCPRC partnered up with the Carolina Green Fair to manage waste in an effort to decrease the festival’s ecological footprint. All trash cans were removed from the festival grounds and moved under tents labeled “Resource and Recovery,” where staff from the Carolina Green Fair and CCPRC volunteers helped festival-goers sort out their

waste products into recyclables, compostables, and true “waste.”

These Resource and Recovery tents facilitated completion of this year’s “going green” mission, helping to:

• Divert87%offestivalwastefromthe landfills

• Recycle1650poundsofwaste

• Compost529poundsofwaste

• ReplaceStyrofoamorplasticproducts used by many vendors with compostable products

Thank you to all of the participating vendors, festival-goers, and diligent volunteers who embraced the mission to decrease the festival’s ecological footprint.

See you next April!

87% of Cajun festival’s waste diverted From landFillS

Summer 2011 5

ast summer, recreation agencies throughout the Lowcountry, including CCPRC, joined forces

to encourage adults and children to learn how to swim. Worldwide, drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five. While we are proud to have provided water safety education to Lowcountry residents, the need for this knowledge has certainly not ceased.

Spread the word about the importance of swimming skills and water safety for every child and adult in the Lowcountry. Learn how to swim and choose to swim in pools or beach areas that are patrolled by lifeguards. Agencies throughout Charleston County offer swimming lessons and closely-monitored swimming areas to keep your family’s experience in the water as safe as possible. Visit www.swimsafelowcountry.com to find swimming lessons and water safety opportunities available throughout Charleston County, as well as other invaluable safety tips for the summertime.

And, if you are enjoying the beach or waterparks this summer, be sure to follow skin safety practices. Protect your skin and have it checked by a doctor on a regular basis. CCPRC parks are proud to host the MUSC Mobile Health Unit at two locations this summer. The mobile health unit conducted free skin cancer screenings at Whirlin’ Waters Waterpark on June 4, and will also be conducting screenings at the Isle of Palms front beach area on July 9, and at Splash Zone Waterpark within James Island County Park on August 13.

Before you head out into the water, review the following skin safety tips and visit www.swimsafelowcountry.com for additional tips on all forms of water safety!

Swim Safely this Summer

L Avoiding sun exposure, especially during peak times of the day, is helpful in reducing skin damage and cancer risk. Also be sure to:

• Weartightlywovenlong sleeve clothing

• Wearwide-brimmedhats

• Usewater-resistantsunscreenwitha minimum of 30 SPF or greater and re-apply every 2 – 3 hours

• Usesunscreenevenoncloudydays,as UV light can penetrate clouds and cause skin to burn

• Usebreak-resistanteyeprotectionwith brown, green, grey, or amber lensesthatincludes99-100%protection from UVA and UVB lightandthatscreensout75-95% of visible light

The above information is presented as helpful hints to our guests, not medical advice. Persons with allergies or medical conditions should check with their physician.

Charleston County park & Recreation Commission Membership Newsletter6

Team Charleston is the Lowcountry’s own youth climbing team, coached by CCPRC’s Robert Lavarnway.

ack when I was a teenager, rock climbing was anything but mainstream. Most people

thought that my group of friends and I were strange at best, spending our afternoons hanging on a rope instead of hanging out. Others mocked us for not playing “real sports.” We didn’t care though; we were just having fun and thought of ourselves as pioneers.

Having come from this background, I am amazed to see where we are today.

Fast forward 15-20 years and the picture is very different. Today, youth train to climb competitively just as they would any other sport. Competitions are held locally, regionally, nationally, and even globally. Seeing a need and having heard my calling, I tapped into this newfound interest in my favorite sport and founded Team Charleston.

It is a chilly Saturday morning, and I am bundled up in a hoodie nursing a cup of coffee. I hear voices from down the trail and moments later, ten kids burst into view, racing each other back to The Climbing Wall. This is our team, my team. Most kids would still be in bed or playing video games, but not this group! The team is out for a morning run, then a round of calisthenics, some yoga, and stretching. All of this happens before they even put

on their climbing gear. This morning’s focus is on endurance.

Remember running suicides in gym class? Well these kids do them up the wall. Climb up a fourth, down climb a fourth, climb up half, down climb half, and so on.

In just two seasons, Team Charleston has had immense growth. Last season, kids were already winning local and regional competitions, as well as qualifying for national championships. This year proves to be no different. At March’s Palmetto Pump Climbing Competition here at James Island County Park, not one member of Team Charleston placed less than third. As I walked around the event that Saturday, I saw smiles on the faces of all of my kids. It is good to know that win or lose, the team is having fun.

team CharleSton: A Coach’s Perspective

B

Climbing Coach, Robert Lavarnway

By Robert Lavarnway

Summer 2011 7

Hi! My name is Dusty and I am Charleston County Parks’ new Top Dog mascot! I officially received my “crown” at Pet Fest 2011 at Palmetto Islands County Park in April. Last year’s Top Dog, Zoey, was there to welcome me into my new role. This year, since there are so many CCPRC pet-related programs and events, I have a Vice Top Dog, Calhoun, to help if I can’t make it to an occasion. (If you don’t see me, look for a Bassett Hound!)

I loved Pet Fest; it was so much fun to see so many fellow dogs. And it was exciting to be on stage with Zoey and Calhoun. A lot of dogs got to come on stage and do tricks, show off costumes, and other fun things. I saw the biggest, funniest-looking dog I have ever seen before at Pet Fest! I heard people calling it a “donkey” and asking if they could have their picture with it. I got so excited meeting new dogs and people there, I went home dog-tired!

As Top Dog, I also get to attend Riverdogs’ “Dog Day at the Joe” events. I love a good baseball game on a lazy day and really look forward

to meeting all the kids and their pets! (I’m waiting for one of the kids to drop a hot dog.)

When I am not at CCPRC’s events or dog parks, my “mom” and I go for runs downtown, and people stop me along the way to say “hello.” I wear my CCPRC Top Dog shirt when we go to restaurants and sit outside. I hang out on the patio and wait for food to accidentally drop on the ground. Another thing I like to do is chase squirrels and birds, but I never catch any of them - I’m just too short! I also enjoy playing with other dogs and taking turns chewing on sticks we find on the ground.

So now you know a little bit about me. I am really looking forward to meeting all of you!

Happy Tails,Dusty

“Mom” is Cassie Gipson of Charleston

Dusty,CCPRC's New Top Dog!

861 Riverland DriveCharleston SC 29412

www.ccprc.com

printed on recycled paper.

CoMMISSIoNeRSMr. Ravi Sanyal, Chair

Mr. Matthew e. Yelverton, Vice-Chair

Mr. benjamin w. Cooke, Secretary-Treasurer

Ms. Rosemarie gregory-west

Mr. Mike Surles

Mr. Mickey whatley

Ms. Lisa Steed king

Thomas o’Rourke, executive Director

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 218

Pass Holder Prize Package Summer 2011let yourself Go play in your community, with a little help from us. we applaud you for getting out and getting active, and for your patronage to the park system. As a thank you, CCpRC is giving away a pass holder prize package every quarter to one lucky gold pass holder!

Congratulations renee wilbur! You are the lucky winner of our Summer 2011 pass holder prize package. Renee will receive tickets to the Charleston battery, the Charleston Riverdogs, and the South Carolina Aquarium, as well as a weekend stay at the James Island County park Cottages! The next drawing will be September 1. So check your mailbox... you could be the next lucky winner!

LeisureLINE

Meet Dusty, 2011 Top Dog

what they are Saying: “You guys rock compared with other camp registration processes. I’m a working mom who can’t drive around in person between 9am - 3pm to register my kids for camp. Some other organizations that offer summer camps still don’t have online registration. My kids loved the Explorer camps and I love the easy process of seeing the cost of camp and registering two kids at once. Keep up the good work!”

~ Maggie Thompson, Mount Pleasant