FOCUS: 200+ attend Lowcountry conservation session

By Elizabeth Brown  |  Lowcountry Land Trust engaged the business community Wednesday to explore the business of conservation at its inaugural Flourish event.

More than 200 conservationists, leading companies, creatives, entrepreneurs, citizens and corporations converged to converse, collaborate and create new ways to protect and preserve the lands, waterways and the way of life that make the Lowcountry one of the world’s most beloved places. The overlaying theme of the day was it is time to craft the next chapter of our community’s conservation story — together.

Traditionally, conservationists have worked tirelessly, but independently, to preserve the special places that give the Lowcountry its sense of place and quality of life. This historical work provides a foundation on which to build a thriving, resilient and dynamic future for the region. But as was said throughout the day, we have a new paradigm and new generation of leadership. We face large issues as a community and going forward the conversation around conservation must reflect the complexity of the day. The work must be inclusive and relatable to the community at large. Flourish demonstrated this concept in action.

Lowcountry Land Trust has dedicated the last three years to creating a cooperative, collaborative conservation collective that includes corporations with a local presence, local businesses both large and small, community groups, and conservation fans of all ages. Flourish launched the call for the trust to activate and implement a comprehensive regional vision. The day’s conversation centered on how we can work together to achieve our shared goals with trust and listening to one another.

Robert Prioleau of Blue Ion moderated the day. Jacob Lindsey, the City of Charleston’s director of planning, spoke to the group on how conservation is the best planning tool we have. Then Prioleau moderated 12 panelists, including representatives from Norfolk Southern, the Evening Post Company, Boeing, the State Ports Authority, Holy City Brewery, Historic Charleston Foundation, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission and more

Following the panelists there was a party featuring local food and drinks from Firefly, High Wire Distilling and Holy City Brewery.

Elizabeth Brown is director of education and community relations at the Lowcountry Open Land Trust.