Conversing with Nature

On this episode, we sit down with Captain Chris Crolley, the owner and CEO of Coastal Expeditions and the founder of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. An avid environmental interpreter, Chris talks about the importance of environmental education and the impact a small, dedicated group of people can have for nature. Through examples of seabird and shorebird habitat restoration, the establishment...

In November 2023, the Nature-Based Exchange held a celebration to commemorate one year of successful workshops in South Carolina. At this event, we collected recordings from guests on a range of questions related to nature-based solutions. As we start Season 2, we wanted to reflect on some of those answers to understand why we should support nature-based solutions in South Carolina and beyond. Thi...

On this special summer episode, we are joined by Tony and Belinda Jones, the owners of Morning Glory Homestead Farm on St. Helena Island, SC. Tony and Belinda describe how their combined love of nature and family histories led them to become farmers and why they are so supportive of regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices (as well as what that means to them). Tony and Belinda share how...

On this episode, we welcome Marilyn Hemingway, the founder and president of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce . Marilyn talks about the history and legacy of the Gullah Geechee people in the U.S. and worldwide, and explains how nature plays an important role in their culture and communities. Marilyn's passion for the environment is evident as she discusses the Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail...

On this episode, we sit down with Jared Bramblett, a senior water resources engineer at Moffatt and Nichol. Jared reveals how he uses his passion for photography to connect people with the science behind flooding in the Lowcountry while also offering suggestions on how to incorporate water into the build environment. Jared's training as an engineer combined with his interest in green infrastru...

On this episode, we are joined by Kate Quigley, a natural resource and environmental economist with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management . Kate unveils what the study of economics is really about (hint: it's not just about money!) and explains how economists like herself study marine and coastal ecosystems to determine their value. Kate highlights some common economic valuation tools while a...

On this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Zucker, Chairman of Z-Man Fishing Products and board chair for the South Carolina Aquarium . As a businessman, conservationist, and education advocate, Jonathan is a prime example of how a love of nature can permeate everything we do, from our work to our community involvement and our hobbies. Jonathan's passion for resilient ecosystems and communitie...

On this episode, we are joined by Keisha Long, the environmental justice coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). Keisha demystifies what “environmental justice” means (including what it means to be an EJ Community) and delves into the ways that SC DHEC’s EJ Strong initiative is working to support EJ Communities in South Carolina. Keisha’s engine...

On this episode, we talk to Rick Huffman, a landscape architect and the founder of Earth Design . A conservation advocate and founder of the South Carolina Native Plant Society, Rick illustrates the beauty and biodiversity of life in the South Carolina upstate while also explaining the importance of environmental education and exposure to nature. Rick's enthusiasm for science, native plants, a...

On this episode, we welcome Emily Bentley, chief of recovery and mitigation for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). Emily explains what the SCEMD does for the state, the differences and similarities between recovery work and mitigation work, and why both aspects of emergency management need high levels of collaboration. Emily brings her love of nature to the discussion as she...

On this episode, we sit down with Mayor Frank McClary, a retired United States Army Colonel and the current mayor of Andrews, SC . Mayor McClary explains some of the resilience challenges and opportunities that are present in Andrews and how the town is tackling flooding, educating the community, and prioritizing the inclusion of nature-based design. Mayor McClary also talks about the town's n...

On this episode, we welcome Kim Morganello, a senior project manager at Weston & Sampson⁠ . Kim shares her findings from a study on Folly Beach that show how nature truly is resilient, and that we can draw inspiration from the resilience of nature and people during difficult times. Kim brings her past experiences as a biologist, educator, and urban designer to the conversation as she and Liz d...

On this episode, we are joined by Michael Hodges, an oyster restoration biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). Michael talks all things oysters: their benefits, their history in South Carolina, and how SC DNR is managing them today. Michael also describes the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE), how important community-based restorat...

On this episode, we are joined by Alex Butler, the resilience planning director for the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). Liz and Alex dive into the history and purpose of SCOR as well as the contents and recommendations included in their recently released Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan. Alex also shares how SCOR is using nature-based solutions to address flooding and other...

In the second half of our two-part episode with Cheryl Cail, southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People, Liz and Cheryl explore the history of the Waccamaw Indian People and the challenges of meaningful and intentional community engagement. Cheryl also explains the history and impact of PFAS and finding ways to improve existing social...

In the first of this two-part episode, we are joined by Cheryl Cail, the southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People. Cheryl talks about her life-long curiosity for nature, the impact our past experiences and ancestors can have on us in the present, the meaning of resilience, and how to address inequities. -- Conversing with Nature is...

On this episode of Conversing with Nature, Liz is joined by Jen Howard, a principal at Steward Terra Communications . Jen explains the importance and impact of nature stories, including what makes a good conservation success story, what words are valuable to use, and why it is beneficial to get outside and experience nature for yourself. Resources: South Carolina Land Trust Network -- Conversing w...

On this episode, we are joined by Howard Schnabolk, a habitat restoration specialist for the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center . Liz and Howard talk about federal funding priorities and opportunities for nature-based solutions, including suggestions for strong applications, connections to DEIJ, and some nature-based projects that NOAA has funded in South Carolina. -- Conversing with Nature is host...

On our third episode, we welcome Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina . Liz and Dale talk about soil conservation and agriculture in South Carolina and the many benefits of prescribed fire. Dale shares her thoughts on conservation leadership, diversity within the field of conservation, and her passion for fishing! -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by D...

On our second episode, we are joined by Erin Stevens, the founder and president of Surculus , a landscape architecture firm based in Charleston, SC. Liz and Erin discuss all things native plants: their benefits and role in the ecosystem; the importance of educating clients and engaging the public in native plant gardens; and how Erin found her calling in landscape architecture. -- Conversing with...

Welcome to the first episode of Conversing with Nature! We welcome Keith Bowers, the founder and president of Biohabitats . Liz and Keith discuss landscape scale protection and restoration, and the importance of reconnecting people to nature. Keith shares his views on watershed planning, environmental justice, and the importance of incorporating nature-based approaches, biodiversity, and climate a...