SINHG History. The first 10 years!
Curiosity about this environment, new and exotic to many of the early residents of the Seabrook Island development of the 1970's, led to the formation of the Natural History Group, first conceived by Esther Pivnick and organized with the help of Betty O'Connor and ]une Carney. In May of 1980 a series of lectures and field trips was conducted under the leadership of four Citadel professors, Drs. Dennis Forsythe, Richard Porcher, Saul Adelman, and Joe Kelley, to explore the birds, plants, skies, and seaside life of the island. As a result of the enthusiastic response to this series, the Natural History Group, with 34 members, held its first formal meeting in October, 1980, with Theodore Beckett, a John's Island resident and amateur ornithologist, as guest speaker. The original stated purpose of the organization was twofold: to study " the local flora and fauna and the land resources of our area," and to become "acquainted with the cultural and economic history of the area." Activities throughout our ten years of existence have aimed at fulfilling these two goals.
In the first years we focused on Seabrook and the immediate vicinity. Professors from the Citadel and the College of Charleston and knowledgeable members led weekly walks and study sessions on local birds, animals and p]ants. Formal program highlights included an Audubon workshop on birding, a symposium on the conservation and development of barrier islands, a lecture on live oaks, and talks on local history by Betty Srringfellow, whose grandfather, William Andell, bought the plantation in 1880.
As membership grew and our local expertise increased, our field trips reached out to include plantations and areas of natural interest such as the Hobcaw Barony and 4 Holes Swamp. Eventually, local island walks gave way to visits to Bull's Island, the Francis Marion National Forest, Middleburg and Bluff Plantations, Brookgreen Gardens, and other places of interest in the low country.
In 1984-85, in addition to our regular activities, we undertook a special project, the construction of a boardwalk over Moccasin Swamp, for use by the Barrier Island Environmental Education Center, located at Camp St. Christopher. Esther Pivnick and Cindy Netzow co-chaired the project, and Earl Netzow organized and supervised the construction, done almost entirely by volunteers. Contributions of over $7,000 came from individual members and friends and from Ruscon Company and the Seabrook Island Company. The circular boardwalk, 482 feet long, with a central bench area, was dedicated on April 10, 1985, thanks to hard work by all involved.
Under the continuing leadership of Esther Pivnick and a small Board, we expanded our knowledge of the area's resources and history through trips to places of special interest, such as the Waddell Mariculture Center, the Penn Center near Beaufort, Yawkey Wildlife Center, and a Berkeley County Historical Tour. A three-day bus trip in 1986 introduced us to the Tryon-Asheville, NC. area, and in 1988 an overnight bus trip took us through the Cashiers-Pendeleton-Caesar's Head area. Local activities included birding, exploration of creek-side life, sand-casting, and a program on sweet-grass baskets, while Betty Stringfellow continued to share with us the results of her research into local history.
Once a year we have offered an evening program to all Seabrook Islanders and friends, with topics ranging from the history of the rice and cotton cultures to a discussion of coastal resources and development, and a round-table on the future of John's Island. An annual members' meeting and fish fry-picnic on Betty Stringfellow's lawn along the Bohicket River quickly became a popular tradition.
During the past year, ecological concerns have gained more and more public attention. Trips to the S.C. Marine Research Laboratory, the Westvaco plant and research facility, and the Savannah Wildlife Refuge have fulfilled the original purposes of the Group and emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of human activities on our environment.
The increase of our membership to about 125 indicates how much enjoyment our varied activities have afforded. This seems a good time to recognize the work of many enthusiastic members, and the invaluable cooperation and guidance of experts, both amateur and professional, who have helped us generously as we developed our knowledge and understanding. It also seems to be the moment to consider possible new directions for the future. This map is offered as a celebration and souvenir of a wonderful ten years which have enriched our lives immeasureably.