Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program: The Quality of Life Pillar
In the April Seabrooker, Carl Voelker’s article on the Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program (AISCP) provided background information and reintroduced this program to Seabrook Island residents, both old and new to the island. Carl’s article was the first in a planned series of articles. This month we will begin the review of the three pillars of sustainability embraced by Audubon International. The three pillars include a healthy environment, economic vitality and a high quality of life for all of our citizens. This month we will focus on quality of life.
While there can be many factors leading to the decision to move to Seabrook Island, “Quality of life” is the primary reason people come here. The diversity of options available makes the decision easy for most people. While a number of other retirement communities focus on a specific feature, say a golf‐centered community or a community that focuses on a nearby lake for its activities, Seabrook Island offers features and activities that can appeal to almost any interest or desire that produces the desired good quality of life.
A majority of our full‐time residents are retired or nearing retirement and working from home. Many have led active and challenging lifestyles in their professional careers and may desire positions with continuing responsibility. These individuals form the core of our volunteer organizations involving island governance. While professional staff is available to fill key positions, the Mayor, Town Council and the Utility Commission; the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association Board of Directors; and the Seabrook Island Club Board of Governors are all volunteers. Each of these entities has dozens of additional volunteers assigned to various committees. The volunteer opportunities range from positions that can entail over 20 hours of work per week to those that only require a few hours per month.
For many residents, enjoyment of the environment is a key element for their quality of life. The ocean and beaches, the marshes and lagoons, the maritime forest, our nature trails and all the flora and fauna provide a vast array of all that Mother Nature can provide. That we can enjoy it all here is a blessing. Our Green Space Conservancy works hard to capture our natural environment and ensure that open spaces are preserved. The Turtle Patrol and more recently, the Seabrook Island Birders, portray the high level of interest in our natural environment.
Recreation holds a high position in the quality of life for many. The many activities and programs at the Lake House and the athletic venues on the island fulfill the expectations of those desiring a high level of activity. Continuing education is important to many, a need very well satisfied by the tours and programs provided by the SI Natural History Group, the Garden Club and other educational programs and speakers provided through the Lake House, not to mention our own library. A high level of cultural activity is also available through the Artist Guild and Photography Club. The list goes on and on – over thirty activity groups are listed by SIPOA, each one adding to the quality of life of its participants.
Looking beyond our island, being relatively close to Charleston also provides a big boost to our quality of life. The availability of first class medical facilities, restaurants, museums, cultural activities and events, parks and innumerable activities are all features that many other communities do not enjoy.
The AISCP requires us to make an inventory of the many attributes which contribute to our quality of life. The Audubon International process leads us through a process to examine fifteen focus areas to look for ways for us to enhance what we already have. It also provides the opportunity for us to compare ourselves with other communities participating in the program, such as Hilton Head, SC and Skidaway Island, GA.
We all know that we live in a wonderful place. We have so many opportunities to enjoy our natural surroundings, pursue new interests, learn new things and meet new people that share our interests. Truly, it is hard to imagine that any other community could match what we have.
We’ll be back next month.
Questions? Contact Carl Voelker or Jim Bannwart (cvoelker1@comcast.net or jimbannwart@comcast.net).
-Submitted by Jim Bannwart