On Monday, October 19, the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy (SIGSC) hosted Dr. Blake Scott, College of Charleston, and Captain Chris Crolley, Coastal Expeditions, to discuss the urgent preservation of our coastal ecosystems. Following the presentation, SIGSC announced a significant opportunity to conserve land at Deer Point, the primary habitat of Deery, a barred owl.
On Monday, we learned that over half of North American bird species migrate through South and Central America, and South Carolina’s wetlands and near-shore islands serve as vital “refueling stations.” On peak nights, 4–5 million birds migrate through the state, with nearly half concentrated along our beaches and salt marshes.
These habitats are incredibly productive; a single acre of salt marsh can support one million fiddler crabs, providing essential energy for long-distance migrants. However, these birds face “catastrophic” declines due to sea-level rise, habitat loss, and human disturbance. Over the last 50 years, North America has lost 3 billion birds, with Red Knot populations plummeting by up to 90%. To combat this, the Bird Island Research Directory (B.I.R.D.) has launched birdislandresearch.org and a must-see documentary film. This initiative aims to de-silo data from organizations like SCDNR, Cornell and local conservancies to build a broad coalition for public education and conservation. As Chris Crolley says, “We have the burden of knowing.”
Following the presentation, SIGSC Vice President Krista Tillman introduced a local face of this conservation crisis: Deery, a beautiful barred owl residing in the woods of Deer Point. We are in a unique position to protect Deery’s home forever.
SIGSC has an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a key Deer Point property. The owner has offered this property to SIGSC significantly below its market value. By securing this land now, we will ensure it remains a natural sanctuary rather than becoming another developed lot.
To protect Deery’s home, SIGSC must raise $150,000 by year-end. This is a rare moment where a relatively small investment can preserve Seabrook’s character for generations. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today—whether $100 or $10,000, every dollar ensures this land remains a refuge. You can donate via the QR code below or click here.
Deery chose Deer Point as his home, but he cannot protect it. We can.
For more information about SIGSC, click here.
-Submitted by Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy
(Image Credit: Glen Cox)