The Green Space Conservancy is pleased to announce two recent acquisitions, bringing to 27 the number of properties under its protection. Rich and Ann-Stewart Boss donated a lot at 2731 Old Oak Walk, and through the generosity of David and Melissa Whitmore and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the Conservancy was able to purchase the property at 2718 Old Oak Walk.
Rich and Ann-Stewart Boss both hail from the South, Rich from West Ashley, and Ann-Stewart from Florida. Living in North Carolina when they were married in 1989, they spent many happy summers on Seabrook and Kiawah Islands, with the idea of eventually becoming full-time residents of Seabrook. After Rich retired early in 2017, they finally accomplished their dream and moved permanently with their daughter Mary to Cap’n Sams Road. They are surrounded by live oaks, palms, magnolias and hickory trees with the horse trail running behind their house. When sitting on their deck with their dogs, they are serenaded by the sounds of the maritime forest, the barred owls, woodpeckers, crows, deer, raccoons, squirrels and even flying squirrels! When the lot on the other side of the trail became available, they purchased it, and with a suggestion from Stuart Rumph, their real estate agent, decided to donate the lot to the Green Space Conservancy. “The idea made perfect sense … the animals get to keep their homes, we maintain the sights and sounds and smells of the forest … It was a great opportunity we had to protect a tiny piece of our island forever.”
In 1999, Missy and David Whitmore decided it was time to escape from decades of the commuters’ life to and from Boston. First moving to rural Vermont, their interest in conservation was sparked when a developer chose to create a gravel pit near the town’s recreation field and public beach. They successfully advocated for the demise of the project, and today the land includes a nature trail network, a lush wildflower meadow and a beautiful view of the Green Mountains. In Vermont, they developed an immediate appreciation of green space, quiet, and star-filled night skies. That experience made them determined to be part of whatever efforts they could to increase the conservancy of that bucolic lifestyle wherever they went next.
Having grown up in the peaceful seaside community of Marblehead, MA, they were thrilled to “discover Seabrook” in 2015! They are excited to be part of a community that evokes their fondest childhood memories. Moving to Seabrook in 2015, they found the perfect opportunity to fulfill their goals of preservation. Living now on Old Forest Drive, they helped facilitate the purchase of the property located on the lagoon side of Old Oak Walk. It is across the street from another conserved lot on Old Oak and the two properties create a deer corridor to the lagoon. “We love to watch the comings and goings of all the wildlife — our own daily National Geographic special, including a ‘gator nest two years running … We are committed to preserving the essence of our community.”
We are extremely grateful to the Seabrook community for the many contributions our neighbors have made in support of this important cause. The mission of the Green Space Conservancy is to preserve and enhance the natural environment of Seabrook Island through the acquisition of land and land easements. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations are tax deductible. To learn more about the Conservancy and how you can help, please visit our website, sigsc.org.
-Submitted by Lisa Cermak for SIGSC
(Photo credit: Charles Moore)
