Iconic photo by Jason Stemple

We caught up with longtime supporter, Caroline Irwin!

HP: Why do you choose to support Charleston Waterkeeper?

CI: To protect the fishery, and ecosystem allowing our Lowcountry to thrive. However, it’s less about our personal interests, but more about the future generations of experiences to be had on our waterways! I want to know I did my part to protect what we can, improve the quality, and foster belonging to the mission.

HP: What is your favorite way to enjoy clean water?

CI: I love fishing. It gives my family connection to the environment, quality time with each other, and an understanding of how we can make a difference. It is also my husband, John Irwin’s livelihood as a local fishing captain in Charleston.

HP: What is your favorite waterway in Charleston?

CI: All of them?!! But we spend most time around Folly Beach, and the Kiawah River.

HP: Tell us something interesting about yourself that we might not know?

CI: My grandfather, Arthur Smith was a music composer known for writing Dueling Banjos, but his avocation was fishing. Because of his personal interest in the SC waterways, he and my father Clay, and the rest of our family have been involved in fundraising to support local waterways. Fishing tournaments were the vehicle for many years beginning in the 70s, and now we support through the Charleston Waterkeeper and other nonprofits.