November 2023 Keeper’s Report
Dear Waterkeeper Community,
In the Charleston Harbor, there’s a spot where the currents and tides of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers join together. The swirling and mixing gently tugs at our boat as we go about our water quality testing work.
I’ve heard folks say this is where the Atlantic Ocean is born, but for me, it’s a gentle reminder that our rivers, creeks, marshes, and harbor touch all parts of our community. From Wassamasaw and Hell Hole Swamps to Clark Sound and Cove Creek, our waterways connect and belong to us all.
This year, Charleston Waterkeeper secured a new boat to safely and reliably serve as your on-the-water advocate for years to come. Like your waterways, the Waterkeeper boat belongs to our community, reflects our collective commitment to clean water, and is an accomplishment we share together.
You can help make sure the momentum continues by making a gift today at: CharlestonWaterkeeper.org/contribute.
As always, thank you for standing up for clean water! Charleston Waterkeeper is a community-supported organization. We can only do this work for you because you choose to support it. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Waterkeeper!
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Wunderley
Your Charleston Waterkeeper
Latest News
Giving Tuesday is Nov 28!
Every act of generosity counts and we hope you join Charleston Waterkeeper this Giving Tuesday! Let’s continue building a clean water community together.
Be on the lookout for the link on the 28th!
Protect what you love!
We’re grateful for the support of the local fly fishing community. It’s a special group of folks with a deep understanding of our local estuary and why it needs to be protected.
What are you thinking?
We’re working with a graduate student from USC to better understand perceptions around oyster consumption.
Take the survey today!
STEM Day🔬
The entire Charleston Waterkeeper team jumped in to create a wonderful learning experience for 20 5th and 6th graders. They were eager to learn and participate and fun was had by all!
Thank you to Britney Prebis for leading the way!
Sewer Spill Alert!
On Harborview Rd near the James Island/Ellis Creek Bridge. This same section of line near the creek has broken twice in the past few years.
Speak up: Report Pollution
That was fun! 🐬
Thank you to the amazing Cummins team for joining us and taking part in water quality testing on this spectacular afternoon aboard Coastal Expedition’s Heron!
Member Spotlight
Michael Hodges 🦪 🌱
We had the pleasure of catching up with Charleston Waterkeeper’s oyster and marsh habitat guru and SCDNR SCORE leader!
Pictured here creating a new tidal creek to revitalize the salt marsh near Maryville/Ashleyville communities in West Ashley.
Clean Water Updates
That’s a wrap for the 2023 Swim Alert season!
In total, we collected 480 samples in 2023. Of these, 132 samples exceeded the standard for safe swimming – that’s 28%.
See all of the results here!
Oyster shell sorting 🦪
We’ve continued our weekly Shell Sorting events with DNR SCORE and have removed 338 lbs of debris already this fall!
Let’s collect seeds! 🌱
Join us on November 29 as we team up with DNR SCORE to collect Spartina seeds! It’s a fun time for all ages!
Certified! 🏅
We hosted another Adopt-A-Stream workshop last month and certified 14 new Creek Watchers!
If you’re interested in becoming certified, email: [email protected]
Hard work pays off 💪🏼
We hosted another cleanup at Hendricks Park under the Adopt-A-Park program! Shout out to our awesome volunteers who have helped remove 425 lbs of debris thus far this year!
#ChasWaterkeeper
Thanks all that came to Revel this year! Don’t forget–support businesses that support clean water in your community. Show up for Revel’s sponsors, partners, and supporters:
The Plastic Reducer: @georgesinkinjurylawyers
Boats on the Water Partner: @teamscoutboats
Eye on the Water: @costasunglasses
Design Partner: @gilshuler
Thank you Boots on the Water Partners! 🙌
@fcbcarolinas @smartrecycle_us @rheosgear
Thank you Watchdog Partners! 🌊
@aiasc.charleston @marshwearclothing @maritime_ii @the_exchange_co @southernenvironment
#harborfinancialgroup @jll @scdnr @coastalexpeditions @rcb_development
@vaporapparel @planetpurposesolutions
Thank you Clean Water Partners! 🎣@stono_construction @theflywaycompanies @emergerstrategies @encore_bank
@rigwalife @orvischarleston @rhodesyachtdesign @saltinagraphics
@awendawgreen @mp.waterworks @charlestonpartycat
Thank you Raffle prize participants! 🎸🙌🌊🏄🏻♂️🎟
@elephantamaro @chickencockwhiskey @guildedhorn
@thesustainableangler @mckevlinssurfshop @coastalexpeditions @parrotsurfandskate
@acehardware @charlestonkayak @watersidebusinesslogistics @barre3mountpleasant
@urbanalchemycoffeeco @paulpuckettart @bloomsaloncharleston
Let’s Get Social
Don’t miss any of the action for clean water: especially the weekly restoration events! Be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now LinkedIn!
