Sparking Conservation

HOW 6 LOCAL WOMEN ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The topic of conservation is one not often brought up at happy hours or dinner parties. In its defense, however, conservation does not make for bad conversation. It’s just misunderstood. Unlike unsolicited relationship advice or seemingly endless political rants, conservation is something we should bring up with others. The key is knowing how to do so.

Conservation aims to prevent the wasteful use of a resource. It protects, restores, maintains, preserves, and enhances ecosystems, wildlife, and the biodiversity of the planet. It’s important to the world as a whole as well as our region of the Lowcountry.

As with many subjects, conservation is best learned from the experts. The six women highlighted here are talented, passionate, and incredibly accomplished. They spend their days protecting animals, educating young people, advocating for sustainability, organizing volunteer programs, and voicing the concerns of our community. They’re not just starting the conversation. They’re enriching it, fueling it, and inviting us all to join in. Now that’s a talk worth having.

Laurie Savidge, Director of Operations, Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort

Vacation and conservation might seem like two completely different states of mind, but for Laurie Savidge, they’re one and the same. Since stepping into her unique role as director of operations for Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort three years ago, she has made it evident that a relaxing, fun-filled vacation can (and should) include a bit of education on the surrounding area.

In a nutshell, Savidge ensures the 19-acre beachfront resort is conducive to the local environment. A huge part of her job involves engaging and interacting with resort guests of all ages regarding the beaches, nature, and wildlife that make Hilton Head Island such an incredible place to visit. From leading a weekly beach sweep to hosting local naturalists who can inform guests on topics like sea turtle nesting season dos and don’ts, local birds of prey, and more, it’s clear that Savidge’s passion lies in protecting and respecting the local environment.

Promoting sustainability is also a key part of her role at the resort, which has led to the implementation of food donation programs and even the “Sharing Shack,” where guests can leave toys, chairs, and other beach items for incoming vacationers. We’re all in this together, after all, and whether you consider Hilton Head Island your home or your vacation happy place, Savidge encourages you to learn, ask questions, and make thoughtful decisions with conservation in mind.

Amber Kuehn, Manager of Sea Turtle Patrol

Though she is known to many as an expert turtle patroller, knowledgeable boat captain, and avid volunteer, Amber Kuehn can more simply be described as a conservation hero. After a childhood spent learning the ins and outs of the May River, Kuehn’s education took her to South Florida, Hawaii, and beyond before she decided to land right back here in the Lowcountry.

Kuehn spends much of her time managing the Sea Turtle Patrol program, a nonprofit she brought up to federal status back in 2018. Since joining the program, she has helped protect the livelihood of local sea turtle nests and hatchlings in more ways than one could imagine. When she’s not patrolling the beach with her team, you might find her advocating for the turtles in a more political setting. A recent win was in 2021 when the revised lighting protocol for sea turtles was approved by the town council thanks to her efforts.

To take a page from Kuehn’s book, it’s important to educate yourself on an ongoing basis. Locals and visitors alike can learn and make a difference by attending a weekly Turtle Talk (follow @hhiseaturtle for more info), filling in holes on the beach, and respecting the wildlife that make their home on the island.

Jean Fruh, Executive Director of The Outside Foundation

Learning about the salt marsh ecosystem requires more than just knowing the facts. Jean Fruh, educator and executive director of The Outside Foundation, certainly agrees. Since moving to Hilton Head Island almost 20 years ago, she has shared her love of nature with the community, connecting people with the outdoors and, more specifically, the Lowcountry’s natural beauty, which is loved by locals and visitors alike.

In her nine years as executive director of The Outside Foundation, Fruh has educated the community, led countless volunteer projects, and worked to combat erosion with the foundation’s incredible Oyster Recycling and Reef Rebuilding Initiative. Her efforts to create hands-on, nature-related experiences have also produced the Kids in Kayaks program, which strives to bring all Beaufort County seventh graders out for a full day of learning about salt marsh