SC7 Resiliency Conference Agenda

May 20 - 22, 2024

Wild Dunes Charleston, SC

MESSAGE FROM THE SC7 EXPEDITION TEAM LEADER:

SC7 has been a “Purpose Journey” for five years where our team has spoken directly and indirectly to millions of South Carolinians and others across our country about the beauty of the Palmetto State and also some of the challenges with faced with ecological protection and conservation. Each year in addition to hiking, kayaking and diving more than 350 miles across our state, we have woven into our conversations along the trail important information that will allow our citizens to make informed decisions about how best to protect our environment and enhance the economy for our families.

This year we are ending our expedition with a global leading conference on critical and complex issues by bringing together diverse stakeholders and subject matter experts. The genesis of SC7 was to engage South Carolinians with these very important and timely subjects. The groundbreaking SC7 Resiliency Conference will invite all perspectives to examine and collaborate on initiatives concerning health and wellness, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Together with all voices heard and through important networking and bridge building the conference will encourage state-of-the-art solutions that will place South Carolina as a global leader now and for future generations.

Tom Mullikin

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Trapper Fowler

Dr. Travis W. Knight

Dr. Tom Mullikin Dr. Susan Johnson Morgan Hughey Kendra Stewart

Dwayne Green Will Haynie Ken Roper

Mike Harris Tami Enright

Emilee Elingburg Chris Crolley

Jana Davis Dr. Julius Fridriksson Rhoda Green Senator Thomas Alexander

Raleigh West Dr. Scott Curtis

Dr. Amanda Guthrie Dr. Dulaney Wilson

Thomas L. Woltz Ben Duncan

Sarah Lyles Esther Wagner

Sara L. McDonald Kelly Thorvalson

Wes Carter

Paul McCormack

Ahmad Ward

Dana Beach

Abbey Crocker

Michelle McCollum

MESSAGE FROM CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS:

Dear Esteemed Attendees,

Welcome to this inaugural conference uniting the dynamic sectors of health and wellness, conservation, and corporate and government sustainability. It is with immense pleasure and anticipation that we extend our warmest greetings to each of you as we embark on this unprecedented journey in South Carolina and the Southeast.

This gathering marks a historic moment as we assemble leaders, innovators, and advocates from diverse fields under one roof to delve into pressing issues, share insights, and forge collaborative pathways toward a healthier, more sustainable future. Never before have these pivotal spheres intersected in such a profound manner, promising a wealth of meaningful discussions and invaluable networking opportunities. Together, we have the power to inspire change, catalyze action, and chart a course towards a more resilient South Carolina for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees for their unwavering support and dedication to this groundbreaking endeavor. Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to driving positive change and shaping a brighter tomorrow.

May this conference be a catalyst for transformative dialogue, meaningful connections, and impactful collaborations that transcend boundaries and propel us towards our shared vision of a thriving and sustainable future.

Once again, welcome, and thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion.

Warm regards,

Michelle McCollum and Abbey Crocker

MONDAY, MAY 20TH

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM WELCOME RECEPTION - BOARDWALK GRAND PAVILION

Join the conference team and participants at a beach-side welcome reception with an open bar, heavy Hor d’oeuvres, and great conversation. It will be a wonderful networking opportunity to kick off an amazing conference. If interested in dinner following the reception, we encourage you to make dinner reservations at one of the many local restaurants on the resort or on the Isle of Palms.

TUESDAY, MAY 21ST

CONFERENCE SESSIONS -

8 AM - 9 AM

BREAKFAST BUFFET

OSPREY BALLROOM OUTDOOR TERRACE

8 AM - 8:50 AM

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Ecological Theology: Protecting the Lord’s garden in the Bible Belt

Dr. Tom Mullikin

Grab your breakfast and join this session that will explore the emergence of religion and the environment and the potential role religion can play in addressing anthropogenic climate change. An examination of the relationships between human cultures, religions, and environments will be considered and discussed.

9 AM - 9:50 AM

GREEN HEALTH: FOLLOWING NATURE’S

PATH TO WELL-BEING

Dr. Susan Johnson, Director of Health Promotion, MUSC & Founder of SC Healthy Business Challenge

We all know that fresh air is good for us but there is growing evidence that being outside, surrounded by nature, could be the key to improving health and well-being across the lifespan. A growing body of research shows being in nature has real, quantifiable health benefits. Dr. Johnson is a self-described “green health guru” and is passionate about promoting the health benefits of nature and encouraging green exercise and outdoor recreation. In this presentation, she will provide an overview of the negative impacts of nature deficit disorder, the health benefits of nature, and the use of ecotherapy to improve health and quality of life.

SHARE THE BUZZ WITH THE BEE CAUSE

Tami Enright, Executive Director of The Bee Cause Project and Emilee Elingburg, Director of Education Programs with The Bee Cause Project

In the world of conservation and environmental education, innovative partnerships can ignite change. In 2022, The Bee Cause Project and funding partners created The Habitat Grant, providing a cohort of 30 teachers access to the “Bee a Friend to Pollinators” Program, an award-winning curriculum created together with Clemson University. The program allows educators to enter the world of the small but mighty pollinators that live alongside us while also creating on-campus pollinator gardens that give bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects the resources they need to thrive. Continued work with funding partners in 2023 was instrumental in the construction of South Carolina Upstate’s Henderson Meadow Interpretive Pollinator Garden project within Conestee Nature Preserve. Do you have an interest in learning more about The Bee Cause Project’s mission to educate the next generation of environmental stewards and how you can help us share the buzz?

PALMETTO FORTITUDE: UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF RESILIENCE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Ben Duncan, Director of the SC Office of Resilience and Dr. Tom Mullikin, Chairman of the Governor’s Floodwater Commission

Join this very informative conversation to learn how South Carolina is becoming an international model of sustainability and resilience and how your community and organization can engage with this new cabinet agency and the work of the Governor’s Floodwater Commission.

INCREASING ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS: A POLICY STRUCTURE FOR CITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO PARKS & GREEN SPACES

Morgan Hughey and Kendra Stewart, College of Charleston

An in-depth research project by a team at the College of Charleston, along with the Trust for Public Lands, outlines an 8-policy framework to help cities better understand municipal policy actions that can be implemented to increase more and equitable access to green space across the U.S.

AM - 10:50 AM

Prioritizing Health & Environmental Stewardship as a Business Imperative: The South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge Blueprint Dr. Susan Johnson, Director of Health Promotion, MUSC & Founder of SC Healthy Business Challenge; Mike Harris, Vice President Sales BlueCross/BlueShield of South Carolina

Join us for an insightful session delving into the multi-faceted role of the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge as an invaluable resource through the unique lens of the intersectionality of the health of the natural environment with the health of human environments. This session will highlight the program’s unique ability to intertwine employee wellbeing, population health, environmental resiliency, conservation practices, and health promotion, creating a holistic approach to workforce well-being. Discover how businesses in South Carolina can leverage this valuable resource to not only enhance employee health but also contribute to sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Gain insights into successful case studies, innovative strategies, and the transformative impact of the Healthy Business Challenge in creating a healthier, more sustainable, and thriving workforce for the future.

DESIGNING FOR THE LOWCOUNTRY: WHAT THE LOWCOUNTRY’S LAND TELLS US ABOUT RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Thomas L. Woltz, FASLA, CLARB

Woltz will delve into the distinctive characteristics of the Lowcountry, focusing on hydrology, geology, and ecosystems. Finally, he will present solutions that can be incorporated into the design process, citing examples such as Angel Oak, Union Pier, and Middleton Place that show the firm’s commitment to creating resilient landscapes in the face of climate uncertainty.

AN URBAN OASIS & RUSTIC RETREAT

Will Haynie, Mayor of Mt. Pleasant and Ken Roper, Pickens County Administrator

Join us as we uncover the remarkable stories of two distinct communities— the urban Town of Mt. Pleasant and the rural expanse of Pickens County— united by a shared commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation. Explore how these diverse landscapes have leveraged their natural assets to fuel economic growth while nurturing the health and wellness of their communities. This session promises a compelling exploration of how communities, regardless of size or setting, can harness the power of nature to forge a brighter future for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the trailblazers shaping the next chapter of prosperity and well-being in urban and rural America.

WETLANDS: WHAT ARE THEY...WHY THEY MATTER...AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT THEM

Facilitated by Trapper Fowler with the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League

This panel discussion will focus on a variety of wetland types and the ecosystems services they provide featuring academia, agency, environmental law, and non-profit professionals. Topics covered will include current wetland ordinances, wetland buffers and setbacks, and the recent Sackett vs. EPA ruling.

HARNESSING ADVANCED ENERGY

Dr. Julius Fridriksson, USC VP of Research; Dr. Tom Mullikin, Chairman of Governor’s Floodwater Commission; Dr. Travis W. Knight, USC Nuclear Engineering; Senator Thomas Alexander

Deploying reliable affordable and sustainable energy is critical to meeting climate related challenges. South Carolina can continue to serve as a global model for reduction of environmental footprint while enhancing economic output through advanced energy such as Small Modular Reactors and advanced storage to support other forms of clean energy.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: HOW DOES HAVING

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT DIRECTLY IMPACT OVERALL HEALTH AND NUTRITION?

Jana Davis MS, RDN Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Owner of Carolina Green Living, LLC. Founder of First Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant Program on the East Coast

New science has shown that the complex ecosystem of microbes in our soil microbiome is aligned with our own gut microbiome and micronutrient intake. Research clearly shows that good health is dependent on having a healthy gut microbiome. Learn how we can nurture both to optimize health and well-being. Additionally, keeping our environment clean and free of “endocrine disrupting” chemicals can be a powerful step that can promote better hormone and metabolic health and reduce disease for all. Learn positive steps that individuals and communities can put into action.

DISCOVERING THE TRIUMPHS OF CRAB BANK ISLAND:

Chris Crolley, Coastal Expeditions

Join this lively discussion on the Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary, where the forces of nature and community collaboration converge in a story of restoration and resurgence. Led by the dynamic Chris Crolley of Coastal Expeditions Foundation, this session delves deep into the heartening narrative of how barriers were shattered, and a united coastal community rallied to breathe life back into this ecological haven. Discover the awe-inspiring saga of how the once-depleted nesting grounds have been reclaimed, witnessing the majestic return of black skimmers and gull-billed terns in staggering numbers. Join us as we unveil the international blueprint of perseverance and resolve, showcasing how Crab Bank Island stands as a shining example of transformation.

PRESERVING PARADISE: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF CONSERVATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Raleigh West, Director of SC Conservation Bank

Join this informative discussion of conservation efforts in South Carolina as Raleigh uncovers the tapestry of conservation efforts in South Carolina. He will discuss the trends shaping land use across the Palmetto State and unveil the innovative measures being implemented to safeguard its cherished historic and natural landscapes. Delve into the interplay between public preserves and privately protected farms and forests, discovering the delicate balance essential for the preservation of South Carolina’s natural splendor.

2:30 PM - 3:20 PM

CHARLESTON HEAT HEALTH INDEX

Dr. Scott Curtis, The Citadel, Near Center for Climate Studies; Dr. Amanda Guthrie, SC Sea Grant Consortium, Coastal Climate and Resilience Specialist; Dr. Dulaney Wilson, MUSC, Department of Public Health Sciences

Join us as we delve into the Charleston Heat Health Research Program in this interactive panel discussion. Discover fascinating insights from three key studies that explore how heat affects human health in urban settings. Using technologies like wet bulb globe thermometers and infrared cameras in at-risk neighborhoods, we have been able to explore relationship between surface emissions and human heat stress. In addition, we will share correlations between heat index thresholds and all-cause mortality events, shedding light on the urgent need for heat mitigation strategies.

From Audubon’s Legacy to Modern Conservation: A Journey Through South Carolina’s Efforts Dana Beach

Dana Beach, Founder and Director Emeritus South Carolina Coastal Conservation League

Join us for an illuminating session that traces the evolution of conservation efforts in South Carolina, from the inception of the National Audubon Society to contemporary initiatives. Beginning with the visionary work of Audubon and his contemporaries in the 19th century, this session will explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped conservation practices in the Palmetto State

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Dwayne Green, Partner, Barbados Ventures; Rhoda Green, Honorary Consul to Barbados; Ahmad Ward, Executive Director, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Join us for an enlightening session that delves into the crucial relationship between cultural conservation and the preservation of natural resources from experts in Charleston and Hilton Head. Throughout history, human societies have developed intricate connections with their environments, shaping landscapes, and ecosystems through cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems. Understanding and preserving these cultural elements not only honor our shared history and identities but also hold significant implications for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

Sarah Lyles, Director of PalmettoPride and Esther Wagner, Awareness & Education Coordinator Palmetto Pride

Litter mitigation is more than beautification. Litter and blight have a direct impact on economic development and community enhancement. Our physical surroundings provide psychological cues informing us whether a space is safe for our intended activity. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies ensure that environmental signals can discourage undesirable behavior while inviting appropriate and intended activity.

HOW

SC PARKS ARE PREPARING SC FOR A STRONG FUTURE

Paul McCormack, Director of SC State Parks

Explore the growth of South Carolina’s State Parks, where new sites are blossoming and existing ones are flourishing through expansion. This not only fortifies our environment’s resilience but also enriches recreational offerings for our communities and invigorates our state’s economy. Join us as we delve into the latest developments and engage in insightful conversations about the pivotal role of Parks in shaping a brighter, more inclusive, and very resilient future for South Carolina.

EVERY DROP MAKES A DIFFERENCE: A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO CONSERVATION

Sara L. McDonald, PhD, Director of Conservation South Carolina Aquarium and Kelly Thorvalson, Senior Manager of Conservation, South Carolina Aquarium

Connecting people to water, wildlife and wild places occurs both within the South Carolina Aquarium walls and beyond. Hear how the South Carolina Aquarium addresses critical environmental threats and empowers communities to take action alongside them.

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

RECEPTION - SWEETGRASS

Buses depart at 6:00 PM from the Sweetgrass Inn Lobby

Join conference speakers and participants in a fun networking hour with an open bar and light Hor d’oeuvres.

OCEANS ALIVE - A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION at the SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

Buses depart at 6:00 PM from the Sweetgrass Inn Lobby

Return buses will depart at 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm. For those not interested in staying until these times, we encourage you to drive your own vehicle.

This will be a night of amazing food, drink, dance, and celebration of South Carolina’s amazing conservation organizations and efforts. It will be a party you will not want to miss.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & CLOSING AWARDS LUNCHEON - OSPREY BALLROOM

8 AM - 9 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET OSPREY BALLROOM OUTDOOR TERRACE

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM SC7 - TODAY AND TOMORROW

Grab your breakfast and join Michelle McCollum and Abbey Crocker, Chief Logistics Officers of SC7, as they provide an overview of the SC7 project, how the initiative is expanding beyond the 30-day expedition, and how communities can get involved.

9:15 AM - 10 AM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Delve into the dynamic convergence of sustainability, personal well-being, and economic prosperity with a captivating keynote session featuring Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging. As the visionary leader behind Atlantic Packaging, one of the continent’s foremost privately held packaging giants, and the driving force behind A New Earth Project, Carter brings unparalleled insight into the transformative potential of businesses in shaping a more sustainable future.

Join us as Carter shares his groundbreaking strategies on how companies, regardless of their scale or industry, can become active agents of positive change. From fostering innovative solutions to advocating for meaningful policies, discover how businesses can not only thrive economically but also contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation and societal well-being.

Don’t miss this enlightening session that promises to inspire and empower attendees to be catalysts for a more sustainable and equitable world.

10:15 AM - 11 AM FROM ASPIRATIONAL TO OPERATIONAL - SC ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

Tom Mullikin, SC7 Expedition Leader

From the enchanting Galapagos Islands to the majestic African plains, and from the rugged mountains of Ecuador to the pristine Alaskan wilderness, Tom Mullikin will highlight how Global Eco Adventures is taking the sustainability successes in South Carolina to the international stage. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as he showcases the remarkable conservation efforts that have propelled South Carolina to the forefront of environmental stewardship. This session promises to inspire you to continue our collective work that has established South Carolina as a beacon of conservation excellence.

11 AM - 12 PM CLOSING REMARKS and AWARDS LUNCHEON OSPREY BALLROOM OUTDOOR TERRANCE

CONFERENCE NOTES