35 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com we are able to continue the mission and legacy of protecting and replenishing our treasured oyster population that our founder Kathy Britzius and Willie McRae shared.” Meg O’Halloran, chief advancement officer at Lowcountry Land Trust, the conservation partner of Boone Hall Plantation commented, “Lowcountry Land Trust was honored to place a conservation easement on Boone Hall’s nearly 600 acres in 2019. Today’s oyster reef build celebrates the connection between culture, community and conservation in the epicenter of one of South Carolina’s fastest growing cities.” McRae’s sister Elizabeth also attended the event. She said that ongoing conservation is so important because the marsh is one of the most delicate aspects of the Lowcountry and continuing to nourish this corner of Mount Pleasant is key. Britzius’ daughter Chrissy Denning, who got married in front of the house on the grounds 33 years ago, said that her mother would have been so happy with the dedication, as “she wanted everyone to have a good time. She loved her job and everything that went with it.” Following the dedication on the back creekside lawn, Boone Hall employees and volunteers unloaded 350 biodegradable shell bags off the back of a truck, formed a line through the marsh that stretched down to the water and deposited the oysters into the low tide. Over time, the shells will create a natural biodiverse breakwater habitat that will attract possibly up to 130 species including invertebrates, crabs, fish, dolphins and birds. Additional benefits, according to Westerhold, will include clearer, cleaner water because of each oyster filtering 50 gallons of water a day as well as controlling erosion from the living shoreline. Westerhold added that the reef will be here forever, continuing to grow. So next time you attend the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall, remember the words of Elizabeth: “Oysters are as useful as they are delicious.” our town General and Cosmetic Dentistry Family Dentistry Crowns Implants Veneers Dentures TMJ Treatment Sleep Apnea Treatment Botox and Filler and more! Now Open on Daniel Island, Nexton, North Charleston, and Knightsville Opening soon in Mount Pleasant! www.riverlandingdentistry.com 843-242-0645
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