On March 18, 2019 the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism awarded $75,000 to the Port Royal Sound Foundation to be used to enhance and expand their water quality programming.
South Carolina State Representatives Bill Herbkersman and Weston Newton awarded the check to the Foundation surrounded by an audience of supporters, Board members and elementary school students and teachers from River Ridge Academy.
“The Port Royal Sound Foundation is so honored to receive this grant from the State of South Carolina,” said Executive Director Jody Heyward. “This funding helps our young organization to continue its important work in educating residents and visitors about the Port Royal Sound. The Sound plays such a vital role in defining the health of our community, our businesses and our #1 economic driver, tourism. This partnership will help us to expand our offerings to better serve the people and waters of Beaufort County.”
The Port Royal Sound Foundation opened the Maritime Center in November 2014 on the shores of the Chechessee River and has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors through its doors. The Maritime Center is a museum with exhibits and aquariums full of native species that help educate visitors and build their appreciation for this unique body of water. Tours, field trips, special events, forums, presentations, art shows, summer camps and more are available to the public, and admission to the Maritime Center is free. The success and continued growth of the Foundation depends on the generosity of donors, grants, programming, special events and strategic partnerships.
The Port Royal Sound Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is dedicated to the betterment and conservation of the waters and lands of the unique salt marsh ecosystem that is the Port Royal Sound estuary system. Their mission is to advance the awareness of Port Royal Sound as a unique ecosystem that contributes to the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of our area, the region and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you would like more information, please contact Sarah Walbert at 843-645-7774 or email at swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org.
