The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Board is excited to announce our collaboration with Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal and introduce our “Speaker Series”. Shellring Ale Works has agreed to donate $1.00 to The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands from the special brew they have created just for us! To help engage and educate the public about Cypress Wetlands, we will be hosting a monthly featured speaker at Shellring Ale Works starting on January 22, 2025, through April 23, 2025. All programs start at 5:30 p.m. at Shellring Ale Works located at 1111 11th Avenue, Port Royal, SC.
Our Featured Guest Speakers:
Dr. Andy Jones
Executive Director of Spring Island Trust & Lowcountry Institute
January 22nd, 2025 @ 5:30pm
Why Cypress Wetlands is so Important to Birds
Dr. Andy Jones is a dedicated naturalist focused on the biodiversity of the southeastern U.S. Originally from Kingsport, TN, and Raleigh, NC, he began his natural history journey at age 5. He earned a degree in biological sciences from the University of Tennessee and completed his PhD on Philippine bird evolution at the University of Minnesota. From 2006 to early 2022, he served as curator of ornithology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, conducting research on bird genetics and leading initiatives like Lights Out Cleveland to protect migrating birds. Dr. Jones has also held various nonprofit leadership roles and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society. In May 2022, he became Executive Director of the Spring Island Trust and Lowcountry Institute.
Dr. Thomas Rainwater
Research Scientist at Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
February 19th, 2025 @ 5:30pm
All About Gators
Thomas is a Wildlife Biologist and Research Scientist at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center and Clemson University’s Baruch Institute, following his previous role as a Wildlife Toxicologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Growing up in Florence, SC, he developed a passion for wildlife, particularly reptiles and amphibians. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Furman University, an M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from Texas Tech University. Over 34 years, he has researched wildlife biology, ecotoxicology, and conservation across various regions, focusing on the effects of pollution and habitat changes on endangered crocodilians and turtles. In 2010, he began a long-term study of American alligators in coastal habitats and has since expanded his research to include alligator populations on Spring Island, SC, examining their ecology and the impact of environmental changes.
Tony Mills
Education Director of Spring Island Trust & Host of Coastal Kingdom
March 19th, 2025 @ 5:30pm
Plants & Animals of the Southeast
Tony has 30 years of experience in environmental education, focusing on southeastern flora and fauna. After graduating from Georgia Southern University in 1985, he worked as a naturalist in parks and nature centers and served as the outreach program coordinator for the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory for 20 years. Currently, he is the Education Director at the Spring Island Trust, where he teaches the Master Naturalist Program, conducts school programs, and leads field trips. Additionally, he hosts the award-winning TV nature program Coastal Kingdom on SCETV while continuing his field studies of southeastern plants and animals.
Dr. Travis Folk
Wildlife Biologist
April 23rd, 2025 @ 5:30pm
A History of Cypress Wetlands
Travis Hayes Folk, Ph.D. is a wildlife biologist in the ACE Basin and co-owner (with his brother Clay) of Folk Land Management. He holds forestry and wildlife degrees from the University of Georgia and Auburn University. A primary focus of his work is the renovation, wetland permitting and management of wetlands across the Lowcountry. Robert Folk, Travis’ father, originally designed, permitted and oversaw construction of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands over 20 years ago. Travis, along with Dean Harrigal, recently oversaw the renovation and continued management of this wetland.