Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands
The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, Inc., a 501c3, was formed under the guidance of Pete Richards in October of 2019. On February 28th of 2020, Pete died, but his legacy lives on. The Board of Directors is proudly continuing Pete’s vision of the “Wonderment of the Wetlands.” Our mission is to support the cypress wetlands and rookery, increase community awareness through education, and advocate for maintaining this stormwater retention system as a working organic laboratory. We hope you will join us in our quest to aid the Town of Port Royal in maintaining and educating both young and old about this unique and natural treasure.
Current Board of Directors
Scot Clark
President | president@foprcw.org
Scot built a home in Port Royal in 2005 and has lived there full time with his wife, Patty, since 2018. A Purdue University graduate in Civil Engineering and Management (CME ’84), he spent 36 years in commercial and mixed-use development and asset management. After retiring, he became active in Town initiatives and developed a strong passion for the Cypress Wetlands.
As President of FOPRCW, Scot oversees overall operations, strategic planning, budgeting, grant writing, and fundraising.
Board Member since February 2020.
Bill Entwistle
Vice President | vicepresident@foprcw.org
Bill brings over 30 years of experience in human resources, administration, and communications. He holds a B.A. in Economics from New Mexico State University and an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design. Based in Beaufort, SC, he works with the Best Western Sea Island Inn and is a graduate of Leadership Beaufort (Class of 2025), with a strong commitment to community service.
As Vice President, Bill supports strategic planning and decision-making while leading fundraising, donor engagement, and community outreach efforts.
Board Member since November, 2025.
Megan LaFountain
Treasurer | treasurer@foprcw.org
Megan is an accounting professional with more than 20 years of experience in financial management. She holds a BSBA in Accounting and Finance from Bowling Green State University and has worked with Penske Automotive Group since 2002 in key financial roles. She lives in Port Royal with her husband and two sons and enjoys travel, boating, and community activities.
As Treasurer of FOPRCW, Megan oversees financial records, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance. She also supports grant writing and manages required reporting to grantors.
Board Member since October, 2024.
Alisa Avery
Secretary & Tour Director | info@foprcw.org
Alisa and her husband, Dennis, moved to the Beaufort/Port Royal area in 2018. A CPA since 1989, she built a 40-year career in commercial real estate management and accounting across Charlotte, Richmond, and Charleston before retiring in 2025.
As Secretary of FOPRCW, Alisa supports strategic planning and decision-making, leads the annual Birthday for the Birds event, assists with tours and donor outreach, and helps produce community materials.
Board Member since April, 2021.
Megan Carew
Marketing Director | marketing@foprcw.org
Megan is Marketing Manager for the Greater Beaufort–Port Royal CVB, leading marketing efforts for businesses across Northern Beaufort County. Originally from Bulverde, Texas, she holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.
As Marketing Director of FOPRCW, Megan manages the website, tracks market trends, and helps develop and execute marketing strategies. She also supports grant writing and promotional efforts.
Board Member since May, 2021.
Tricia Fidrych
Education Director | education@foprcw.org
Tricia has called Beaufort County home for 26 years, spending 20 years teaching in the Beaufort County School District and four years on the School Board. Her passion for nature and environmental stewardship makes the Cypress Wetlands especially meaningful to her.
As Education Director of FOPRCW, Tricia leads school outreach, coordinating classroom programs and organizing field trips to the Wetlands.
Board Member since January 2025.
Carissa Kane
Volunteer Coordinator | volunteercoordinator@foprcw.org
Carissa graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009 and earned her MBA from The Citadel in 2011. A lifelong nature enthusiast, she enjoys exploring and photographing the outdoors and completed the Lowcountry Master Naturalist Program. She loves traveling with her family and being a mom.
As Volunteer Coordinator of FOPRCW, Carissa manages the volunteer database and oversees recruitment and coordination for events, including workdays and school tours.
Board Member since September, 2025.
Holly Riehm
Social Media Director | socialmedia@foprcw.org
Holly is a marketing and social media professional based in Beaufort. A University of South Carolina graduate (2015), she has spent the past decade working with clients across hospitality, agriculture, e-commerce, and small business. In 2022, she founded OysterCat Media and relocated from Nashville to Beaufort in 2025 to be closer to the coast and nature.
As Social Media Director of FOPRCW, Holly leads social strategy, content creation, photography, and brand development.
Board Member since April, 2026.
Joe Schmitt
Master Naturalist | joeschmitt@foprcw.org
Joe is a retired veterinarian who moved to the Lowcountry in 2020 from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. He completed the Lowcountry Master Naturalist Program to better understand his new coastal environment.
As a board member and Master Naturalist with FOPRCW, Joe leads guided tours and presentations, helping visitors appreciate the unique ecology of the Cypress Wetlands.
Board Member since April, 2025.
Original Board of Directors
Bernadette Clayton, Kathleen Bray, Pete Richards, Sally Jessee, Rob Merchant, Kate Hamilton Pardee
Check out this amazing interview that former board members, Betsy Richards, did with the Beaufort News talking about the history of the Friends of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and the things we do. Great job Betsy!
***Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, Inc. owns and operates the official friendsofportroyalcypresswetlands.org and foprcw.org websites.***