It was great to reconnect to Dr. Drew Lanham again last week at the Lowcountry Audubon Society events organized by Jessica Hardesty Norris and promoted by CharlestonGOOD.com. Drew Lanham has the ability to unite and inspire people of all backgrounds to become interested in environmental issues. His talents have been reconfirmed each time our paths have crossed over the last couple of years. If you have not heard him speak, listened to his radio show, read his blog, or his book, do some research and buy a copy of his book: THE HOME PLACE, MEMOIRS OF A COLORED MAN’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH NATURE I first heard Drew Lanham years ago on a SCETV radio program about birding that he co-hosted with Patrick McMillan. Later, Lauren Ponder brought him in as a speaker when we were working on the EE Capacity Project. After hearing him talk, it became clear that he could be the ideal person to make conservation relevant to a wide, diverse audience. His ability as an eloquent and articulate speaker was confirmed when I saw him address thousands of people from across the continent at the NAAEE conference in 2013 and receive a sustained, standing ovation. I was really glad that he found the time to come to my presentation at the same conference about our efforts in South Carolina to expand the reach of environmental education. When we sat down for a round table discussion at the College of Charleston during his visit to the Lowcountry last week, Drew shared how much his experience with the environmental education community affected how he now approaches his work. Drew speaks from his heart as well as his head. He draws from his experience growing up on 200 acres of his family’s land in rural South Carolina where he developed his deep love for nature and fascination with birds. This was where he spent many days exploring and experiencing the natural world. He later would overcome adversity and begin to pursue a degree at Clemson University where he would earn a PhD. This would lead him to spend many years at Clemson as a distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Master Teacher and Certified Wildlife Biologist where he furthered his knowledge and received awards and accolades from colleagues and students alike. Dr. Lanham began to realize that the information discussed among academic scholars and written in scientific journals rarely reached the general public. That is why he has became passionate to find new ways of expanding the reach of this information beyond the orbit of the scientific circles and into general public. Some of the ways he has been able reach more people is through his photography, telling his personal story in his new book and participating in speaking engagements for diverse audiences. Drew tells an emotional story of when he returned to his family’s land after they could no longer pay for it and it was purchased by a timber company. When he returned, the land had been ravaged. Every tree had been clear cut and what ever was left was pushed into the river. Drew says that in that moment of despair, he heard the call of a Prairie Warbler, and a glimmer of hope was restored. The call of the Prairie Warbler has been a beacon of hope ever since. That was just one of the many personal stories that connected with the audience. I have worked with several of Dr. Lanham’s colleagues and former students over the years. All of them have nothing but accolades and utmost respect for him as a further testament to his character. We were blessed to have him here last week where he spoke to a large, diverse crowd at the Charleston Museum, had an intimate round table discussion with staff and community leaders at the College of Charleston, and was featured at a community event under the Angel Oak tree. He has vowed to make more visits to the Lowcountry in order to continue his work to educate and inspire. We will hold him to it! 
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