I congratulate the Board of Directors on their choice of Andrew Waters as the new Executive Director of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy. He was an essential part in the movement to save a 42-acre track on land within my town that was slated for clear-cutting. It is now a passive, hardwood park known as Spencer Woods. I will miss my friend and colleague. Excellent choice!

While I've only known about SPACE for a short amount of time, the events and projects that they've provided Spartanburg have given me an excellent insight into the importance of land conservation and it's role in preserving and enriching a community. SPACE's efforts in maintaining the Glendale Shoals Preserve, particularly since they began a partnership with Wofford College's Environmental Studies Program, has been especially exciting for me to observe and participate in. The Glendale Shoals Preserve is certainly one of Spartanburg's most precious natural and historical gems, and it is in large part thanks to the Spartanburg Area Conservancy that the public is able to utilize, learn about, and enjoy this special place. Also, as a part of Wofford's Environmental Studies staff I'm looking forward to collaborating with the SPACE team to plan their annual Jazz on the Bridge event at Glendale Shoals. This event is a perfect example of SPACE's ability to responsibly employ a nature preserve that benefits both the vitality of the space, and also brings together a community.