Daniel Island to Get a Visit from the "Park Angels"

The Charleston Parks Conservancy, a public/private partnership devoted to increasing the quality, appreciation and use of Charleston’s City parks, is planning its first-ever event on Daniel Island. On Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. until noon, the Conservancy’s base of volunteers – the Park Angels – will descend upon the City of Charleston’s Etiwan Park for a beautification project. Volunteers are invited to join in the fun and come help plant, mulch and water.  No gardening experience is required!

The event came together thanks in part to a $1,200 donation to the Parks Conservancy from the Daniel Island Employee Advised Fund, a philanthropic initiative funded by voluntary payroll deductions from employees of the Daniel Island Company, Daniel Island Property Owners Association, Daniel Island Real Estate and Daniel Island Club.

Park Conservancy director Jim Martin worked with Jimmy Bailey of the Property Owners Association to identify an area in one of the island’s City parks to hold the “Garden in the Park” event. Etiwan Park was chosen and Conservancy staff members carefully selected drought-tolerant plants that could withstand full sun for the project, including varieties like Imperial Blue Plumbago, Lantana and Rosemary, along with a perennial grass called Pink Muhly Grass and flowering shrubs including Pink Knockout Shrub Rose and American Beautyberry.

“I’m really hopeful that between that group of employees that stepped up to donate, Daniel Island Garden Club members – who have already demonstrated a commitment to beautifying the island’s parks and open spaces – and any other residents who want to help, this will be really successful and lead to more island involvement with the Parks Conservancy,” Bailey says.

This is a great opportunity to get outside, learn about gardening, meet new friends and participate in a hands-on community beautification project. Members of the Conservancy’s staff and its volunteer force of Park Angels will be on hand during the event to both work in the park and share information about gardening, the organization and volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers should bring a trowel or favorite planting tool, pruning shears and sunscreen. The planting area is located by the outdoor theater steps on the side of Etiwan Park. Please contact Paul Wentz at pwentz@charlestonparksconservancy.org if you plan to participate.