We have all heard it before- recycle, reuse and love your Mother Earth.

Fortunately, for all in the Lowcountry, we have access to the gem of nature with our beautiful beaches and marshlands.

Local companies are acknowledging this as they educate others about our eco system.

Coastal Eco Tours takes passengers aboard their 24 foot Carolina Skiff, the “Salty Dog” on barrier island adventures mainly to Capers Island State Heritage Preserve, one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands.

While the normal person might be out to pick up some shells, they are also taught how the shells play a role in our island eco system.

“We ask that they only take one or two of their favorites while leaving the others to help build/make the sand,” said Ashley Ullrich of Coastal Eco Tours.

Attendees are also taught about pluff mud and how it helps the marsh grass and animals thrive in a coastal environment.

“We want our guests to understand that leaving a trash bag or bottle floating in the water is not only bad for the environment, but harmful to the beautiful creatures that live in the ocean and waterways,” Ullrich said. “Similarly, Barrier Island Eco Tours has the mission of promoting awareness, conservation and enjoyment of our coastal resources.

“On our tours we are not just taking tourists on a boat ride to be dropped off on an island to look for some shells and pointing out a few dolphin along the way,” said Shane Ziegler of Barrier Island Eco Tours.

According to Ziegler, 50 years ago people did not realize the importance of salt marshes.  Many saw them as an opportunity to fill in and develop.  

Today South Carolina has 22 percent of the salt marshes left in the country.  

“Many people at first glance may view salt marshes as swamp not good for much except producing a foul smell and mosquitoes.  They just see a bunch of mud and marsh grass.  

By the end of our tour guests have gained a much better appreciation and understanding of the importance of salt marshes in the variety of life it supports and overall health of the North Atlantic Ocean,”  Ziegler said.

Ullrich said that guests have a real desire to learn about the coastal islands, the animals that live here and their habitats.

“They are very interested in every aspect of the maritime forest and come away with a better idea of how to respect and protect it,” she said.

Ziegler said that guests gain a greater appreciation of our salt marshes and barrier islands as they are taught about the importance of our salt marshes as a biological filter, erosion control, and as a nursery ground for the Atlantic Ocean.

Both Coastal Eco Tours and Barrier Island Eco Tours encourage their guests to experience firsthand the treats of  living on the water by crabbing, throwing the cast net, swimming and getting a one-on-one observation of marine life.

The kayak tours of Coastal Expeditions have the same philosophy as the Coastal Eco Tours and Barrier Island Eco Tours.

Chris Crolley, who has been owner of Coastal Expeditions for 17 years, said that it is all about environmental education and stewardship as he emphasizes reconnecting people to the outside world.

“Nature and civilization do not have to be mutually exclusive. It is possible for them to co-exist in harmony,” Crolley said.

“A guided kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions includes interpretation of the human history, natural history, geology, and the flora and fauna connections as they relate to you as a paddler,” according to the Web site.

Many of the tours include a visit to Crab Bank, a 16-acre island at the mouth of Shem Creek.

The prime location for bird nesting is a prohibited destination for local boaters from March 15 through Oct.15.

According to Crolley, kayakers from Coastal Expeditions have been able to do a good bit of stewardship over the years, cleaning up the island.

Mostly they find and pick up plastic, fishing lines and bottles.

In addition, Crolley said that he and his staff try to educate people to not let their dogs go on the island.

Respecting our natural habitat should prove beneficial to all.

(Helen Ravenel can be reached at helen@moultrienews.com. Read more stories online at www.moul

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