By Amy O. Maxwell, USDA-NRCS
Communications and Marketing Specialist

Bill and Jane East have their own little piece of heaven on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County, SC. A gorgeous 243-acre plantation scattered with numerous row crops, ancient oak trees, and a stunning home built in the early 1900’s is the place that the East family calls their home away from home. Currently working and residing in Columbia, the couple visits the plantation on weekends or any other time they can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. They began working with NRCS in 1993 when they constructed a pond on their land. Then they entered into a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract in 1999. Working closely with NRCS District Conservationist Dwayne Mangum and NRCS Soil Conservation Technician Ann Bentley, the Easts have been able to turn their plantation into a healthy, diverse, and productive area for farming, wildlife, and for pure enjoyment.

Bill East rents some of his land to a local farmer and has worked diligently to protect the land from wind erosion, to enhance water quality, and to attract wildlife habitat. A true wildlife lover, East has a passion for all creatures, great and small, and is able to identify just about any bird that crosses his path. Through CRP, East and NRCS Soil Conservationist Lynette Savereno developed a conservation plan that included installation of field borders, riparian buffers, and filter strips. Savereno respects East and his desire to protect and nurture wildlife and says, "There is no doubt that Bill’s number one priority is wildlife habitat enhancement."

Installation of three zones of riparian forest buffers protects the water quality of a nearby wetland. These buffers are planted with Lespedeza and longleaf pine. The filter strips, which East calls "wildlife corridors," are planted with Shrub Lespedeza and serve multiple purposes. First, they help prevent damage to crops by wind erosion, and they also protect water quality by preventing harmful runoff. However, East likes to point out that these areas are especially useful as transportation routes for wildlife. They can cross from field to field in these sheltered areas and also use the vegetation for food. "I like to think of these as wildlife highways which birds and other wildlife can use for protection, shelter, food, and an easily accessible route around my land," says East.

"I have always been motivated to protect wildlife, but just didn’t know where to start," continued East. "But, it was the technical assistance I received from NRCS, even more so than the financial, that really helped me accomplish my goals here on the plantation." He praised NRCS for the assistance he received and also urged other farmers, particularly farmers of small operations, to explore cost-share programs, like CRP, for their own farms. "On a small farm like mine, it was encouraging to receive technical assistance from conservation professionals who could help me bring my ideas to fruition," he said.

Together, Bill and Jane East are enjoying the benefits that CRP has already produced. In addition to the peace of mind knowing they are protecting wildlife, which provides personal enjoyment, they know that the conservation practices are permanent and that someday, their children and grandchildren will share the same joy. The couple has plans to continue their relationship with NRCS, including the installation of more conservation practices through CRP. With continued determination, the East family will surely enhance and protect their home away from home for future generations to enjoy.