Reflections of the Chair
Teach Your Children
I
n 1970, Crosby, Stills, and Nash released the album,
Déjà Vu. It included a song written by Graham Nash
titled “Teach Your Children.” It was a popular song
with my generation, and it is one of those songs that
just echoes in your mind every so often. Whenever I hear
it—and I heard it performed recently by Crosby, Stills, and
Nash—I start thinking again about the importance of the
message and the many ways it can be applied.
Our society and the world have changed profoundly since
1970. The environment is front and center in discussions
every day. Even in the 1960s, I remember the Public Service
commercials with a Native American paddling down a stream
with a tear in his eye as he looked at the trash polluting the
water. Awareness is a powerful tool in the effort to influence
the way we interact with each other and our environment.
Many people in our country are more aware today than 50
years ago of the impact that we humans have on nature and
are beginning to take actions to limit the damage we do.
As a nation, we have made a great deal of progress when it
comes to our natural environment. Kiawah is a shining
example of what can be done when like-minded people come
together and pursue a vision that includes the conservation of
an important habitat while enjoying the natural beauty of this
extraordinary island.
We cannot take this for granted. Kiawah is unique,
and it needs to be nourished and conserved. The Kiawah
Conservancy has, through our Naturally Kiawah publications
and Conservation Matters programs, worked to educate
residents and visitors to the Island. The results have been
impressive. Each year we reach more people with the message
of our mission.
As we go through life, we all learn from our experiences
and the community we share. Along the way, we adopt some
new and some time-tested principles. These principles and
standards help guide us through life, appreciate the things
that matter and try to make a difference. At the Conservancy
we talk about leaving a “Legacy.” A legacy is an individual
expression. We will all leave this world behind at some point,
but before we do, let’s do something that can influence
the future in an a very important way: Teach Your
Children Well. NK
Kevin Cox, Chairman
Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
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Photo by Mickey Ball