Learn about the 24,000 acre Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center located on Cat, South and North Islands at the mouth of Winyah Bay.  This whirlwind presentation will just scratch the surface of the properties transformation from rice plantations to hunting club to heritage preserve with lighthouses, quarantine stations, canals and the Marquis de Lafayette scattered in along the way. 

About the Speaker:  

Molly McNeill is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown, SC. As a native of Pawleys Island, SC, coastal ecology and local history have always been areas of interest for her from a young age. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences. She gained education experience by working at Georgetown Equestrian Center as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor with the Hugs for Horses Therapeutic Riding program, then started her environmental education career as an Interpretive Assistant at Lynches River County Park in Coward, SC. In 2022, Molly was able to return to her coastal ecology roots as an Educator at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown, SC. While there, she completed an M.S. in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University. In June 2024, Molly started her dream job with the Department of Natural Resources at the TYWC, which she holds today. In her spare time, Molly enjoys anything outdoors, including fishing, hunting, kayaking, and wildlife photography, as well as spending time with her two paint horses (Trey and Spyder), and adventures with her Boykin Spaniel (Finlay), and American Foxhound (Hunter). 

Join farmer Alex Russell of Chucktown Acres for an in-depth discussion on the state of American agriculture. Alex will explore the key differences between regenerative farming practices and conventional food production, sharing how his methods promote healthier soil, animals, and communities. 

With a passion for sustainability and transparency, Alex will highlight why now is one of the most critical moments in U.S. history to rethink how we grow our food—and why being a farmer today is more important than ever. 

About the Speaker:  

Alex Russell is a regenerative farmer in McClellanville, SC. He focuses on raising livestock in a way that regenerates the land by mimicking patterns that he sees in nature. He produces meat products from the cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys that are raised on the farm. His goal is to make every piece of land better off than when he first touched it.  

Love a good crunch? Learn how to preserve that fresh garden flavor in this hands-on dill pickle canning workshop! Participants will be guided through the entire canning process—from prepping cucumbers and mixing the perfect brine, to sealing jars for long-term storage. Whether you're a first-time canner or looking to brush up your skills, this workshop offers a fun and flavorful introduction to home food preservation. 

All materials and ingredients are provided. You'll leave with your own jar of delicious homemade dill pickles and the know-how to make more at home! 

About the Instructor:  

 Chase Baillie attended Clemson University with the intention of majoring in agronomy and helping the world by consulting farmers on organic methods. She soon discovered that agronomy was not the right fit, but with strong guidance, she found her passion in the Agricultural Education program. Originally from Charlotte, Chase earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Clemson. Her career has focused on food safety and training, with experience as a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager in the poultry processing industry, as well as work as a consultant, auditor, and trainer in the food safety auditing field. She also served as a Training and Development Manager in the grocery and fast-food industries. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, creating in the kitchen, spending time with friends and family, and occasionally playing the violin.

Upcoming Workshops:

October 2, 2025- Orange and Honey 

November 6, 2025- Cranberry Spread