A Century of Conservation

500 years of history and one of South Carolina’s most remarkable conservation success stories. In the November–December 2025 issue of South Carolina Wildlife, Project Leader Jamie Dozier traces the captivating evolution of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, from its earliest known encounters in 1526 to its role today as a 24,000‑acre protected sanctuary. From untouched barrier islands to pioneering wildlife management that shaped modern conservation, this century‑long journey reveals how one man’s foresight preserved 24,000 acres of irreplaceable South Carolina wilderness—forever. A Century of Conservation reveals the surprising figures, pivotal moments, and visionary generosity that shaped this extraordinary coastal preserve.