722 King Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 771-0870 Fax: 771-0590
Contact: Mary Roe
Executive Director
803-771-0870
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—March 9, 2020
Photo at end of article
Palmetto Conservation Welcomes Phil Gaines to Board of Directors
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) welcomes Phil Gaines to its Board of Directors. The board oversees PCF’s key project, The Palmetto Trail.
As The Palmetto Trail celebrates its 30th anniversary, we reflect on the enormity of our progress. We now have hundreds of miles of outdoor recreation from sea to mountain. It is a true state gem for hikers, cyclists, nature lovers, families and all. We enthusiastically push forward to “Finish the Trail” stated PCF board chair Tracy Macpherson.
Gaines, who was South Carolina’s long-serving State Parks Director, retired in early August 2018 after 37 years of being a dedicated park ranger. “His entire life was committed to working hard, to making sure you had an opportunity to discover the natural and cultural heritage of South Carolina that can be found in its 47 state parks” said Duane Parrish, Director of South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
“I am truly honored to be joining the Board of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation. I have long admired the work of PCF and the positive impact the organization has had on the quality of life here in South Carolina. As an avid hiker, I can’t wait to “finish the trail”. I am looking forward to doing my part in making this a reality and being a part of an organization I have always admired” said Gaines.
About the Palmetto Trail
The Palmetto Trail inspires active, healthy living as it showcases the state’s diverse natural beauty, fascinating history, and rich cultural heritage. When finished, the Trail will stretch 500-miles across 14 counties from Walhalla in Oconee County to Awendaw in Charleston County. PCF has constructed 29 passages and 400 miles of public hiking-biking trail. The Palmetto Trail is South Carolina’s premier hiking and biking trail, and is built to protect wildlife habitats while providing public access for active, nonmotorized outdoor recreation. For more information, visit www.palmettoconservation.org.
About Palmetto Conservation Foundation
The mission of Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) is to conserve South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote active outdoor recreation on trails and greenways. Founded in 1989, PCF is a statewide nonprofit organization with headquarters in Columbia. PCF’s largest and best-known project is building and maintaining the mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail. In 2016, PCF inaugurated the Palmetto Conservation Corps to help interested young adults in South Carolina learn skills in trail maintenance and construction, assist FEMA and state agencies with disaster recovery, and develop as the next generation of conservation stewards and leaders. To learn more about Palmetto Conservation, the Palmetto Trail and the Palmetto Conservation Corps, visit www.palmettoconservation.org and Facebook/palmettoconservation, or call 803-771-0870.
