Celebrating a Lifetime of Giving Back

This spring marked a truly special occasion. Bay Street Bluff buzzed with anticipation and the soft salt breeze coming off the Beaufort River as Open Land Trust supporters, partners, and neighbors gathered for the annual Brunch on the Bluff event.

Brunch on the Bluff is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of the conservation work our community undertakes together. It’s our chance to express gratitude to everyone who helps turn what often seems like a daunting task into a mission filled with joy, hope, and promise.

This year’s Brunch was exceptional. Together with Senators Chip Campsen and Tom Davis, along with hundreds of family and friends of conservation, we had the honor of celebrating someone in a very special way, much to his surprise.

Shaking Things Up

After sharing updates about current conservation projects and successes, Mike McShane, Tom Davis and Chip Campsen took to the podium. They had a special announcement to make: Governor Henry McMaster had awarded the esteemed Order of the Palmetto Award to none other than Open Land Trust board chair, Colden Battey.

The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by the governor to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of national or statewide significance.

The twist? Colden had no idea he was the honoree.

Mike McShane, a long-time friend and colleague, began by describing someone with 50 years of land and wildlife conservation accomplishments. Mike highlighted this individual’s pivotal role in assisting Mike’s late father-in-law, Eugene Dupont, with the acquisition of a property that would one day become the Nemours Wildlife Foundation. The land has since evolved into a leading scientific research center, overseeing the stewardship of nearly 10,000 acres of historic rice fields, tidal marshes, upland pines, and bottomland hardwood forests in the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto (ACE) Basin. He also noted that this remarkable person served as chairman of the Foundation for 12 years.

Building on this tribute, Mike mentioned this same person’s service as chair of Beaufort County Council for eight years and as a commissioner with the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

Despite these accolades, it took some time for Colden to realize that the speech was about him.

A Lifetime of Giving, Recognized

When Mike and Senators Chip Campsen and Tom Davis revealed that the honoree was Colden Battey, the crowd erupted in cheers. A stunned and humbled Colden stood to accept his award.

Reflecting on the experience, Colden said, “I never expected this—this is a true surprise. I consider it a great privilege to be a part of some incredible things here and throughout my life. I care about Beaufort; it’s my home. I’m grateful to have spent my life working with others who care as much as I do about protecting what makes it so special for our kids and grandkids.”

Colden has been the board president of Open Land Trust for many years, working tirelessly to expand the land trust’s reach and impact. His efforts include farmland and wildlife habitat conservation, educational programs, clean water conservation efforts, and establishing places for people to experience the lands and waters we all love. His leadership has positioned the land trust to accelerate conservation efforts, ensuring our region’s lands and waters are preserved for everyone.

Open Land Trust executive director Kristin Williams noted, “Community leadership is essential for conservation to last. Colden has gone above and beyond; we are all fortunate to know and work with him through the years. His love for our state and its people shows in everything he does. His dedication to preserving all that makes the Lowcountry so special inspires others to do the same.”

This year’s Brunch on the Bluff was not just a celebration of conservation; it was a heartfelt tribute to a lifetime of giving back, exemplified by Colden Battey’s unwavering commitment to our community.

Above all of his professional accomplishments, Colden let everyone there that day know that “Serving this community has been the greatest joy of my life.”