One of the most important things I’ve come to recognize during my fellowship is the unique character of each refuge. Their cultures and norms are shaped by the region, the people who work there, and the surrounding communities. The Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex, which comprises seven distinct refuges, exemplifies this diversity. Despite being a part of a complex, each refuge stands out in terms of its appearance, accessibility, visitation patterns, activities, and the communities it serves. These differences influence every aspect of the refuge, from events and programs to daily interactions.
A notable example within the Savannah Complex is the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This year marked the fourth anniversary of the Diaspora event. For this event, we collaborate with the Harris Neck community to honor the refuge's history. Specifically, the Diaspora commemorates the displacement of residents that once occupied the land that makes up the current refuge. This land was seized under eminent domain during World War II and 75 families were required to leave. Later, the land was transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service for management.
The rich and complex history of the Harris Neck NWR is honored annually at the Diaspora event. During the Diaspora Celebration, we tour various significant sites across the refuge that once formed the heart of the community, including a post office, school, cemetery, and church. Many of these sites were rediscovered through the efforts of archaeologists and the memories of former residents. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the land's history, with community members and speakers sharing stories about the Gullah Geechee heritage, the significance of unity, and the hope of reclaiming their land one day. I had the privilege of participating in the planning and preparation for this year’s event, as well as joining the community during the celebration. This was my first large event as a fellow and I think it was great to experience early on in my fellowship.
What left the deepest impression on me was the community’s passion and the strong, collaborative relationship they have cultivated with the Fish & Wildlife Service. The Diaspora event is an example of unity and highlights the profound impact of fostering trust and mutual understanding. It also demonstrates how recognizing and honoring history can be both dynamic and community centered. By handling logistics, gathering materials, and supporting the event’s execution, we showed what is possible when we genuinely listen to and engage with the community’s needs and aspirations. This experience has not only shaped my approach to community engagement but will also guide my work throughout the remainder of my fellowship and beyond, reinforcing the value of empathetic and collaborative outreach.
