Yawkey Foundation donates hundreds of wildlife acres to SCDNR to protect in perpetuity, adding to Yawkey Wildlife Center
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) announced the generous donation of 269 acres of protected wilderness in Georgetown County by the Yawkey Foundation. This addition expands the existing Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, a 24,000-acre preserve originally donated by Tom Yawkey in 1977. The Yawkey Foundation has continuously funded the Wildlife Center’s operations, totaling over $35 million. The new parcel includes vital habitats for bird species, including endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, and features the historic Belle Isle Rice Mill Chimney. Tom Yawkey’s deep commitment to conservation and his love for the region has left a lasting legacy, ensuring the preservation of natural beauty and wildlife for generations to come.
