Certification: Congratulations to Duane Draper for earning his SC Dept. of Natural Resources certification! Duane has worked on multiple nests and those that have worked with him are impressed with his methodical technique and analytical ability in locating nests.
Duane, originally from MI, spent most of his early life in NH. He and his wife, Lesley, used to vacation at Pawleys Island and have family at the Isle of Palms. They began looking for houses 5 years ago with Walter McElveen. He not only found a house for them, but introduced Duane to turtles and the Master Naturalist course at Hobcaw. Duane enjoyed the Hobcaw connection so much he became a docent with the Baruch Foundation. He is chairman of IBIS (Inlet and Bay Stewards), a start-up Friends group to benefit North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Reserve (NERR).
Duane is grateful to have walked with a number of volunteers and witnessed and learned from their respective styles. He is always looking for ways to expand his turtle knowledge by reading and watching videos. Speaking at inventories is enjoyable for Duane so he can impart some of what he has learned. He is happy to be a part of DeBordieu & Hobcaw SCUTE and thinks we are a fun group!
