Conservation & Health for South Carolina’s Future
Words by Dr. Susan Johnson, Ph.D.
As someone deeply involved in health promotion and conservation, I often marvel at the seamless connection between preserving our natural landscapes and promoting human wellbeing. South Carolina’s rich biodiversity, from its salt marshes to its Blue Ridge Mountains, offers not only breathtaking beauty but also an unparalleled opportunity to enhance our health and resilience.
This July, I’ll once again join the South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition team, an initiative that celebrates and raises awareness for the state’s natural treasures. Along the way, we’ll hike trails, paddle rivers, and explore landscapes that aren’t just scenic—they’re essential to our health and vitality. The SC7 Expedition isn’t just about adventure; it’s about promoting a statewide movement that ties conservation to wellbeing.
Increasingly, research supports what many of us intuitively know: nature is a powerful prescription for health. Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts physical fitness. But this isn’t just about individuals—it’s about workplaces, communities, and entire systems aligning to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
Bringing Blue Zones to South Carolina
This year, the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge (SCHBC) is partnering with Blue Zones to implement their principles in worksites across the state. Blue Zones, inspired by regions where people live the longest and healthiest lives, emphasize the importance of natural movement, a sense of purpose, and community connection. These principles, when paired with biophilic design and access to green spaces, can transform workplaces into thriving ecosystems that support both productivity and wellbeing.
Imagine an office where outdoor walking meetings are the norm, gardens flourish outside break rooms, and conservation is woven into the corporate mission.
Imagine an office where outdoor walking meetings are the norm, gardens flourish outside break rooms, and conservation is woven into the corporate mission. These aren’t just lofty ideals; they are tangible goals being realized through partnerships like ours. By integrating conservation with workplace health initiatives, we’re helping South Carolina businesses embrace sustainability while fostering healthier, more resilient employees.
The Role of Conservation in Health
As a member of the boards for the SC National Heritage Corridor, Bee Cause Project, Lowcountry Land Trust, and Mount Pleasant Green Commission, I’ve witnessed firsthand how protecting natural spaces benefits not only ecosystems but also communities. Conservation ensures access to parks, trails, and waterways that are essential for activities like green exercise—any physical activity in natural settings—which combines the physical benefits of movement with the restorative effects of nature exposure.
Projects like the Bee Cause, which educates children about pollinators and their critical role in our environment, the Lowcountry Land Trust’s Soul of the Lowcountry, which connects people to protected lands and waterways, and SC National Heritage Corridor’s Trail Towns, which highlights communities that excel in outdoor recreation illustrate how conservation fuels community engagement and promotes health. These efforts remind us that by investing in the health of our landscapes, we’re also investing in the health of our people.
Nature as a Workplace Strategy
One area where conservation and health intersect beautifully is in the workplace. As Director of Health Promotion at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), I’ve seen how even small shifts—like adding green spaces, encouraging outdoor breaks, or hosting team-building activities in nature—can significantly impact employee wellbeing. The SC7 Expedition serves as a model for how immersive nature experiences can inspire not only individuals but also organizations to prioritize health and sustainability.
This approach is particularly relevant as businesses strive to build resilience in the face of modern challenges. Nature exposure isn’t just a perk; it’s a strategy for improving focus, reducing burnout, and boosting creativity. By aligning workplace wellness initiatives with conservation efforts, we can create a culture of health that benefits employees, employers, and the environment alike.
A Call to Action
South Carolina is uniquely positioned to lead the way in integrating conservation and health. With initiatives like SC7, Blue Zones worksite partnerships, and the preservation efforts of organizations like the Lowcountry Land Trust, we have the tools to create a healthier, more sustainable future. But it requires all of us—businesses, policymakers, conservationists, and individuals—to recognize the profound connection between nature and wellbeing.
This summer, as we lace up our hiking boots for another SC7 Expedition, I encourage everyone to consider how they can bring a bit of the wild into their own lives. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a paddle on the water, or simply sitting under a tree, nature is a gift we must both cherish and protect. Together, we can ensure that South Carolina remains not just a beautiful place to visit but a thriving home for generations to come.