It is critical that Lowcountry communities support the preservation of Gullah Geechee customs and culture . The Conservancy has partnered with local sweetgrass basket maker Corey Alston , the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce , and the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation . With Alston ’ s guidance , the Conservancy seeks to protect not only native sweetgrass habitat but also the history and culture that define the Lowcountry . While not a complete solution to the issue , providing essential materials supports the art form and helps preserve the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee community .
“ Grasses that we find throughout our city , throughout our county , in medians , and in shopping centers are more of a coarse material . Over time they have been cultivated and grown commercially , causing this variation . Weavers can still use coarse grass , but the older basket makers know the soft grass more than anything because that ’ s what they grew up on ; they grew up on that softer texture . We still need the real stuff that ’ s soft , pliable , and easy to work with our hands .”
- Corey Alston Fifth Generation Basket Maker
34 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY