EDITOR ' S LETTER
I grew up in a forest near the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington state , which feels at times like the polar opposite environment of the Lowcountry . My childhood experience makes for an interesting lens through which to observe living here now . The work we do , the ways we gather , the food we cook , how we celebrate , even the speed of life — everything is shaped by our climate and natural environment . It is all connected .
As a photographer , writer , and editor , I have always been drawn to the connection between people and place in nature . How does the natural environment — and the changes we ’ ve wrought to it — affect the way we live our lives and interact with our landscapes ? Stories of these connections lie at the heart of this issue of ROOTS . Ranging from the intricate and essential relationships that have co-evolved over evolutionary time between insects and the host plants they require for survival to the Gullah Geechee people ' s relationship and reliance on sweetgrass , a native plant used to create baskets , a distinct art form that is central to the culture ' s identity . The throughline of these stories is stewardship and connection .
It has been a privilege to deep-dive into the essential conservation work being done on Kiawah and the surrounding islands . I hope you enjoy this issue .
JOEL CALDWELL | EDITOR
ROOTS 2024 • 3