Waccamaw Riverkeeper

Meet the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER^®

Christine Ellis has been the Waccamaw Riverkeeper since August 2006 when she replaced Hampton Shuping, Jr. who had served since June 2002.

Christine has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializing in Zoology, from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco in California.

Immediately prior to joining Winyah Rivers Foundation, she was employed as an Adjunct Professor at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and at Coastal Carolina University. She has an extensive background in environmental compliance and management for industry. Many of these skills translate nicely into the nonprofit world.

From Barb Postles, former WRF President ...

”Christine is an energetic environmentalist. Her former coworkers and employers speak highly of her skills and her work ethic. We are delighted to welcome her to the Riverkeeper program and full-time advocacy work,“ said Barb Postles, WRF President.

From Christine …

I am proud to be the Waccamaw Riverkeeper, proud to be a member of the Winyah Rivers Foundation, and proud to lead the education and advocacy efforts for this worthwhile cause. I enjoy working with others who love the Waccamaw River and want to protect and preserve our natural heritage for ourselves and future generations to enjoy.

As the Waccamaw Riverkeeper, it’s my job to advocate for the ecological, social and economic health and integrity of the Waccamaw River watershed. These responsibilities include:

• educating the public regarding the work of the Winyah Rivers Foundation and the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER^® program;
• increasing commitment to our program through membership development and involvement;
• recruiting, training and maintaining a motivated volunteer network to serve as the “eyes and ears” of their local communities;
• maintaining an on-the-river presence to investigate pollution sources, support monitoring efforts, provide education, and raise public awareness of river issues;
• coordinating with local, state and federal agencies and other environmental groups to stay abreast of actions affecting the Waccamaw River and watershed; and
• facilitating fundraising activities to support the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER^® Program and its mission.

Want to learn more about the activities of the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER^® Program?

Others Involved:

Crystal Caschera

Crystal joined the Waccamaw Riverkeeper^® Program in January 2008 as a part-time Assistant to the Waccamaw Riverkeeper. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Crystal has lived in several different states including Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. She first became interested in environmental issues while living on a ranch in Colorado as conservation became an important aspect of her life. After living almost 20 years in Colorado, Crystal moved to Toronto, Canada where she co-founded a local citizen’s group named the Humber-Crang Environmental Project. Crystal was able to bring the community together to clean the river and pond in her neighborhood.

Crystal’s role has changed and while she is no longer serving as the Riverkeeper's assistant, she continues to help out when she can. In Crystal's own words – "It only takes a few concerned citizens and a lot can be accomplished." This is certainly true of Crystal's many contributions to the mission of Winyah Rivers Foundation.

Shannon Siau

Shannon joined the Waccamaw Riverkeeper^® Program in October 2008 in a part-time capacity to assist with volunteer efforts in Georgetown County. Shannon is a Spring 2008 graduate of the Waccamaw Riverkeeper's Neighborhood Environmental Watch (or How to be a River Watcher) Program. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Columbia College in Columbia, SC and an A.A. in Business Management from Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, SC. Shannon is a native of Georgetown County and presently resides in Pawley's Island. She continues to help with our efforts in Georgetown County.