The Dominion Foundation has awarded the College of Charleston $25,000 to purchase scientific equipment for two environmental research stations at Dixie Plantation, the College’s center for environmental research and historical discovery. The gift will augment the funds raised during the College of Charleston’s Boundless comprehensive campaign.

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The College of Charleston’s Dixie Plantation

 “We are deeply appreciative of this generous grant from the Dominion Foundation,” says Michael Auerbach, Dean of the College’s School of Sciences and Mathematics. “The equipment made possible through this corporate endowment will enable us to provide students of all ages with a richer understanding of Lowcountry ecosystems and how they impact us all.”

Located 17 miles south of Charleston, Dixie Plantation is a nearly 900-acre site comprised of every Lowcountry ecosystem, including marshlands, tidal flats, grassland savannas, wetlands, hardwoods and longleaf pines. Bequeathed to the College of Charleston by conservationist and artist John Henry Dick, it is now used to educate students, faculty and the community about the conservation and preservation of the environment.

With this most recent gift, the College will be able to purchase water quality monitoring equipment for Dixie Plantation and train students and faculty on how to use it most effectively in a combined laboratory and field setting. Research conducted with this equipment is projected to have benefits that extend far beyond campus.

“Dominion is committed to supporting programs that enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve,” says Keith Windle, general manager of Dominion Carolina Gas Transmission. “We are proud to present the College of Charleston with a $25,000 grant to support environmental research stations.  This grant will provide enhanced educational opportunities to thousands of K-12 and college students throughout the years to come.”