In 2017, The Coastal Expeditions Foundation created the Veterans Sea Kayak Resiliency Program as a response to the staggering statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. In this ten-week program, participants learn resilience and coping mechanisms through connecting to their environment and each other.

Program graduates are invited to become part of the Coastal Warrior program and participate in ongoing environmental service projects in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Projects include trail maintenance, beach sweeps and boardwalk construction.

Below: SCDVA's Coastal Warriors Promotion featuring Madison Cantrell, Program Coordinator & 2nd Guide.

On Saturday, April 29th, Coastal Warriors and Boeing participated in a service project on Bulls Island inside Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. We boarded the Coastal Expeditions' motor vessel Caretta at Garris Landing in Awendaw. Our destination was the beautiful and pristine Bulls Island. The circuitous route to the island found us winding through the Class One wilderness of the creeks, bays, and sounds of the salt marsh estuary. Birds and dolphins were plentiful in this ecosystem.

We landed on the western side of Bulls Island and proceeded with trucks and trailers to perform a copious litter sweep of the island to make it ready for seabirds, shorebirds, and loggerhead sea turtle nesting season. This litter sweep was safari style (truck and trailer assisted) and targeted known problem areas on the island which allowed for a comprehensive overview and introduction to all of the main ecosystems of Bulls Island including the maritime forest, the interior water impoundments, and the beach. Wildlife abounded with hundreds of species of birds as well as the ever-present and abundant population of American alligators.