News

This Giving Tuesday, December 3, the Anne Springs Close Greenway℠ is privileged to launch an end-of-year giving campaign, supported by a $25,000 matching gift generously donated by Dave Davenport in loving memory of his late wife, Marion Davenport, who passed away in 2022.

As lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, Marion and Dave’s shared love for nature led them to open Chirp ‘n Chatter in 2001, a backyard birding and nature store that would become a staple in the Fort Mill community. For more than 15 years, their passion for nature and conservation was evident in every customer interaction and through countless community events.

Reflecting on their shared connection to the Greenway, Dave remarked, “Marion and I were passionate about nature, environmental education and conservation. Some of our most cherished moments were spent hiking the trails, bird watching and finding tranquility by Lake Haigler and Lake Crandall. I am proud to honor Marion with a matching gift during the Greenway’s Giving Tuesday campaign.”

As long-time supporters and Friends of the Greenway, Dave and Marion’s profound giving legacy includes their pivotal role in the creation of the Greenway’s Outdoor Classroom, named in honor of Marion’s mother. A testament to the Davenports’ enduring impact on the Greenway’s mission, this significant contribution, beginning in 2012, was part of the very first capital project at the Greenway.

Today, the Marion Walsh Outdoor Classroom, located at the Adventure Road Entrance, is a versatile space that supports youth and outdoor recreation programs at the Greenway. With tiered seating, a unique firepit island for instructional use and proximity to wooded areas, it offers an ideal venue for learning, team building and special events. The Outdoor Classroom’s scenic location fosters meaningful educational experiences, making it a cornerstone of the Greenway’s programming.

Looking to the future, a focus on the continued connectivity and sustainability of the trail system is paramount to the Greenway’s success. Funds raised during the end-of-year giving campaign will support the construction of two new bridges on the Greenway, ensuring greater access to the 2,100 acres of preserved land while advancing a mission of conservation, education and low-impact recreation. Now through December 31, every dollar you give will be matched, up to $25,000. Together, we can build bridges—both literal and symbolic—that preserve and protect these treasured natural spaces for generations to come.

To be a part of the continued legacy, make a gift to the campaign HERE.