MARDIE FAUCETTE, COLUMBIA

WHY - our greatest threat to the planet is climate change and I want to do my part not only on a personal level but also affiliate with groups and organizations that support protective environmental policies and conservation. I am incredibly proud that my grandfather, Harry Hampton, was a co-founder of SCWF with Zan Heyward in 1931. My grandfather's greatest legacy was helping to preserve Congaree Swamp, which is now the only national park in South Carolina. 

BIO - a native of Columbia, I graduated from Heathwood Hall and received a BA from Kenyon College in Ohio. An avid equestrian, I spent most of my young life traveling and competing in horse shows across the country, including showing at Madison Square Garden.  In 2018, my most famous horse, Protocol, was inducted into The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. After college, I returned to Columbia and along with my sister, opened Old Woodlands Farm in Blythewood and then later in Camden. For twenty years I managed our horse breeding and showing operation. In 2008  after an extensive renovation, I moved into my family home, Woodlands, in Columbia. The home was built in 1896 by my great- grandfather and my grandfather was born in the house in 1897 and lived here his entire life. It is truly a treasure to live here, surrounded by his legacy and the sights and sounds of nature on the remaining thirty three acres of the original property.  In recent years I have become interested in gardening and continue to educate myself about the importance of native plants.  I have started planting a few natives each year on the property in hopes of helping our pollinators. I enjoy yoga and live theatre and served on the board of directors of The S.C. Shakespeare Company and Trustus Theatre. I also served on the board of The Animal Mission of the Midlands and Friends of Congaree Swamp.  I continue to listen to the music of Tom Petty, and embrace the title that others have bestowed upon me as being his "Super Fan!"