Conservation // 2 min Read

Local Character: Jay Walea

Written by Palmetto Bluff

The fact that Jay Walea has never been featured as The Bluff’s “Local Character” until now is an absolute travesty because he is nothing if not a character. In fact, he probably best represents the local character of Palmetto Bluff, which means we most likely should replace his title as Conservancy Director to Mr. Palmetto Bluff.

As the voice of and champion for the members of Palmetto Bluff who cannot speak – the plants and animals – Jay has worked on the property for over 25 years, beginning his tenure as an intern during the Union Camp era. He now manages the Conservancy and understands better than anyone the lay of this sacred land, and he has made it his life’s work to ensure every decision on Palmetto Bluff is predicated on the needs of those inhabitants that can’t speak – the birds, the trees, the grass, the gators – everything. As far as we are concerned, Jay might as well be Dr. Dolittle’s son because he has gotten everything right, and we think the land and the wildlife would agree.

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of happiness is a healthy family and a blessed life.

2. What goes through your mind as your drive to work each morning?

I review everything that is planned for that day as well what could possibly go wrong, which is always backed up by a silent prayer that nothing will go wrong! Then I enjoy the sights while driving through the property.

3. And on the way home?

On the way home I usually think about what my daughters may have done that day, then reflect on what I did that day, and again review what is scheduled for tomorrow. I’m pretty boring.

4. What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is sitting next to a tree, fully camouflaged, calling in a turkey – for me or someone else – during a turkey hunt.

5. Movie that you would recommend to friends?

Mountain Man.

6. If there were a movie about your life, what would it be called and which actor would play you?

“Through the Eyes of a Guide,” and the actor who would play me would be Seth Rogen.

7. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement on Palmetto Bluff is helping the land transition into an environmentally- responsible development. I also take great pride in constantly educating developers to ensure that we remain good stewards of this beautiful place. And I’m proud of my transition into a manager position without going crazy!

8. What is your most marked characteristic?

I guess my bald head.

lowcountry christmas

Culture
5 Must-Do Holiday Events in the Lowcountry

How to Spend a Lowcountry Christmas at Palmetto Bluff There's no better way to start anticipating the holidays than by making plans to spend time with family and friends. Now that the holiday season has arrived, many look forward to embracing the Christmas sp...

Nov 2024
palmetto bluff homes for sale

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Montage Residences at Palmetto Bluff

Explore 130 August Lane at Montage Residences Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, the Montage Residences at Palmetto Bluff offer an unparalleled blend of elegance, exclusivity, and Southern charm. This private collection of homes sits amidst the lush land...

Nov 2024

Culture
6 Best Places to See Winter Wildlife in the Lowcountry

Experience Winter Wildlife This Season at Palmetto Bluff The Lowcountry is a wondrous place to live, not only for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance but also for the wildlife that inhabits it. Winter wildlife in South Carolina includes a wid...

Nov 2024

Conservation
Noticing November’s Natural Shifts

As summer’s heavy air fades into fall’s cool breezes, our resident wildlife are busy preparing for another Lowcountry winter.In the fall, eastern wild turkeys move into habitats mostly dominated by hardwood trees such as oaks, hickories, beeches, cypresses, tu...

Nov 2024

Artist in Residence
An Intimate Evening with Clay Ross: Multi-grammy Winning Musician’s Performance at Palmetto Bluff

The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff hosted an unforgettable evening in the May River Chapel this past October with our visiting Artist in Residence, multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Clay Ross, founding member of the Billboard chart-topping band Ranky T...

Nov 2024

Culture
Celebrating Community and Creativity: FLOW FEST 2024

This year’s FLOW FEST was an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and community spirit. Held on a stunning autumn afternoon by the May River, our third annual arts and music festival, hosted by The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff, brought together friend...

Nov 2024

Food & Wine
Pickle Party

Recipes by Palmetto Bluff Club Executive Chef Beth Cosgrove Photographs by Lawson Builder Pickling Through the Centuries Pickling dates back over four thousand years to ancient Mesopotamia. Early picklers discovered that soaking perishable foods in brine or v...

Nov 2024
racquet sports

Sporting Life
Behind the Bluff: Martin Aviles at Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club

Martin’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Racquet Club At Palmetto Bluff, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts are fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate leader guiding the vibrant racquet sports scene. Martin Aviles, Director of Racquet Sports at the Wilson ...

Oct 2024
farm to table dining

Food & Wine
Farm-to-Table at the Bluff: Your Guide to Locally-Grown Produce

Palmetto Bluff’s farm offers a unique opportunity for residents and guests to experience the Lowcountry’s rich agricultural heritage. The farm provides fresh, seasonal produce and herbs used in restaurants across the Bluff, bringing the concept of farm-to-tabl...

Oct 2024
inland waterway sc

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Homes on the Inland Waterway

Palmetto Bluff Homes for Sale on the Inland Waterway Tucked within the serene beauty of Palmetto Bluff, homes along the inland waterway offer unparalleled access to nature and luxurious living. With private docks, expansive outdoor spaces, and custom designs,...

Oct 2024

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us