For field trips and outings:
Please contact our group, via an event’s registration email or phone number, for the particular trip you are interested in on our events or lecture page. Some events, or lectures, require no such registration which is reflected by the absence of such an instruction in the event’s descriptor. Should you have further questions you may contact us, in a timely manner prior to an event or lecture, at our email account: sabrina.cnhs@proton.me. This email account can also be used to inform the webmaster of website issues such as broken links. We may also be reached through comments and messages on Facebook.
Traditional correspondence may be sent to:
Charleston Natural History Society
P. O. Box 31373
Charleston, SC 29417
The Charleston Natural History Society is served by volunteer officers, board members at large, committee chairs and members. You may direct questions or comments to any of the individuals listed below:
President:
Sabrina Cobb, B.S.
Sabrina graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, accompanied by a minor in Coastal Geology. Following her graduation, she undertook a teaching position at Marine Science Camp Sewee in Awendaw, South Carolina. Subsequently, Sabrina served as a North Pacific Groundfish Observer for the National Marine Fisheries Service for a duration of eight years, during which she meticulously collected data aboard commercial vessels off the coasts of Alaska, Washington State, and Oregon. She has also fulfilled the role of a Protected Species Monitor on various dredging projects along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Sabrina exhibits a profound passion for seabird conservation, emphasizing the preservation of coastal habitats and the availability of prey. She was employed by Alabama Audubon as a Coastal Biologist, where she garnered significant hands-on experience in shorebird and seabird conservation for over two years, in addition to her involvement in public outreach initiatives. In late 2023, she returned to the Charleston area after securing her current position with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Furthermore, Sabrina has volunteered with The Center for Birds of Prey and is presently contributing as a shorebird steward with Audubon South Carolina.
Vice President:
Colin Hocking
Colin is a largely retired photographer who is passionate about teaching photography, conducting workshops, and providing guided tours across the country and in England. Prior to pursuing his vocation as a freelance photographer over two decades ago, he served as a corporate trainer, a Train the Trainer Facilitator, and subsequently as the IT Department Chair at a college in Southern California. He and his wife are the proud companions of three rescue cats: Lizzie, a Russian Blue; Cobie, a Snowshoe; and Maddie, a Moggie. An aficionado of the outdoors, Colin attained the designation of Master Naturalist in 2019, which has afforded him the opportunity to volunteer with Charleston County Parks as a Natural History Interpretation Docent, where he serves as both an Alligator Ambassador and a Bald Eagle Ambassador. He also holds the position of President of the Coastal Master Naturalists Association and instructs photography classes for the Statewide Master Naturalist program.
Treasurer:
Scott Glass, B.S.
Scott obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and is recognized as a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of South Carolina. In 2024, he retired after a distinguished career, having fulfilled the roles of Navigation Branch Chief and, most recently, Operations Division Chief for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Charleston District. During his tenure with USACE, Scott was deeply engaged in projects that utilized dredged materials for habitat restoration, including Crab Bank in Charleston Harbor, Bird Key in Stono Inlet, and Huntington Beach State Park at Murrells Inlet. He also oversaw the operations and maintenance of the St. Stephen Fishlift, in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), as part of the Cooper River Rediversion Project. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott’s wife, Julie, introduced him to the pursuit of birding. Presently, he serves as the lead Shorebird Steward for Morris Island and undertakes stewardship at both Lighthouse Inlet and Folly Beach. Scott has contributed his time to the SCDNR’s South Carolina Oyster Recycling & Enhancement (SCORE) program and regularly volunteers with Charleston Waterkeeper, supporting initiatives such as Swim Alert, Creek Watcher, and Microplastics programs. He resides on James Island with his wife, Julie.
Secretary:
Dr. Andrew Rohrman
Andrew has been diligently serving in various Secretary roles for over a decade. He commenced his birdwatching endeavors in 2018, viewing it as a natural progression from his extensive hiking excursions in Western Massachusetts during his graduate studies in geotechnical engineering. His interest in avian observation significantly developed upon meeting the current President, Sabrina Cobb, in 2021. Hailing from Rhode Island, Andrew has recently relocated to the Charleston area in late 2023, where he is appreciating both the lifestyle and birdwatching opportunities afforded by the Lowcountry.
Program Chair:
Outings Chair:
Andy Harrison, MS
Past chapter President, Andy is taking lead on field trips and outings. Andy has a long history with this chapter that included his Father, a past prominent birder in the Charleston community who was also involved with the chapter. When Andy isn’t out birding or organizing our Spring Count and Bird-a-thon, he’s working as a Hydrology Technician with the USDA Forest Service.
Lesser Squawk Editor:
Vacant
Education Chair:
Jane Settle, MS
Jane has resided in Charleston since 1977, having relocated to pursue her Master’s Degree in Marine Science from the College of Charleston. Captivated by the beauty of Charleston and its diverse ecosystems, she decided to remain. Following the completion of her degree, she was employed by the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for 13 years, after which she dedicated 25 years to teaching Life Science to sixth-grade students. She retired in 2021. An ardent conservationist and bird enthusiast, Jane has sought to deepen her engagement in these areas since her retirement. She serves as a Shorebird Steward on both Seabrook and Kiawah Islands. Jane possesses a profound appreciation for nature in all its manifestations, with a particular fondness for birds, butterflies, and plants.
Conservation Chair:
Jennifer McCarthey Tyrrell, MS
Jennifer has resided in the Charleston area since 2007, when she arrived to pursue a Master of Environmental Studies at the College of Charleston. Her professional background encompasses wildlife rehabilitation, supported by extensive experience at Wild Bird Centers, Wild Birds Unlimited, and the Center for Birds of Prey. She joined our chapter in 2008, initially serving as a citizen science chair. Subsequently, she took on the roles of Christmas Count Compiler, Vice President, and ultimately President. Currently, Jennifer is employed full time at Audubon South Carolina, where she holds the positions of Engagement Manager and Master Bird Bander. She possesses a profound appreciation for nature, science, native plants, and ornithology, sharing this enthusiasm with her husband and two children.
Social Media Chair:
Nicole-Marie Pettinelli
Nicole Marie Pettinelli has lived in Charleston, SC, for over 30 years. Raised in Mount Pleasant, she resides in West Ashley with her husband and two teenage children. In 2015, she attained her South Carolina Native Plant Certificate through the South Carolina Botanical Garden and Clemson University and became a Coastal Master Naturalist in Charleston in 2016. Beginning in 2020, she studied and learned bird banding skills at Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, Powdermill Nature Reserve (PA), and Braddock Bay Bird Observatory on Lake Ontario, NY.
As the founder of the Charleston Bird Club (2020), she loves teaching and leading bird walks!
Charleston Natural History Society 