Kiosk at Sparrow Field Dedicated in Memory of Scott Helmreich

Not all classrooms have four walls, and nowhere is that more evident than at Sparrow Field, where a new informational kiosk has been erected in loving memory of Scott Helmreich (pictured at right). Helmreich was an energetic Landings realtor and an inquisitive, talented, gentle soul with a passion for nature, who passed away in March at age 36 following a skiing accident. His family will hold a Celebration of Life August 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Sparrow Field, where the kiosk will be officially unveiled and dedicated in memory of Scott.  The rain date is August 10. The Celebration of Life is hosted by Scott’s parents, David and Beckie, who invite residents to come walk alongside the gardens, observe the pond life, have a beverage, and appreciate the nature that Scott enjoyed. All are welcomed.

The new kiosk was funded by the Helmreich's friends and family, Landlovers, and Skidaway Audubon. Scott was one of the many Skidaway Audubon members who volunteered at Sparrow Field, which has served as an outdoor classroom for those seeking the Master Gardener designation, those honing their birdwatching or photography skills, and citizen scientists helping with national insect censuses and other efforts to help restore populations of bees, monarch butterflies, and other pollinators. Recognizing its importance, Scott geo-mapped Sparrow Field on iNaturalist, an app that helps users identify plants and animals and share information.

The kiosk includes pamphlets about local conservation initiatives, and features a bulletin board where nature lovers can share information about Sparrow Field bird sightings and other interesting findings, in recognition of Scott’s love of nature, sustainability, education and discovery. Three new informational signs also have been erected.

“When the Helmreichs suggested donations may be made to Skidaway Audubon’s gardens at Sparrow Field in lieu of memorial flowers, it was so touching and such an honor, and we hope this kiosk erected in his memory in some way embodies Scott’s fervent desire to share knowledge and promote conservation and sustainability,” said Skidaway Audubon President Dawn Cordo. “We are so grateful and moved by the generous donations that made this tribute possible, and we know all of this kindness reflects Scott’s caring nature.”

Besides Skidaway Audubon, Scott was a member of the Savannah Board of Realtors, Kiwanis Club of Savannah, a weekly Men’s Bible Study he attended with his father, and Compassion Christian Church East Campus. In addition to his parents, he is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His younger brother, Jay, predeceased him.

Sparrow Field is located off Bartram Road near the intersection of Pettigrew Drive. It features a berm with plantings that showcase the flora that thrive on the island, including a variety of flowers that attract pollinators. For more information, visit SkidawayAudubon.org.