By Ashley Demosthenes / Images provided
These projects will safeguard cultural heritage, enhance public access to green spaces, and protect vital ecosystems across Charleston County forever.
Lowcountry Land Trust,a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for future generations, is proud to announce the designation of $8,556,750 from Charleston County Greenbelt Funds to support eight transformative conservation projects. These projects will safeguard cultural heritage, enhance public access to green spaces, and protect vital ecosystems across Charleston County forever.
"The Greenbelt program is an incredible testament to Charleston County’s commitment to preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations," said David Ray, chief conservation officer at Lowcountry Land Trust. "These projects represent a collaborative effort to protect the places that define the Lowcountry’s character and provide lasting benefits for our communities."
David Ray, Chief Conservation Officer / Image provided
In collaboration with public entities, civic organizations, and private landowners, these properties play a vital role in safeguarding the Lowcountry's natural beauty and biodiversity. All eight properties are slated for permanent protection by June 2025.
Charleston County Greenbelt Funded Property Highlights
- Holly Grove: This tract will add 35 acres to the renowned Caw Caw Interpretive County Park in Ravenel, enhancing public access to nature with new water amenities and a key connection to the area's blue trail system via Tea Farm Creek. The purchase and protection of this property is further supported by Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPRC) and will allow the East Coast Greenway to bypass a high-risk stretch of Highway 17, improving safety for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Holly Grove Images above courtesy of Charleston County Parks and Recreation
Holly Grove Images above courtesy of David Ray, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Red Top Park: Led by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, this park will be a permanent public green space in Charleston County’s historic Red Top Community. Once home to a Rosenwald School, this culturally significant site will offer outdoor education opportunities and preserve the legacy of the community's history and century-long relationship with the land.
Red Top Park Images above by Sam Seawell, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Oscar’s Place: This conservation easement will protect nearly 50 acres on Johns Island, preserving forests, wetlands, open fields, and a freshwater pond while supporting traditional rural land uses. Adjacent to CCPRC’s Johns Island County Park, the property also hosts the annual and international Jamboree-On-The-Air Scout event, fostering youth engagement with nature and outdoor skills.
Oscar's Place Images above by Natalie Olson, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Grayson Oaks: This 94-acre farm on Johns Island provides scenic vistas and wildlife habitat. Protecting the property will also help address South Carolina’s agricultural land loss crisis, as the Land Trust plans to lease to a local farmer while also offering a variety of public green space access opportunities via walking trails and events.
Grayson Oaks Images above by Natalie Olson, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Main Road Park: This land will transform 40 acres on Johns Island into a multi-use recreational space, bolstering the urban growth boundary and protecting wetlands and forests. The site will eventually be managed by Barrier Islands Little League, offering a blend of nature and team sports opportunities for Charleston-area families.
Main Road Park Images above by Natalie Olson, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Farm at McClellanville: Thanks to the generosity and pubic-mindedness of the landowner, this 5.5-acre conservation easement in McClellanville will preserve connected, open space between the town’s greenway and the in-progress Carolina Seafood project, enhancing scenic quality and public access opportunities.
Farm at McClellanville Image above by Hunter Allen, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Carolina Seafood: This project in McClellanville will preserve the Town’s scenic gateway along US Highway 17 and will become a publicly accessible green space managed by local community organizations. The effort aligns with the Town’s comprehensive plan and showcases sustainable stewardship inspired by local leadership.
Carolina Seafood Images above by Hunter Allen, Lowcountry Land Trust
- Fairfield II: This conservation easement will protect 254 acres along the South Santee River and US Highway 17, preserving unbroken scenic views and critical wildlife habitat. Owned by descendants of the Pinckney family since 1784, the new easement adjoins 480 acres already protected by the family, ensuring that Fairfield’s natural and historic integrity will endure forever.
Fairfield II Images above by Hunter Allen, Lowcountry Land Trust
To learn more about this initiative and other conservation efforts, please visit www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
About Lowcountry Land Trust
Lowcountry Land Trust— a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 162,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the leading local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available atLowcountryLandTrust.org.
