The Charleston Parks Conservancy reflects on a transformative 2024, stewarding 26 parks, gardens, and trails while delivering innovative solutions that enhance Charleston’s parks, expand the city’s urban tree canopy, provide fresh produce to families experiencing food insecurity, and foster stronger community connections. These accomplishments are at the heart of the Conservancy’s mission to create vibrant parks and green spaces for all residents and visitors. By aligning its efforts with some of Charleston’s most pressing challenges—climate resilience, food insecurity, and equitable access to green spaces—the Conservancy has further demonstrated its commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more connected Charleston.
Highlights of Charleston Parks Conservancy’s 2024 Achievements:
Created beautiful park gardens: In 2024, with the community’s support, the Conservancy completed major renovations at historic Wragg Square, Tiedemann Park, and Vangie Rainsford Park.
Enhanced biodiversity: 46,000 shrubs, perennials, and annuals were planted across the city’s parks to create vibrant, ecologically rich environments that support local wildlife and enrich Charleston’s public spaces.
Strengthened community engagement: The Conservancy continues to thrive as a community-powered organization with 8,400 volunteer hours—equivalent to two full-time gardening positions—and 92.5% of funding from private donations.
Advanced climate resilience: 1,200 trees were donated to residents to plant on their property in an effort to restore the city’s urban canopy, helping mitigate heat, flooding, and saltwater intrusion. One grand tree can retain up to 6,500 liters of stormwater for each significant rain event.
Expanded access to fresh produce: Over 5,000 pounds of organic produce grown and donated to residents in need. The Food Forest at Mulberry Park, the first of its kind in South Carolina, was established in the Ardmore neighborhood of West Ashley, featuring 75 nut, fruit, and citrus trees, berry brambles, and mushroom logs. As the Food Forest matures in the next three to five years, it is projected to yield 30,000 pounds of organic produce annually, offering year-round free access to fresh, organic food for residents experiencing food insecurity.
Uplifted the community with flowers: The Conservancy’s Cut Flower Program provided bouquets to uplift women during challenging life moments, including postpartum recovery, overcoming abuse, and bereavement. With expanded capacity in 2024, the program reached even more individuals through collaborations with community partners.
Expanded educational programs and events: 200 hours of community programming, including workshops, bouquet making, birdwatching, public art, tours, and events that connected neighbors and fostered lasting memories while educating residents.
“From the parks, gardens and trails we work to cultivate to the deep connections we’ve built within our community, 2024 is a testament to what’s possible when collaboration drives action,” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director and CEO of Charleston Parks Conservancy. “None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and passion of our donors, volunteers, partners and staff. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and connected Charleston for generations.”
The Conservancy is committed to creating a more sustainable future for the city through ambitious revitalization projects, innovative partnerships, and expanded programs. Key initiatives for 2025 include:
Completion of the Colonial Lake Revitalization: Partnering with renowned designer and horticulturalist Molly Hendry, the Conservancy will transform Colonial Lake into a vibrant, community-centered garden that balances beauty, function, and sustainability with a planned completion and ribbon cutting in October 2025.
Expanding the Urban Tree Canopy: In collaboration with key partners, the Conservancy will continue donating trees and providing free educational opportunities to empower Charleston residents to help increase the urban canopy, reducing heat, enhancing air quality, and restoring wildlife habitats.
Providing Fresh Produce to More Families: The Mulberry Food Forest will be through the critical first year of establishment and begin to yield fresh, organic produce to families facing food insecurity. This innovative space will become a cornerstone for food access in Charleston and serve as a groundbreaking example of how parks can be activated to address critical community needs.
Activating Parks Through Partnerships: Working with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, The City of Charleston, and other key partners and community members, the Conservancy will bring innovative programming and resources to its 26 parks, gardens and trails.
Expanding Free Community Programs and Education: Building on the success of 2024, the Conservancy will offer an even greater variety of free workshops, events, and programs designed to educate and inspire residents while fostering connections among neighbors. The Conservancy offers 80% of its events free for the community to attend.
Enhancing Park Resilience and Sustainability: The Conservancy will implement bioswales, rain gardens, and natural berms in vulnerable areas within its 26 parks, gardens, and trails to manage flooding and extreme weather events. Additionally, 2025 will mark the launch of initial planning and development, with a strong focus on community involvement, for the Conservancy’s next park revitalization project at Hazel Parker Park.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to advance bold ideas and foster community collaboration to create lasting impacts,” said Jessica Gibadlo, Governance Chair of Charleston Parks Conservancy. “This will be a year of meaningful progress as we continue to steward parks that enrich the lives of Charleston’s residents and visitors.”
For more information about the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s initiatives, events, and how you can get involved, visit www.
