Lowcountry Land Trust proudly announces a newly recorded conservation easement on Hiott Station. This significant 561-acre tract strengthens a burgeoning conservation community on the outskirts of Walterboro, SC. Owned by Dr. Richard Cooler and partially funded by the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the Land Trust’s new easement underscores these partners’ ongoing commitment to conserving the ACE Basin’s cultural history and natural resources.
The Cooler brothers, known for recently protecting Dr. Paul Cooler’s 654-acre farm, continue their legacy of land stewardship with the protection of Dr. Richard Cooler’s 561 acres at Hiott Station. Both properties were initially purchased and established by the brothers' father and grandfather and now honor the Cooler family's rich history and commitment to conservation.
Dr. Richard Cooler shared his thoughts on this milestone: "Our family has always valued the natural beauty and historical significance of this land. By partnering with Lowcountry Land Trust and with the help of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, we help ensure that future generations will be able to experience and appreciate our region’s cherished coastal landscapes."
Like Cooler Dairy Farm, the nearby Hiott Station property is in the heart of the ACE Basin within the Salkehatchie Watershed. It encompasses portions of Fuller Swamp Creek and its associated freshwater wetland system, which flows south into the Ashepoo River and St. Helena Sound—one of the most pristine estuaries along the eastern seaboard.
Additionally, Hiott Station is directly adjacent to the 370-acre Rock Spring Plantation and the 90-acre Round O Farm, both permanently protected by Lowcountry Land Trust. This new conservation easement creates a contiguous protected landscape in Colleton County, contributing to the growing area’s ecological integrity and aligning with Lowcountry Land Trust’s recently identified high resilience zone near Cottageville.
David Ray, Chief Conservation Officer of Lowcountry Land Trust, remarked, "The Cooler family’s dedication to land conservation is truly inspiring. Their desire to see important places protected forever speaks volumes about their commitment to preserving the Lowcountry’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Like the Coolers, the residents surrounding Walterboro are quickly emerging as a community united in conservation, and we are honored to be a partner in that effort."
The project’s funding through the South Carolina Conservation Bank and the generous donation by the Cooler family underscores the collaborative effort required to safeguard South Carolina’s natural resources. The new easement on this property contributes to the growing conserved landscapes and waterways in the ACE Basin and enhances public recreation opportunities along the Ashepoo River.
“More than 30 years after the ACE Basin Task Force was launched, we continue to see conservation success,” commented Raleigh West, director, South Carolina Conservation Bank. "I commend the Cooler brothers for permanently protecting not just one but two family properties.”
