Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for future generations, is proud to announce the acquisition of Grayson Oaks, a 94-acre property on Johns Island. This transformative purchase addresses South Carolina’s agricultural land loss crisis while protecting the rural character of the area, offering both conservation and community benefits.
Located off of Main and Humbert Roads, Grayson Oaks is a vital addition to the region’s protected landscapes. The property safeguards farmland, wildlife habitat, and scenic views, and will remain an active farm under a lease to local regenerative farmers. Lowcountry Land Trust will create walking trails and host community events at Grayson Oaks, which will ensure public green space access and foster a deeper connection between residents and the land. Additionally, Grayson Oaks will serve as an active farm, creating opportunities for new and expanding farmers and enhancing local agriculture. Future plans for the property include field trips, farm stands, and partnerships to educate the community about sustainable farming practices and land stewardship.
“Protecting the Grayson Oaks property reflects our commitment to conserving working land and expanding access to natural spaces,” says Natalie Olson, sea islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “We look forward to seeing what the future of this property holds and hope it serves as a catalyst for continued momentum in land conservation on Johns Island and across the Lowcountry.”
This acquisition highlights Lowcountry Land Trust’s innovative approach to land conservation, which combines public access with private stewardship. Generous contributions made this possible, including $2.9 million from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, $600,000 from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, and a significant property sale discount of $500,000 by the former landowner. Without the Land Trust’s intervention, the property was at risk of being developed into 50+ houses or a burn debris site.
With less than 10% of Johns Island currently protected and its population doubling in the past decade, Grayson Oaks provides a much-needed buffer to preserve the area’s agricultural and natural heritage. Approximately 20,000 vehicles pass by the property daily, making it a highly visible reminder of the importance of land conservation.
To learn more about Lowcountry Land Trust and how you can support their mission to protect vital Lowcountry lands, visit www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
1 of 5
2 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
