Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to announce the permanent protection of Little Goat Island, an undisturbed sea island off Isle of Palms just southwest of Goat Island, consisting of 28 acres of upland habitat surrounded by 393 acres of salt marsh. Thanks to a fully donated conservation easement, this pristine landscape will continue to support thriving wildlife, clean waterways, and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
This extraordinary conservation effort was made possible through the generosity of landowners Gary and Kim Chesson, who donated the easement to the Lowcountry Land Trust, ensuring the island’s legacy endures. Their story mirrors that of Bill Alge, whose effort to protect a vulnerable sea island and its surrounding salt marsh behind his home and neighborhood in 1986 led to the founding of Lowcountry Land Trust.
"We're so excited to be able to preserve Little Goat Island in perpetuity,” Kim Chesson, who owns the island with her husband, wrote in a statement. “My parents lived across from this island for over 20 years, and now we have a house that overlooks it. We love that it will stay undeveloped for our family and for our Isle of Palms neighbors to enjoy!"
Little Goat Island, a living time capsule, is one of the few remaining undeveloped sea islands in the Lowcountry and looks much the same as it did a century ago. A familiar sight for travelers crossing South Carolina Highway 517 (the Isle of Palms Connector) and boaters navigating the Intracoastal Waterway, Little Goat Island plays a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. For generations, its waters and shores have sustained oysters, fish, birds, and native plants that are deeply woven into the area’s history and culture. This island serves as a crucial refuge for rare, threatened, and endangered species while strengthening the network of protected lands within the Bulls Bay watershed.
“Undeveloped islands like this are increasingly rare,” said Natalie Olson, Sea Islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust. By preserving this land, we are ensuring that both wildlife and future generations can experience its natural beauty. This conservation effort also helps protect the delicate coastal ecosystem and support biodiversity and climate resilience.”
Along with other conserved landscapes—including Gold Bug Island, Sullivan’s Island Beach, and portions of Goat Island—Little Goat Island expands a growing corridor of protected lands. The property features 2.5 miles of marsh frontage along the Intracoastal Waterway, Hamlin Creek, and Swinton Creek, which help safeguard water quality and preserve the region’s natural beauty and character.
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