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 a 20-acre property along the Ashley River, thanks to the generosity of private landowners who donated a conservation easement on the land. This effort secures a vital piece of the nationally recognized Ashley River Historic District, reinforcing the ongoing commitment of protecting the region’s cultural, historical, and ecological legacy.
The property features a high bluff overlooking the Ashley River and contains significant wetlands and wildlife habitat. It contributes to the longstanding effort to conserve land of cultural, historical, and ecological importance in the 24,000-acre Ashley River Historic District. This region, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, represents over 300 years of history, including the Lowcountry’s inland and tidal rice cultivation heritage, the Civil War, post-Reconstruction phosphate mining industry, and the African American experience from slavery to freedom.
“Every acre protected contributes to the larger effort of conserving the Ashley River Historic District, ensuring that its cultural and ecological significance remains intact,” said David Ray, chief conservation officer at Lowcountry Land Trust. “This is another great example of private landowners stepping up to safeguard a nationally recognized region, preserving its history, scenic beauty, and environmental integrity.”
The protected property enhances the viewshed from both Ashley River Road—a National Scenic Byway—and the Ashley River, designated as a State Scenic River in 1999. It is contiguous with over 1,500 protected acres and contributes to 11,750 acres of protected land across the Ashley River Historic District on 40 properties, half of which are protected by Lowcountry Land Trust.
The conservation easement was made possible through collaboration with generous private landowners who share a commitment to preserving South Carolina’s unique landscapes. Their decision to conserve this land underscores the growing trend of private landowners acting in the public interest by securing scenic corridors, preserving water quality, and maintaining critical wildlife habitats.
Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.
