Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for future generations, proudly celebrates a landmark year of advancing conservation efforts, fostering community connections, and preserving the region’s rich history, strengthening its mission to protect these invaluable treasures for generations to come. As we celebrate the successes of 2024 and embark on an exciting 2025, Lowcountry Land Trust expresses gratitude to the supporters, partners, and communities that helped make this year a success.
Key 2024 Achievements
Significant Land Conservation Milestones
- Protected 2,364 acres of vital ecosystems—safeguarding habitats, water quality, and agricultural lands—while monitoring 100% of the 550+ properties permanently conserved by Lowcountry Land Trust.
- Rutledge Tomb (3,300 sq ft): Acquired and protected in collaboration with the Phillips Community, Charleston County Greenbelt Program, Preservation Society of Charleston, and Clemson University. This culturally significant historic tomb site is being transformed into a public pocket park.
- Stanley Tract (139 acres): This conservation easement protects a private portion of the 12,500-acre Slater-Buckfield acquisitions that create adjacent public recreation and wildlife conservation uses. Together, these projects contribute to achieving the vision of creating a protected “nature bridge” between the ACE Basin and the Savannah River.
- Meyer Lake (974 acres): Lowcountry Land Trust acquired, protected, and transferred ownership to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Adjacent to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and contributing to clean drinking water for more than 200,000 people in SC and GA, the property will open for public recreational use in 2025.
- Fairfield Plantation (255 acres): Highly visible at the northern gateway to Charleston County along US Highway 17 and the South Santee River, and owned by descendants of the Pinckney family since 1784, the new easement adjoins 480 acres already protected by the family, ensuring that Fairfield’s natural and historic integrity will endure forever.
- Grayson Oaks (94 acres): Acquired to protect the rural character of Johns Island, the Land Trust’s newest preserve will also address South Carolina’s agricultural land loss crisis through a lease to local farmers while also offering public green space access via walking trails and community events.
- Big House (20 acres): This conservation easement completes a 4-part protection project within a 53-acre cluster of longtime family lands, preserving scenic views along the state-scenic Ashley River and the Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway and contributing to the integrity of the Ashley River Historic District.
- Little Fee (314 acres): This fully donated conservation easement is directly adjacent to nearly 7,970 contiguous acres protected by Lowcountry Land Trust along the Ashepoo River, which further connect directly with Donnelley Wildlife Management Area and over 100,000 acres of other contiguous protected lands within the famed ACE Basin conservation project area.
- Hiott Station (561 acres): This significant tract strengthens a burgeoning cluster of conservation lands on the outskirts of Walterboro, SC. The project lies just upstream of a nearby easement donated in 2023 by another family member, and provides further protection to the headwaters of the Ashepoo River, demonstrating the commitment of private landowners to conserving the ACE Basin’s outstanding natural resources and cultural landscape.
- Sea Island Small Farmers Cooperative Park (7 acres): In partnership with an historic cooperative of African American farmers, Lacuna Corporation, and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, Lowcountry Land Trust secured a Greenbelt Program grant that enabled the acquisition and protection of a future county park on Wallace Creek that will provide important historical interpretation and scenic viewsheds, as well as water access for paddling, fishing, and access to the East Coast Greenway.
Major Milestones
- Launched the Land Protection Capacity Fund with a $1 million state appropriation to empower South Carolina land trusts to invest in 70,560 acres of land across six conservation landscapes.
- Secured $10.9 million in public funding to secure land in the ACE Basin, Ashley River corridor, Santee Basin, and Johns Island, among other places.
- Advocated for improved public access and safety along blue trail systems and regional greenways, securing vital funding and partnerships.
- Secured funding to expand Caw Caw Interpretive County Park, enhancing public access to nature and bolstering the East Coast Greenway trail system.
- Earned national recognition, with the Angel Oak Preserve receiving the 2024 SCASLA Award for Excellence in Analysis and Planning.
- Secured funding to acquire Main Road Park, with plans to transfer it to the Barrier Islands Little League in 2025, ensuring its preservation for community recreational use
- Commenced development of the Lowcountry Center for Conservation, a landmark project, which will help further conservation efforts by convening conversations with conservation leaders.
- Secured funding for a permanent public green space in Charleston County’s historic Red Top Community at Red Top Park, preserving the legacy of this culturally significant area.
Community Engagement
- Hosted 37 community events, including guided walks, roundtables, educational programs, and volunteer initiatives, engaging over 1,200 participants across the region.
- Provided 4 internship opportunities, offering hands-on experience in land stewardship, GIS mapping, stakeholder communication, and nonprofit operations.
- Strengthened partnerships with organizations such as the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, and SCDNR, among many others.
- Dedicated over 3,000 volunteer hours to conservation initiatives, highlighting the community’s commitment to Lowcountry Land Trust’s mission.
“This year, Lowcountry Land Trust has made significant strides in land and cultural preservation and has strengthened its connection to the community we serve,” said Ashley Demosthenes, President and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “As we look to 2025, we remain inspired by the passion and commitment of our supporters to protect this special place we all call home.”
With a pipeline of over 25,000 acres to be protected in the coming years, Lowcountry Land Trust will continue to expand its conservation efforts in 2025, focusing on the ambitious goal of exceeding 170,000 conserved acres by December 2025.
Visit www.lowcountrylandtrust.org to donate and help protect vital Lowcountry lands."
