Holly Grove (Credit: Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission)
Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for future generations, today announced the designation of $8,556,750 from Charleston County Greenbelt Funds to support eight transformative conservation projects. These projects will safeguard cultural heritage, enhance public access to green spaces, and protect vital ecosystems across Charleston County forever.
"The Greenbelt program is an incredible testament to Charleston County’s commitment to preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations," said David Ray, chief conservation officer at Lowcountry Land Trust. "These projects represent a collaborative effort to protect the places that define the Lowcountry’s character and provide lasting benefits for our communities."
In collaboration with public entities, civic organizations, and private landowners, these properties play a vital role in safeguarding the Lowcountry's natural beauty and biodiversity. All eight properties are slated for permanent protection by June 2025.
Charleston County Greenbelt Funded Property Highlights:
- Holly Grove: This tract will add 35 acres to the renowned Caw Caw Interpretive County Park in Ravenel, enhancing public access to nature with new water amenities and a key connection to the area's blue trail system via Tea Farm Creek. The purchase and protection of this property is further supported by Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPRC) and will allow the East Coast Greenway to bypass a high-risk stretch of Highway 17, improving safety for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Red Top Park: Led by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, this park will be a permanent public green space in Charleston County’s historic Red Top Community. Once home to a Rosenwald School, this culturally significant site will offer outdoor education opportunities and preserve the legacy of the community's history and century-long relationship with the land.
- Oscar’s Place: This conservation easement will protect nearly 50 acres on Johns Island, preserving forests, wetlands, open fields, and a freshwater pond while supporting traditional rural land uses. Adjacent to CCPRC’s Johns Island County Park, the property also hosts the annual and international Jamboree-On-The-Air Scout event, fostering youth engagement with nature and outdoor skills.
- Grayson Oaks: This 94-acre farm on Johns Island provides scenic vistas and wildlife habitat. Protecting the property will also help address South Carolina’s agricultural land loss crisis, as the Land Trust plans to lease to a local farmer while also offering a variety of public green space access opportunities via walking trails and events.
- Main Road Park: This land will transform 40 acres on Johns Island into a multi-use recreational space, bolstering the urban growth boundary and protecting wetlands and forests. The site will eventually be managed by Barrier Islands Little League, offering a blend of nature and team sports opportunities for Charleston-area families.
- Farm at McClellanville: Thanks to the generosity and pubic-mindedness of the landowner, this 5.5-acre conservation easement in McClellanville will preserve connected, open space between the town’s greenway and the in-progress Carolina Seafood project, enhancing scenic quality and public access opportunities.
- Carolina Seafood: This project in McClellanville will preserve the Town’s scenic gateway along US Highway 17 and will become a publicly accessible green space managed by local community organizations. The effort aligns with the Town’s comprehensive plan and showcases sustainable stewardship inspired by local leadership.
- Fairfield II: This conservation easement will protect 254 acres along the South Santee River and US Highway 17, preserving unbroken scenic views and critical wildlife habitat. 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.
To learn more about this initiative and other conservation efforts, visit www.lowcountrylandtrust.
