Friends,
We hope you are well and filled with the same enthusiasm and passion for the Angel Oak Preserve project as we are. As we embark on this journey, we want to share our recent progress and exciting developments with you.
As you know, Angel Oak Preserve’s mission is to protect the Angel Oak and enhance the visitor experience while celebrating its historical and cultural significance. This project is a testament to the importance of community engagement and the provision of greater access to public green space.
During this process, we have focused on facilitating the creation of that green space and making sure that we prioritize community needs rather than maximizing the visitation potential of the site.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, we initiated surveys, conducted outreach, and engaged with our community to ensure that the Preserve fulfills its purpose as a living museum of the Sea Islands’ rich history and natural beauty.
We have learned that things will always take longer than you think, especially when designing a space around such a sacred landmark. Our optimistic timeline had to be adjusted a bit. Our new schedule shows us breaking ground in 2025.
Key Themes and Feedback:
Our community outreach efforts have yielded valuable insights, including a deep commitment to protecting the Angel Oak, an interest in nature and history programming, a desire for walking trails and gathering spaces, and a focus on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. We’ve also noted concerns about accessibility, safety, and security, with a strong consensus that access to the Angel Oak should remain free for all community members.
Project Milestones:
Over the past few months, we’ve achieved significant milestones:
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Hired a construction manager to oversee the design, permitting, and construction phases.
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Selected an architect to design the welcome center and smaller structures at the Preserve.
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Received endorsement from the State after submitting a preliminary information form for the Angel Oak’s National Historic Register nomination. We are now working to submit the full nomination to the National Park Service.
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Initiated the planning process for a complete archeological survey of the site.
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Hosted clean-ups and a unique “Yoga at the Angel Oak” event.
We will be hosting more events in the future and will be sure to keep you updated!
Your support has been instrumental in reaching these milestones, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to Angel Oak Preserve. We will update you on our progress and milestones as we progress.
If you wish to get involved through volunteering, providing expertise, or attending an upcoming event, please contact us. Your involvement is vital to the success of this project. We are still in the early phases of fundraising for the Preserve, and if you’d like to make a gift to support our current programming efforts, we would be most grateful.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and belief in the Angel Oak Preserve. Together, we are creating a legacy that will honor the Sea Islands’ heritage and natural beauty for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Samantha Siegel
Angel Oak Preserve Director
Lowcountry Land Trust
