Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of a key landmark property at the gateway to McClellanville. In partnership with the Town of McClellanville, the organization has safeguarded its scenic entrance along N Highway 17 at North Pinckney Street, transforming it into a public green space that honors McClellanville’s rural character and natural beauty.
The property features two grand live oaks—one stretching 59 inches in diameter, the other an impressive 78 inches—within a picturesque pine savanna. Along with protecting these natural giants, the project safeguards nearly 1,200 feet of road frontage, ensuring that the formerly vulnerable and often-taken-for-granted scenic views that welcome residents and visitors will remain untouched for generations.
For McClellanville and its residents, this project is more than a land deal; it’s a continuation of a shared story that protects the area’s charming character, strengthens community identity, and secures a lasting legacy of open space. Guided by the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes safeguarding its gateway as a public green space, this vision was made possible through the support of the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the South Carolina Conservation Bank.
“McClellanville is an iconic fishing community defined by centuries-old live oaks and shrimp boats,” commented Raleigh West, director, South Carolina Conservation Bank. “We commend the town and Lowcountry Land Trust for working proactively to protect this scenic entrance to their community.”
In a unique arrangement, the property will transfer directly from Lowcountry Land Trust to the Town of McClellanville, which will immediately place a conservation easement on the land, ensuring its permanent protection. This project builds on a series of recent conservation successes in McClellanville, including projects like the Deerhead Oak (2023), Silver Hill Plantation (2023), and the Farm at McClellanville (2025).
Lowcountry Land Trust is honored to continue its work with the Town of McClellanville, helping protect a valuable piece of land that not only preserves the scenic and rural character of the community but also expands the town’s growing network of public green spaces.
