As we approach the end of the year, we want to thank you for your continued support of Lowcountry Land Trust. Your investment in our work keeps us on the path toward permanently protecting more land, which directly impacts the quality of our marshes, waterways, forests, and farms, and the long-term enjoyment of unique places found only in South Carolina. As we look ahead to 2023, we’re excited to reflect on what we have achieved with your help.
In 2022, we partnered with landowners and community stakeholders to protect both iconic and discreet places across the Lowcountry:
- In January, we joined forces with East Cooper Land Trust, creating a combined conservation easement portfolio of over 500 properties and 150,000 acres of protected land. Read more about the merger here.
- We sold the 604-acre Hyde Park Plantation to a conservation buyer. Read more about how the protection of Hyde Park benefits the East Branch of the Cooper River here.
- We partnered for the third time with Norfolk Southern Corporation to protect a critical tributary to the Edisto River at Brosnan Forest known as Coldwater Branch. Read about Norfolk Southern’s commitment to sustainability and land conservation here.
- We collaborated with partner conservation organizations to protect Lewisfield Preserve along the West Branch of the Cooper River. Read more about the future plans here.
- We acquired the iconic McClellanville property home to the beloved Deer Head Oak. Read more about our plans to permanently protect the site here.
- We permanently protected important generational family land within the Ashley River Historic District. Every parcel of land that is protected, especially within designated cultural and historic areas of the Lowcountry, is essential and builds toward a more connected landscape.
- And later this week, you’ll hear from us about the permanent protection of the 90-acre Oakville-Burden Creek property on Johns Island.
In 2022, we advanced our mission to connect the local community to conservation:
- We hosted over 300 area residents at our Annual Spring Gathering at Sheldon Farms. Save the date for 2023 – the event will be on Mar. 25 at Oakland Plantation.
- To celebrate Earth Day, we teamed up with employees from The Boeing Company for a debris cleanup at the 35 acres surrounding the Angel Oak, owned and managed by Lowcountry Land Trust.
- Alongside our community partners, we selected a nationally-recognized landscape architecture firm to bring to life a 10-year initiative to create Angel Oak Preserve on Johns Island. Read more about the future of the passive preserve here.
- We brought small groups of supporters to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Kiawah River thanks to Coastal Expeditions.
- We hosted our annual Sporting Clays Shoot at the permanently protected Brosnan Forest in Dorchester County. Thanks to our partners at Norfolk Southern, we’re excited to announce that the 2023 clays shoot will take place at this magnificent property once again! Make sure to mark your calendars for Oct 28 + 29.
- Lastly, we raised 118% of our May Giving goal and 174% of our Giving Tuesday goal in November – these efforts will provide us with opportunities to continue connecting the community to conservation.
In 2022, we welcomed new Board Trustees and staff members to Lowcountry Land Trust:
- Justin Craig and Paul Butler joined our Board during the merger as former Trustees of East Cooper Land Trust.
- Paula Feldman and Elizabeth Settle joined our Board after supporting Lowcountry Land Trust for many years.
- Bea Girndt, Victoria Bock, and Jennifer Welch joined our advancement team.
- Kathy Kowalchick and Sydney Cook strengthened our land stewardship team.
- Interns Kate Schaible and Mallory Rosenfeld spent the summer learning about land conservation and community outreach.
Finally, in 2022, we shared educational blog posts with our audiences in hopes of bringing inspiration and joy into Lowcountry households (below are some of our favorites):
- Three Important Notes for Turkey Season
- How Land Conservation Protects and Improves Water Quality
- How We’re Getting Outdoors this Season
Thanks to your support, we will continue our efforts while striving for new ones in 2023. We hope you see that together we can continue making a difference in achieving a balanced, sustainable future for the Lowcountry.
