Lowcountry Land Trust

Lowcountry Earth Week
2024-04-22 - 2024-04-28 | SC
Back by popular demand for the second year, Lowcountry Land Trust will partner with over 50 local, conservation-minded organizations to continue its Lowcountry Earth Week initiative in 2024. This week-long celebration of the Lowcountry’s natural environment (April 22-28) is set to feature a diverse array of volunteer opportunities, nature activities, seminars, workshops, and festivals. The initiative aims to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of the many methods of conservation in the Lowcountry. The grand culmination will be a family-friendly Earth Week celebration and exhibition at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston, SC on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Lowcountry Earth Week, scheduled from April 22-28, 2024, is poised to be a momentous occasion, bringing together individuals, organizations, and communities in a collective effort to celebrate and protect the region’s natural wonders. A complete listing of events that provide an opportunity for everyone to find their own way to connect with and contribute to the Soul of the Lowcountry can be found at www.lowcountryearthweek.org.

Common Ground Screening and Discussion
2024-04-23 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | SC
“Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health.”
This documentary will be shown for our community at the MUSC Drug Discovery Building, along with a 45 minute conversation to bring the focus to our local grounds.

Come learn more about how to integrate regenerative farming techniques into your own farms, backyards, community gardens, and beyond. Or just come to find hope. We can do this

This screening is a part of Lowcountry Earth Week. Check out other events happening around town!

Common Ground Documentary Screening & Conversation

Tuesday, April 23, 5:30-8:00 pm
MUSC Drug Discovery Building, Downtown Charleston
Suggestion donation of $10
Parking in Jonathan Lucas Parking Garage – vouchers will be given at lecture for free parking.

Event partners:

Event Sponsor:

Painting At The Angel Oak
2024-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Angel Oak Preserve, 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
Community members are invited to put their artistic abilities to the test at this first-ever Painting at the Angel Oak. Facilitated by local artist Frank DeLoach, attendees of all levels are encouraged to put their spin on the beautiful masterpiece – The Angel Oak.
All supplies will be provided, including a canvas, paint, and paintbrushes. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own art supplies.
Reusable water bottles, folding chairs, bug spray, and sunscreen are all recommended.

Registration Full: Alge Island Kayak Clean-Up
2024-04-26 10:00 - 13:00 | SC
Community members are invited to explore and clean up Alge Island, a property once threatened by development that led to the organization of Lowcountry Land Trust in 1986.
The kayak clean-up will occur on Friday, April 26, at 418 Owen Street, Charleston, SC 29414 (West Ashley). It will begin promptly at 10 am, and registration is required. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. Please dress weather-appropriate and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Earth Week Celebration at Holy City Brewing
2024-04-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29405
Celebrate the end of earth week with all partners of Lowcountry Earth Week through this family-friendly tabling event at Holy City Brewing. This event is open to the public and does not require registration.

In Conversation with Dr. Fields-Black on “COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War"
2024-05-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
The Charleston Library Society and Buxton Books, along with community partners Lowcountry Land Trust, Avery Institute, and the SC Historical Society, are honored to host renowned author and historian Dr. Edda Fields-Black in conversation to discuss her most recent publication, COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War. In her book, Dr. Fields-Black dives into the story of the Combahee River Raid, one of Harriet Tubman’s most extraordinary accomplishments, based on original documents written by a descendant of one of the participants. Helping to shape the conversation will be the Chief Conservation Officer of Lowcountry Land Trust, David Ray.
Tickets: Purchase Here
$50 – CLS Members or $55 – General Admission
$60 – Limited Option // 2 Tickets and 1 signed copy of COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War
About the Book:
Many biographies, children’s books, and films about Harriet Tubman omit a crucial chapter: during the Civil War, hired by the Union Army, she ventured into the heart of slave territory–Beaufort, South Carolina–to live, work, and gather intelligence for a daring raid up the Combahee River to attack the major plantations of Rice Country, the breadbasket of the Confederacy.
In COMBEE, Edda L. Fields-Black–herself a descendant of one of the participants in the raid–shows how Tubman commanded a ring of spies, scouts, and pilots and participated in military expeditions behind Confederate lines. On June 2, 1863, Tubman and her crew led two regiments of Black US Army soldiers – the Second South Carolina Volunteers – alone with their white commanders up coastal South Carolina’s Combahee River in three gunboats. In a matter of hours, they torched eight rice plantations and liberated 730 people, people whose Lowcountry Creole language and culture Tubman could barely understand. The Second South Carolina Volunteers included a core group of black men who had liberated themselves from bondage on South Carolina’s Sea Island cotton plantations after the Battle of Port Royal in November 1861. In recounting this history, Fields-Black also brings to life intergenerational, extended enslaved families, neighbors, praise-house members, and sweethearts forced to work in South Carolina’s deadly tidal rice swamps, sold, and separated during the antebellum period. These formerly enslaved peoples of the Sea Island indigo and cotton plantations come together with the semi-urban port cities of Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah, and the rice plantations of the coastal plains, creating the distinctly American Gullah Geechee dialect, culture, and identity–perhaps the most significant legacy of Harriet Tubman’s Combahee River Raid.
About Dr. Edda Fields-Black:
Edda Fields-Black teaches history at Carnegie Mellon University and has written extensively about the history of West African rice farmers, including in such works as Deep Roots: Rice Farmers in West Africa and the African Diaspora. She was a co-editor of Rice: Global Networks and New Histories, which was selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title. Fields-Black has served as a consultant for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture’s permanent exhibit, “Rice Fields of the Lowcountry.” She is the executive producer and librettist of “Unburied, Unmourned, Unmarked: Requiem for Rice,” a widely performed original contemporary classical work by celebrated composer John Wineglass.
Fields-Black is a descendant of Africans enslaved on rice plantations in Colleton County, South Carolina; her great-great-great grandfather fought in the Combahee River Raid in June 1863. Her determination to illuminate the riches of the Gullah dialect, and to reclaim Gullah Geechee history and culture, has taken her to the rice fields of South Carolina and Georgia to those of Sierra Leone and Republic of Guinea in West Africa.
About David Ray:
David Ray is Lowcountry Land Trust’s Chief Conservation Officer. His team protects land and water in South Carolina’s coastal plain using traditional and innovative tools and funding. They steward a wide variety of conservation interests and works with communities to preserve places of natural resource, recreational, and cultural significance. Previously an attorney in government, large firms, and academic settings. He became Lands Program Director for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2002. Subsequently, he managed conservation planning and grant-making programs at the Open Space Institute and has led conservation programs for The Nature Conservancy in the Southern Blue Ridge and Colorado. David holds degrees from Davidson College and the University of Georgia School of Law. During his career, he has played a significant role in over sixty conservation projects on more than 48,500 acres.

Event Partners
Lowcountry Land Trust:
Founded in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust has worked for 37 years protecting land that makes coastal South Carolina extraordinary and sustains the culture that thrives within it. Operating in seventeen coastal counties, Lowcountry Land Trust has grown from a small community effort that rallied to protect an island on the Stono River to an institution that protects more than 150,000 acres. Protecting and maintaining our natural resources by avoiding overdevelopment is crucial to the continued enjoyment of the Lowcountry for generations to come. In addition to Lowcountry Land Trust’s conservation easements held and privately owned lands, LLT owns and protects publicly-accessible properties that are in direct harmony with the culture and values of the Lowcountry. These ambassador sites emphasize the importance of regional lands and showcase examples of conservation to the community.
Avery Research Center:
Founded in 1865 as the Avery Normal Institute, this community hub provided education and advocacy for the growing Charleston African American community and trained blacks for professional careers and leadership roles. Although the Institute closed its doors in 1954, it graduates preserved the legacy of their alma mater by establishing the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture. The modern rebirth of Avery began in 1985 with the establishment of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at the College of Charleston. The newly christened center came to fruition through a memorandum of understanding between the former Avery Institute and the College, with many of the charter members graduates of the original Avery Normal Institute. For the last thirty years, the Avery Research Center has collected art and archival materials that document the history, traditions, and legacies of African Americans and their influence on American society and culture, as well as their place within the American narrative.
South Carolina Historical Society:
With 350 years of state history comprised of rare books, manuscripts, and visual materials, the South Carolina Historical Society is the state’s largest and oldest private archive as well as a modern historical museum. Founded in 1855, the organization’s preservation, exploration, and interpretation of the state’s historical legacy continues to benefit generations of learners. Its mission is “to expand, preserve and make accessible our collection; to improve knowledge of and encourage focus, interest and pride in the history of our state.”
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina:
Coastal Community Foundation works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity, and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. Through endowment funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations, our combined resources allow us to not only address community needs today, but help us chart a course for a brighter future in the nine counties we serve along South Carolina’s coast. With our donors, we invest millions of dollars through grantmaking, impact investing and scholarships each year. We are also known for understanding and acting upon the dynamic needs of the communities we serve, with recent examples including our disaster response efforts during and after major storms such as Hurricane Florence, and the creation of the Lowcountry Unity Fund in the wake of the Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre to support causes addressing systemic racism.

Pollinator Palooza
2024-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Magnolia Park and Community Garden, 720 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
Have you heard the buzz about pollinators? In honor of National Pollinator Week, join Lowcountry Land Trust, Charleston Parks Conservancy, SC Wildlife Federation, Bee City Charleston, Charleston Area Beekeepers Association, and Roots & Shoots Nursery for a day of unbeelievable outdoor fun at Magnolia Park and Community Garden.

Swing by this family-friendly event anytime between 10 am and 2 pm to learn about the many benefits of pollinators and the native plants that attract them. King of Pops will also be serving up cold popsicle treats. You can find more details about the event activities and organizations involved below.

This is a family-friendly, free palooza! We kindly request advance registration. Please click here to register: https://give.lowcountrylandtrust.org/…/2024…/e588927

Preservation Through Art - Charleston
2024-07-19 17:00 - 19:00 | City Gallery, 34 Prioleau Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Preserving A Picturesque America is bringing its “Preservation Through Art” experience to Charleston, featuring Lowcountry Land Trust as one of its community partners to support the organization’s work of conserving the natural and historic Lowcountry landscapes.
The “Preservation Through Art—Charleston” exhibition will be held from July 19 through September 8 at the City Gallery, 34 Prioleau Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
You are invited to the opening night reception on July 19, from 5 to 7 pm at the City Gallery. No RSVP is necessary; just drop in and enjoy the art exhibition.
This unique “then and now” exhibition aims to raise awareness for local preservation and conservation efforts. The non-profit organization Preserving A Picturesque America (PAPA) will conduct an art sale to benefit Lowcountry Land Trust and other local partners in the Charleston area whose focus is preserving Charleston’s natural, cultural, and historic landscape.
For the “Preservation Through Art: Charleston” Exhibition and Sale, over forty artists have contributed exciting new artworks in a variety of mediums depicting scenes from Picturesque America in and around Charleston, like this watercolor by Giselle Harrington, titled “Rutledge Avenue.” These artists hope to motivate viewers to protect these iconic treasures by revealing how these natural and cultural landscapes appear today.
We hope to see you at the opening reception!

Oyster Reef Build
2024-07-30 08:30 - 11:30 | Remley’s Point Public Boat Landing, 112 2nd St, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464, United States
Advanced Registration Required: Register Here
We’re looking for 20 volunteers ages 16+ to join us on Tuesday, July 30, from 8:30 to 11:30 am to build an oyster reef along the banks of the Cooper River.
Volunteers will meet representatives from Lowcountry Land Trust and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at Remley’s Point Public Boat Landing in Mount Pleasant, where they will work together to load bags of oyster shells into SCDNR boats.
Lowcountry Land Trust and SCDNR will then boat the volunteers and oyster shells to a designated location along the banks of the Cooper River, where volunteers will create an assembly line to place the oyster shell bags into a reef formation.
Afterward, all volunteers will return on the boat to Remley’s Point Public Boat Landing.
All volunteers will be required to sign Lowcountry Land Trust and SCDNR waivers before partaking in physical activities. Expect to lift and carry 20-40 pound bags of oyster shells while standing in pluff mud. Reef builds are a blast, but they are labor intensive.
Gloves, arm protection, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water refill station will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle. We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes that can get muddy (no sandals), shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, and hats.

Sip and Shop for Conservation at Rivers and Glen Trading Co.
2024-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Rivers & Glen Trading Co., 122 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464, United States
Join us for a Sip and Shop at Rivers & Glen Trading Co. on August 14th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM to prepare for hunting and clays shooting season while supporting Lowcountry Land Trust.
Enjoy live music, light refreshments, and the opportunity to learn about Lowcountry Land Trust’s important land conservation work while shopping Rivers & Glen’s supply of outdoor clothes and sporting gear.
A percentage of the evening’s sales will support Lowcountry Land Trust.

Clays Shooting 101 sponsored by Norton & Hodges
2024-09-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Kiawah Island Sporting Club, 3345 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
Sign up for an upcoming Clays Shooting 101 session, sponsored by Norton & Hodges, for the opportunity to learn from expert Elizabeth Fennell and familiarize yourself with the sport before our annual Clays Shoot on the weekend of October 25-27. This event is ladies only, with space for six women per session. Ammo, gun, and instruction will be included in each purchased ticket.
Register for one of the upcoming sessions at Kiawah Island Sporting Club on Wednesday, September 11, from 10 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3 pm. Click here to register!

Clays Shooting 101 Sponsored By Norton & Hodges
2024-10-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Kiawah Island Sporting Club, 3345 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
Sign up for an upcoming Clays Shooting 101 session, sponsored by Norton & Hodges, for the opportunity to learn from expert Elizabeth Fennell and familiarize yourself with the sport before our annual Clays Shoot on the weekend of October 25-27. This event is ladies only, with space for six women per session. Ammo, gun, and instruction will be included in each purchased ticket.
Register for one of the upcoming sessions at Kiawah Island Sporting Club on Thursday, October 2, from 10 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3 pm. Click here to register!

Yoga at the Angel Oak
2024-10-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Angel Oak Preserve, 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
At this unique event, guests will experience the connection between nature and wellness under the majestic, centuries-old Angel Oak tree. Popular Johns Island yoga instructor Lauren Frye will lead the group, incorporating a blend of breath and movement into the rejuvenating, hour-long session. Beginners are welcome to attend, as modifications for more complex poses will be demonstrated.
Date: October 9th, 2024
Time: 10 am – 11 am
Location: Angel Oak Park; 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC
Due to limited space, we kindly request advance registration. This event is free, but donations are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled.

2024 Sporting Clays Shoot
2024-10-25 08:30 - 2024-10-27 16:30 | Brosnan Forest, Dorchester County, SC, United States
We’re excited to share that Lowcountry Land Trust’s annual Sporting Clays Shoot will occur at Brosnan Forest from October 25 to 27, 2024! Fuel your soul at this gorgeous private property just 45 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Tickets to each rotation, including the second annual Ladies Shoot & Lunch presented by Garden & Gun, are $225 and include a catered lunch, dessert, post-shoot cocktails, live music, and social experiences such as a local vendor market and a weekend-long silent auction. Lunch-only tickets are also available for purchase for $55-80.
Tickets ARE NOW ON SALE and are expected to sell out quickly.

Birding at Stono Preserve
2024-11-12 09:00 - 10:30 | Stono Preserve, 5300 Dixie Plantation Rd, Hollywood, SC, 29449, United States
Join us for a delightful morning immersed in nature on our “Feathered Friends Walk” at the Stono Preserve! This guided bird walk will take you through the preserve’s lush habitats, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the diverse avian species that call this area home.
The walk will be led by Nicole Marie Pettinelli of the Charleston Bird Club and Melissa Hughes, Professor of Ornithology and Associate Chair of the Department of Biology at the College of Charleston. We’ll walk a portion of the main nature trail, allowing us to explore various habitats, from wetlands to woodlands. There will be opportunities to spot common and rare species and advance your birding skills as we make frequent stops. This event is suitable for amateur and experienced birders.
Date: November 12, 2024
Time: 9 am – 10:30 am
Location: Stono Preserve; 5300 Dixie Plantation Rd. Hollywood, SC 29449
Directions: After arriving at the first gate, you will keep driving to the next gate on the left (gate 4). We will then all meet at the barn.
Advance registration is required. Please plan to bring binoculars and a water bottle. Comfortable walking shoes and long pants are highly recommended. This event is free, but donations are welcome. If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled.
More Information About Stono Preserve
The College of Charleston at Stono Preserve is a majestic 981-acre property along the Stono River and the Intercoastal Waterway. The myriad ecosystems include long-leaf pine forests, wetlands, savannahs, tidal marshes, and brackish, saltwater, and fresh-water ponds.
Stono Preserve enables the College of Charleston to educate its students in an unparalleled natural setting, inspire collaboration across campus, industry, and governmental agencies, and prepare students and faculty to be leaders in today’s environmentally volatile global society. In collaboration with the Lowcountry Land Trust, the College of Charleston is embarking on a strategic, comprehensive plan to restore Stono Preserve to its original purpose as a “conservationist’s classroom.” Native, diverse ecosystems will be restored and maintained to provide experiential learning for College students and faculty. With the “light on the land” minimalist support facilities in place, Stono Preserve will become an urban refuge for those interested in and appreciative of the natural world around us.

Longleaf Society Holiday Party
2024-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | SC
Please save the date for our Annual Longleaf Society Holiday Party! As the date approaches, more details will be emailed to members.
Membership in our Longleaf Society is for generous donors who give $2,500 or more during a calendar year. Benefits include early access to event registration, exclusive nature outings and happy hours, and the latest updates on all of our conservation wins. If you’re a Longleaf Society member, be on the lookout for more information about this event from our team. If you’re not yet a member, you can increase your annual giving to Lowcountry Land Trust by clicking here.

Rescheduled: Conch Creek Cleanup
2024-12-19 10:00 - 23:30 | Gold Bug Island, 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464
We invite you to join us for a cleanup at Conch Creek!
Hosted in partnership with Charleston Waterkeeper and Adopt-A-Highway, we’ll pick up trash along Ben Sawyer Blvd. that has made its way into the marsh. All supplies needed for the cleanup are provided! Spaces are limited, and we kindly request advance registration.
RESCHEDULED Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: 10 am – 11:30 am
Location: Gold Bug Island, 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Conch Creek has been protected by Lowcountry Land Trust since 2022 and encompasses 398 acres between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. The acres are mostly wetlands (with approximately 5 acres of highlands) that provide habitat for breeding, migration, and wintering migratory birds in the coastal zone of South Carolina.
As human infrastructure continues to be built along the surrounding highland, Lowcountry Land Trust’s conservation efforts will maintain the integrity of the wetlands, which help mitigate potential flooding and protect water quality in the area. By joining us for the cleanup, your efforts will advance our mission in a tangible way by keeping the marsh clean!
We suggest dressing for the weather, including long pants and comfortable shoes that can get muddy. Depending on the weather, please plan to bring a water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. We will meet and park at Gold Bug Island, then head out along Ben Sawyer Boulevard. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. We look forward to seeing you in the marsh!

2025 Oyster Wire Reef Build & Roast
2025-01-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Gold Bug Island, 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464, United States
The restoration of local oyster reefs and Lowcountry Land Trust’s land protection efforts are interconnected in their shared goal of preserving and enhancing coastal ecosystems. As part of Lowcountry Land Trust’s community outreach program, Soul of the Lowcountry, we invite you to join us in January for an oyster wire reef build volunteer opportunity (Wednesday, January 8) and family-friendly oyster roast (Sunday, January 12)!
Registration At Capacity – Oyster Wire Reef Build Volunteer Opportunity
Wednesday, January 8, from 9 am to 12 pm
SCDNR | 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Registration At Capacity – Family-Friendly Oyster Roast
Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm
Gold Bug Island | 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
In 1996, Lowcountry Land Trust permanently protected Gold Bug Island by placing a conservation easement on the 29-acre parcel of both highlands and wetlands. Named after the short story by Edgar Allen Poe, Gold Bug Island sits between Mount Pleasant and Sullivans along Ben Sawyer Blvd and is owned by the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club.
Guests of the family-friendly oyster roast will enjoy a Sunday afternoon on Gold Bug Island, shucking fresh South Carolina oysters paired with homemade chili, salad, cornbread, and dessert. They will socialize with other Lowcountry-loving locals while enjoying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and listening to bluegrass music from the Charleston-based band Dallas Baker and Friends. Hot dogs and a variety of activities will be available for children.
Registration At Capacity – Volunteer the week before the oyster roast on Wednesday, January 8, helping Lowcountry Land Trust and SCDNR recycle shells and build wire reef cages that support new habitats for juvenile oysters. Restaurants and the public recycle their oyster shells through SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling drop-off sites. Volunteers will shape the wire into small cages using power tools (experience not necessary) and add recycled oyster shells inside. These reefs will be used for SCDNR’s oyster reef restoration projects next year! Spat (baby oysters) are attracted to and settle on the shell in these wire cages, creating new oyster growth and, eventually, new reefs.
Both events will allow guests to learn about the region’s oyster habitat and how proper shell recycling benefits water quality and the Lowcountry’s diverse ecosystems.
Click here to read more details and register.

Longleaf Society Conservation Reception
2025-03-06 17:30 - 20:00 | SC
Please save the date for our Annual Longleaf Society Conservation Reception! More details will be emailed to members as the date approaches.
Membership in our Longleaf Society is for generous donors who give $2,500 or more during a calendar year. Benefits include early access to event registration, exclusive nature outings and happy hours, and the latest updates on all of our conservation wins. If you’re a Longleaf Society member, be on the lookout for more information about this event from our team. If you’re not yet a member, you can increase your annual giving to Lowcountry Land Trust by clicking here.

2025 Annual Spring Gathering
2025-04-05 12:00 - 15:00 | SC
Lowcountry Land Trust’s annual Spring Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 5, at Plum Hill in the ACE Basin. Situated on 945 acres protected by a Lowcountry Land Trust conservation easement, guests will enjoy a family-friendly event highlighting the property’s historic rice fields and the adjacent Combahee River.
Tickets are all-inclusive, and guests will enjoy a southern-style lunch with ingredients grown and sourced by Peculiar Pig Farm, local beer and spirits, bluegrass music from The Cluster Shucks, and a dedicated play area for children. In addition to a silent auction featuring local products and experiences, the event will offer Plum Hill-inspired or produced vendor items like seasonal wreaths and flowers, organic produce, and sustainable beef products. Main attractions will include property tours with Dr. Ann Kulze, garden tours with Lucie Kulze, and rice culture talks with Virginia Beach.
Thirty years ago, Dr. and Mrs. Harry B. Gregorie, Jr. and their seven adult children (Ann, Becky, Brien, Dicksie, Etta, Jane, and Henry) donated a conservation easement on Plum Hill to Lowcountry Land Trust. The easement was designed to protect the property’s ecological, historical, and scenic qualities for future generations. The 945 acres form a contiguous protected landscape with other private and public properties. One of the most prominent views on the property is the two hundred inland acres of sweeping handmade rice fields that exist in harmony with the ecosystem. The Gregorie family intentionally maintained the rice fields to supply habitat for ducks and other waterfowl species, and they are credited with a resurgence of bald eagles and alligators in the area.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
12 to 3 pm
Plum Hill | Yemassee, SC
Adults $95 | Children (2-12) $25
A limited number of tickets are available for this event. Click here to purchase.

Alge Island Kayak Cleanup
2025-04-18 10:30 - 13:00 | 418 Owen St, Charleston, SC 29414
As a celebration of Lowcountry Earth Month, community members are invited to participate in a kayak cleanup of Alge Island, a property that led to the organization of Lowcountry Land Trust in 1986.
In 1986, Mr. Bill Alge was worried about the sale and potential development of a 20-acre island behind his West Ashley neighborhood. He rallied his neighbors, and their grassroots effort led to the formation of Lowcountry Land Trust and the protection of the island, now named Alge Island. They saved the scenic views of the Stono River and the island’s ecosystem from development while showcasing how fee-simple acquisitions are effective conservation tools. Since the organization’s mission is to connect the community to conservation, we invite environmental enthusiasts to paddle the property’s perimeter and help keep its surrounding waterway (a tributary to the Stono River) clean this Earth Month!
Friday, April 18, 2025
10:30 am-1:00 pm
418 Owen St, Charleston, SC 29414
Lowcountry Land Trust and event partners will provide kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and all trash cleanup supplies. A light lunch will also be provided. We recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing and bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. If you prefer to bring your own gear (kayak, life jacket, and paddle), you are welcome to! Spots are limited – all participants must register and indicate whether they will use the provided gear or bring their own.
Thank you to our event supporters who made this Lowcountry Earth Month cleanup event possible: Coastal Expeditions Coastal Warriors, Evans General Contractors, and Keep Charleston Beautiful. Community is at the heart of conservation!

Yoga at the Angel Oak
2025-04-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Angel Oak Preserve, 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
As a celebration of Lowcountry Earth Month, community members are invited to experience a rejuvenating morning of yoga beneath the breathtaking canopy of the historic Angel Oak.
Lowcountry Land Trust, the City of Charleston, and other community partners successfully acquired the 35 acres surrounding the existing 9-acre Angel Oak Park, forever protecting the Angel Oak and its surrounding biodiversity from development. Lowcountry Land Trust is working to highlight this beloved local landmark symbolizing history, honor, and hope with the future 44-acre Angel Oak Preserve.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
9 – 10am
3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
This guided session, led by John’s Island yoga instructor Lauren Frye, offers a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness and movement in a tranquil, natural setting. Open to all skill levels, the class will focus on relaxation, breathwork, and gentle stretching. The event is free, but donations are welcomed. Please plan to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Spaces are limited; please register to secure your spot.

Stono Preserve Nature Walk
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Stono Preserve, 5300 Dixie Plantation Rd, Hollywood, SC, 29449, United States
Join Lowcountry Land Trust for a guided nature walk through the beautiful Stono Preserve. Led by knowledgeable naturalist Bradley Jaynes, we’ll explore the area’s rich biodiversity with a focus on local flora and fauna. This walk will give participants access to this private preserve to learn about local fungi, spot fascinating insects, and gain insight into the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just curious about the natural world, this is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn something new, and fuel your soul with Lowcountry beauty. Kids accompanied by adults are also welcome to join!
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 10 to 11 am
Location: Stono Preserve; 5300 Dixie Plantation Rd. Hollywood, SC 29449
Directions: After arriving at the first gate, you will keep driving to the next gate on the left (gate 4). We will then all meet at the barn. Please follow Lowcountry Land Trust’s directional signs once at Stono Preserve.
Advance registration is required! This event is outdoors, and we recommend dressing for the weather. Long pants and closed-toe shoes or snake boots are recommended. We also recommend bringing bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, binoculars, and preferred field guides.
Event Accessibility: This nature walk will be approximately one mile long and cover mixed terrain with some incline.
More Information About Stono Preserve
The College of Charleston at Stono Preserve is a majestic 981-acre property along the Stono River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The myriad ecosystems include long-leaf pine forests, wetlands, savannahs, tidal marshes, and brackish, saltwater, and freshwater ponds.
Stono Preserve enables the College of Charleston to educate its students in an unparalleled natural setting, inspire collaboration across campus, industry, and governmental agencies, and prepare students and faculty to be leaders in today’s environmentally volatile global society. In partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust, the College of Charleston is embarking on a strategic, comprehensive plan to restore Stono Preserve to its original purpose as a “conservationist’s classroom.” Native, diverse ecosystems will be restored and maintained to provide experiential learning for College students and faculty. With the “light on the land” minimalist support facilities in place, Stono Preserve will become an urban refuge for those interested in and appreciative of the natural world around us.

Jeni's Ice Cream Social
2025-07-17 15:30 - 18:30 | Jeni’s Ice Cream, 501A King Street, Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
Cool off for conservation with an ice cream social! Stop by Jeni’s Ice Cream on King Street on Thursday, July 17, and 25% of your purchase will be generously donated to further our conservation efforts across the Lowcountry.
Date: Thursday, July 17
Location: Jeni’s King Street
501A King Street
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Your treat will be extra sweet knowing it’s fueling Lowcountry Land Trust’s mission of protecting land and water forever!

Oyster Reef Deployment with SCDNR
2025-07-24 12:00 - 15:00 | Wappoo Cut Boat Landing, Tranquil Dr, Charleston, SC, 29412, United States
Get muddy for conservation! Join Lowcountry Land Trust and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for an oyster reef deployment.
Volunteers will work together to load pre-filled bags of oyster shells onto a boat at Wappoo Cut Boat Landing. From there, the oysters and volunteers will travel by boat to the deployment site, where volunteers will create an assembly line to place the oyster shell bags into a reef formation along the shoreline.
Date: July 24, 2025
Time: 12 to 3pm
Location: Wappoo Cut Boat Landing; Tranquil Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Oyster reef deployments are placed along muddy shorelines that will benefit from an oyster reef. During the summertime, microscopic baby oysters (called spat) travel throughout salt marsh waterways, searching for a hard substrate to land on and begin growing. By deploying these oyster reefs in vulnerable areas, we encourage wild oyster reef growth in the areas that need it most by giving spat a place to land and grow. Oyster reefs are an essential building block of the salt marsh ecosystem, adding stability and habitat and filtering the waterways we love.
Oyster reef deployments are a blast, but they are labor-intensive! Please be prepared to repeatedly lift and carry 20 to 40-pound bags of oysters while standing in pluff mud. Teamwork truly makes the dream work – this is an excellent opportunity to make new friends and work together!
Gloves, arm protection, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water refill station will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle, and arrive hydrated. We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes that can get muddy (no sandals), shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, and hats. Advance registration is required. See you in the marsh!

Angel Oak Cleanup
2025-07-30 09:30 - 10:30 | Angel Oak Preserve, 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
Join Lowcountry Land Trust for an Angel Oak Preserve cleanup! In addition to helping clean up this iconic site, attendees will enjoy a sneak peek of the future Angel Oak Preserve nature trails and have the opportunity to connect with Samantha Siegel, Lowcountry Land Trust’s Angel Oak Preserve Director. After a brief presentation about the future Angel Oak Preserve, Samantha will join us as we clean up the property.
Date: Wednesday, July 30
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Protecting the Angel Oak has always been a community project, and cleanups like these ensure that the we can all enjoy a litter-free environment while protecting the tree and its surrounding ecosystem. With newly cleared trails leading into the future preserve, it’s also a great opportunity to care for these spaces early on, encouraging responsible use and long-term stewardship. Bring a friend, your neighbors, or your business team and help us clean up this community site!
Advance registration is required. All cleanup supplies will be provided. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and long sleeves and pants are encouraged. Attendees can expect a light stroll, under one mile, on gravel and natural trails. Onsite restrooms will be available. See you at the Angel Oak!

Caw Caw Interpretive Center Bird Walk
2025-09-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy South, Ravenel, SC 29470, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
This event is sold out. Be sure to check out our other upcoming events!
Lowcountry Land Trust recently added 35 acres to Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel with the permanent protection of Holly Grove. Thanks to strategic collaboration with Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the 35-acre Holly Grove conservation easement expands public access to nature, enhances water quality, and ensures the long-term conservation of vital habitats in one of Charleston County’s most ecologically and recreationally valuable public spaces.
To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a guided bird walk at Caw Caw Interpretive Center! Led by Master Naturalist Keith McCullough (CCPRC), we will fuel our souls observing and learning about the diverse avian species that call this area home. From wetlands to woodlands, both amateur and advanced bird watchers will have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse habitats of Caw Caw Interpretive Center, identifying an array of species along the way.
Date: September 18, 2025
Location: Caw Caw Interpretive Center
5200 Savannah Hwy South, Ravenel, SC 29470
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 am
Tickets: $10/person
Space is limited, and advance registration is required! We encourage wearing comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bringing along binoculars, a camera, and preferred field guides. All experience levels are welcome, and the guided walk will move at a leisurely pace. On-site restrooms will be available.

Clays Shooting 101 hosted by Norton & Hodges
2025-09-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Kiawah Island Sporting Club, 3345 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
In anticipation of the 2025 Sporting Clays Shoot, sportswomen are invited to join a hands-on Clays Shooting 101 event sponsored by Norton & Hodges. Led by Elizabeth Fennell, a National Sporting Clays Association Level III Instructor, this ladies-only small group lesson is a great way to familiarize yourself with the sport alongside like-minded sportswomen. Tickets include a shotgun rental (if needed) and shells, professional and personalized instruction by Elizabeth, and a small gift from Norton & Hodges.
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 10 am or 1 pm start time
Location: Kiawah Island Sporting Club
Spaces are limited, and advance registration is required!
Learn more about the annual Sporting Clays Shoot, presented by Norfolk Southern, and the third annual Ladies’ Shoot & Luncheon, presented by Garden & Gun, at this link.

Yoga at the Angel Oak
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Angel Oak Preserve, 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
Join Lowcountry Land Trust for a rejuvenating morning of yoga at the historic Angel Oak. This one-hour guided session, led by Johns Island yoga instructor Lauren Frye of Wild Things Yoga, is open to all skill levels and will focus on relaxation, breath work, and gentle stretching. We’re excited to invite you to take this mid-week opportunity to practice mindfulness and movement in the tranquil, natural setting of the future Angel Oak Preserve.

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Location: Angel Oak
3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Tickets: $10/person

Please plan to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Restrooms will be available on site. Spaces are limited – register now to secure your spot!

Clays Shooting 101 hosted by Norton + Hodges
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Kiawah Island Sporting Club, 3345 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC, 29455, United States
In anticipation of the 2025 Sporting Clays Shoot, sportswomen are invited to join a hands-on Clays Shooting 101 event sponsored by Norton + Hodges. Led by Elizabeth Lanier-Fennell, a National Sporting Clays Association Level III Instructor, this ladies-only small group lesson is a great way to familiarize yourself with the sport alongside like-minded sportswomen. Tickets include a shotgun rental (if needed) and shells, professional and personalized instruction by Elizabeth, and a small gift from Norton & Hodges.
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 10 am
Location: Kiawah Island Sporting Club
Spaces are limited, and advance registration is required!
Learn more about the annual Sporting Clays Shoot, presented by Norfolk Southern, and the third annual Ladies’ Shoot & Luncheon, presented by Garden & Gun, at this link.
