We anticipate we could begin construction of the Preserve in early 2025. 

We are beginning the Schematic Design phase, where we will further develop drawings that describe the character, materials, right-sizing, and layout of the design elements (including structures) along with further developing the interpretive pieces. Schematic Design is the opportunity to zoom in and work out any conflicts between design features, ultimately fine tuning the design to meet the project needs. This phase could take roughly 3-4 months. 

After Schematic Design, we will begin Design Development and Construction Documentation and Permitting. In this phase, we will create technical drawings that the contractors will use to build and which will be submitted to the appropriate government agencies for permitting. 

The time it takes to obtain necessary permits has the most variability. We will be sure to keep the public up to date after each step.

Lowcountry Land Trust is grateful for the support and leadership of the local community and particularly would like to thank South Carolina Representative Leon Stavrinakis for securing $3 million in foundational funding for the Angel Oak Preserve. The project’s total cost is expected to be $8 million, and fundraising efforts are currently underway. To donate, visit give.lowcountrylandtrust.org/Angel-Oak-Preserve

Our intention is for the Angel Oak to be open and free to the public. We are exploring different financial models for long-term operations.

Yes. The Welcome Center Pavilion will orient and provide visitors with the first impression of the Angel Oak Preserve. It will also provide restrooms, an information kiosk, and a gift shop. A forested drive buffering the parking from Bohicket Road will create a sense of arrival and immersion into the forest as visitors arrive at the parking lot.

The Welcome Center is envisioned to link to the Preserve’s network of trails connecting the site’s cultural and ecological features with the Angel Oak. A Nature Play Area located in close proximity to the Welcome Center will allow for ease of access to its amenities and parking.

To protect the Angel Oak’s root system, the conceptual designs relocate parking away from the tree. The new parking area will be located at the Welcome Center Pavillion – an estimated 5 minute walk along an ADA accessible trail.

The current Angel Oak gift shop is located on top of the roots of the Angel Oak tree. At the new Angel Oak Preserve, the gift shop will be a part of the Welcome Center Pavilion near the parking lot.

Yes. The Angel Oak Preserve will include a nature play area for children so that they can climb, explore, and play in a safe environment. Family-friendly programming may also be available.

Yes. Miles of boardwalks and trails will provide universal access to the preserve while protecting the more fragile ecologies. Interpretative moments will allow for opportunities to learn about the site’s historic hydrologic connectivity and the rich ecology that has shaped so much of Johns Island.

The main trails will be 12 feet wide. Secondary trails will be 8 – 10 feet wide. The Angel Oak Trail leading guests to the tree will be 12 – 16 feet wide to allow for seating areas and larger groups of people. 

There will be approximately 2.3 miles of main and secondary trails. 1.6 miles of these trails will meet City of Charleston ADA compliance codes.

This will be further studied during the Schematic Design phase. We want to ensure the trails are as accessible as possible and minimize impermeable surfaces for the health and stability of the Angel Oak tree and its surrounding Preserve.

Bicycles are not currently permitted at Angel Oak Park. The current conceptual designs do not allow for bicycle traffic but do include bicycle parking at some entrances.

Yes. During the Angel Oak Preserve conceptual design process, a historic site map revealed the location of three cabins of enslaved people, as well as a plantation house and oak alleé. The rendered design proposes this as a critical moment for revealing the site’s layered history to visitors. Along the Preserve’s boardwalks and trails, visitors will have the opportunity to understand and interpret the history of the enslaved people and their contributions to the Johns Island community.

In order to create a better visitor experience, we are working with the City of Charleston, Charleston County, and neighbors of Angel Oak Road to explore closing the road to vehicular traffic (resident and emergency vehicles only).

A vital aspect of the Preserve’s design is increased accessibility alongside the protection of the Angel Oak, its extensive root system, and surrounding plant communities. Angel Oak Park is currently enclosed by a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire, and a yellow chain encircles the tree to prevent close access. The tree has been threatened by vandalism, and its long-term security is a priority as we transition the property into a 44-acre preserve. The tree currently receives as many as 400,000 visitors annually.

Therefore, threshold pavilions on both sides of Angel Oak Trail could double as a potential timed-entry kiosk. If utilized, visitors to the Angel Oak would need to register for a time slot for their visit to the tree on busy days so that the root system and security staff will be able to handle it. We do not anticipate charging for entry.

Our intention is to replace the current chain link fence with an alternative fence that has a larger perimeter, allows for further branch growth, is visually appealing, and highly secure. Our hope is that it will enhance the visitor experience while still ensuring the safety of the tree.

The conceptual design does not include a perimeter fence around the entire Preserve.

In the Schematic Design phase, we will work with the Department of Transportation to identify necessary road adjustments based on the location of the Preserve’s parking entrance and Welcome Center Pavilion.

No, we will have micro bioretention at several locations that respond to the design, stormwater needs and the preserve’s ecological context. The traditional style retention pond you see in developments will not be used here.

We are finalizing operation details with the City of Charleston. We anticipate park hours will remain the same as they are now.