Since 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 163,000 acres primarily through the acquisition of conservation easements. Conservation easements are a legal agreement entered into voluntarily by both the landowner and Land Trust. Within the easement is a promise, fulfilled by both parties, to protect land forever. The land remains the property of the landowner, and the easement stays with the land, regardless of sale or inheritance.

Lowcountry Land Trust has the ability to purchase land outright through a fee-simple acquisition. In select and highly strategic cases, Lowcountry Land Trust has exercised this tool in order to get ahead of an impending threat or as an offset for environmental impacts associated with economic development projects. While many of the lands we protect are privately owned, some are purchased by us and made publicly-accessible, such as the Angel Oak Preserve. These ambassador sites emphasize the importance of accessibility of South Carolina’s land and water and elevate the relevancy of conservation to the community.