Land Stewardship

LAND STEWARDSHIP

Lowcountry Land Trust’s stewardship team has the primary responsibility for monitoring and supporting compliance with Lowcountry Land Trust’s 565+ conservation easements and fee-simple lands. This work is completed annually for each property to uphold the Land Trust Accreditation Commission’s indicator elements.

MEET THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM

Stewardship Program Director

Kathy Kowalchick

Kathy oversees the monitoring of all LLT conservation easements and management of LLT’s owned lands. She brings two decades of experience to LLT working in conservation, education, and environmental fields. Her past job roles have included working with nonprofits and local and state governments, with her most recent position being with DHEC’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management as a compliance project manager. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, both from the College of Charleston.

Stewardship Associate

Sam Haile

Sam Haile (he/him) is an environmental and land protection advocate passionate about creating opportunities for outdoor education and recreation and preserving the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. A graduate of Clemson University (BS), he currently serves as Land Stewardship Associate at Lowcountry Land Trust. Sam has worked with various nonprofit and government organizations, including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He has helped them educate the public and expand their missions to conserve and protect critical coastal resources. He finds joy in surfing on Folly Beach, running, and being outside with his friends and family whenever he gets the chance.

Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

Sydney Cook

Sydney is an attorney with extensive leadership experience advising nonprofit organizations on conservation policy, advocacy, and strategic matters. In her role, she ensures the permanence of Lowcountry Land Trust’s protected lands, effectively working to resolve conservation easement compliance issues when applicable. Sydney holds a Bachelor of History from Colby College, a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah.

COMMUNITY-ACCESSIBLE, PROTECTED LAND

Collective Action and Conservation Strategy at Beefield Community Park

In 2023, Lowcountry Land Trust introduced the Beefield Community Park, an initiative led by the Battery...

Avenue of Oaks Park

Lowcountry Land Trust accepted this land donation from Crescent Homes in 2018. The “Avenue of Oaks Park”...

Marsh View Trail & Pollinator Garden

Marsh View Trail transitions from southern pines into maritime forests with large oaks and rewarding...

Station 19

This 3.1-acre property is permanently protected and serves as both a public green space and an access...

Magnolia Park & Community Garden

The 3.7-acre property known as Magnolia Park and Community Garden is located in West Ashley and is a...

Phillips Community

This 3.84-acre wooded lot was purchased through the Charleston County Urban Greenbelt Program and ownership...

Conch Creek Island

Lowcountry Land Trust purchased 398 acres between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, called Conch...

Candy's Cove at Shemwood II

In January 2013 the Town of Mount Pleasant transferred title of this 2-acre wooded lot to the Shemwood...

View our Official Landowner Guide (Click above Image)

HELP US CONSERVE MORE LAND

By working together with community leaders, private landowners, businesses, and other conservation organizations, we can protect the open landscapes and waterways that are essential for agriculture, forestry, wildlife habitat, resilient infrastructure, and recreational enjoyment.

Easements are not one-size-fits-all. Lowcountry Land Trust’s primary strategic priority is to protect properties highly significant to rural landscapes, urbanizing communities, and the Lowcountry’s sense of place.