Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the designation of $8,556,750 from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program to support eight transformative conservation projects that will safeguard cultural heritage, enhance public access to green spaces, and protect vital ecosystems across Charleston County forever.
In collaboration with public entities, civic organizations, and private landowners, all eight properties are slated for permanent protection by June 2025. From the Stono River to the Santee River, we invite you to read more about each Lowcountry Land Trust conservation project supported by Charleston County’s Greenbelt Program.
Holly Grove
Project Type: Fee-Simple Holding
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $2,090,000
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is providing $110,000 for the land purchase.
Highlights: This tract will add 35 acres to the renowned Caw Caw Interpretive County Park in Ravenel, enhancing public access to nature with new water amenities and a key connection to the area’s blue trail system via Tea Farm Creek. The purchase and protection of this property is further supported by Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPRC) and will allow the East Coast Greenway to bypass a high-risk stretch of Highway 17, improving safety for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Red Top Park
Project Type: Community Lands
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $580,000
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Applied for $100,000 from SC Conservation Bank in October.
Highlights: Led by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, this park will be a permanent public green space in Charleston County’s historic Red Top Community. Once home to a Rosenwald School, this culturally significant site will offer outdoor education opportunities and preserve the legacy of the community’s history and century-long relationship with the land.
Oscar’s Place
Project Type: Conservation Easement
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $300,000 (plus reimbursement of costs)
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Applied for $80,000 from SC Conservation Bank in October.
Highlights: This conservation easement will protect nearly 50 acres on Johns Island, preserving forests, wetlands, open fields, and a freshwater pond while supporting traditional rural land uses. Adjacent to CCPRC’s Johns Island County Park, the property also hosts the annual and international Jamboree-On-The-Air Scout event, fostering youth engagement with nature and outdoor skills.
Grayson Oaks
Project Type: Fee-Simple Holding
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $2,900,000 (plus reimbursement of costs)
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Secured $600,000 from the SC Conservation Bank earlier this year.
Highlights: This 94-acre farm on Johns Island provides scenic vistas and wildlife habitat. Protecting the property will also help address South Carolina’s agricultural land loss crisis, as the Land Trust plans to lease to a local farmer while also offering a variety of public green space access opportunities via walking trails and events.
Main Road Park
Project Type: Fee-Simple Holding
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $1,666,750 (plus reimbursement of costs)
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Charleston County Greenbelt funds covered the entire purchase price, which the landowner sold to us for $283,250 under market value.
Highlights: This land will transform 40 acres on Johns Island into a multi-use recreational space, bolstering the urban growth boundary and protecting wetlands and forests. The site will eventually be managed by Barrier Islands Little League, offering a blend of nature and team sports opportunities for Charleston-area families.
Farm at McClellanville
Project Type: Conservation Easement
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $20,000
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: N/A
Highlights: Thanks to the landowner’s generosity and public-mindedness, this 5.5-acre conservation easement in McClellanville will preserve connected, open space between the town’s greenway and the in-progress Carolina Seafood project, enhancing scenic quality and public access opportunities.
Carolina Seafood
Project Type: Fee-Simple Holding
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $700,000
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: Secured $150,000 from the SC Conservation Bank earlier this year.
Highlights: This project in McClellanville will preserve the Town’s scenic gateway along US Highway 17 and will become a publicly accessible green space managed by the Town of McClellanville. The effort aligns with the its comprehensive plan and showcases sustainable stewardship inspired by local leadership.
Fairfield II
Project Type: Conservation Easement
Chs Co. Greenbelt Funds Awarded: $300,000
Other Funding Sources Secured or Anticipated: N/A
Highlights: This conservation easement will protect 254 acres along the South Santee River and US Highway 17, preserving unbroken scenic views and critical wildlife habitat. Owned by descendants of the Pinckney family since 1784, the new easement adjoins 480 acres already protected by the family, ensuring that Fairfield’s natural and historic integrity will endure forever.
Want to protect your land or learn more about the process? Contact our conservation team, hear from other landowners, or read our official landowner guide today!
