On Thursday, March 6, Lowcountry Land Trust hosted its annual Longleaf Society Conservation Celebration. While this event is always highly anticipated, honoring the sustaining support of the Land Trust’s Longleaf Society Members and highlighting the prior year’s conservation wins and easement donors, this year’s celebration was unparalleled as it also served as a farewell to Lowcountry Land Trust’s longtime President & CEO, Ashley Demosthenes. Ashley will begin her new role leading the Land Trust Alliance on March 17, marking a monumental new chapter in her career as she heads to the national stage.
The impact of Ashley’s fearless leadership was evident as her family, Land Trust staff of past and present, community partners, landowners, and Longleaf Society members gathered to honor, celebrate, and raise a glass to not only the organization’s 2024 successes but also a decade of Ashley’s leadership in conservation.
Chief Conservation Officer David Ray led the program highlighting the conservation projects completed in 2024. An unprecedented $11.7 million was awarded to land conservation projects, and Lowcountry Land Trust protected 2,362 acres across 9 projects. After acknowledging the year’s monumental success and new easement donors, David honored Ashley with a heartfelt toast and opened the floor to those who also wanted to share their sentiments.
Bob Baldwin, Mike Prevost, Bob Perry, Ann Kulze, Bradford Marshall, and Ethel Bunch took the stage to share personal sentiments and gratitude for Ashley’s impact on conservation in the Lowcountry. Ashley’s husband and kids ended the program by sharing their support and admiration for her.
Longleaf Society members have a special connection to Ashley as a fellow South Carolinian, champion of the Lowcountry, colleague, and friend. Their sustaining giving history and strong appreciation for the Lowcountry where she was born and raised have fostered these shared values and longstanding commitment in the name of conservation.
It was a privilege to celebrate the Land Trust’s successful 2024 alongside the friends, family, and partners we hold near and dear. The evening was a true demonstration of the power of collaboration, innovation, and community. While bittersweet, Ashley’s legacy leaves Lowcountry Land Trust stronger than ever, poised for continued growth and success. As Ashley would say – Rock N’ Roll!
