Charleston County protects 1,781 acres with Greenbelt funds

More than 1,781 acres throughout Charleston County will now be protected after Charleston County Council approved $5 million in funding from the Transportation Sales Tax.  

According to a news release, the 10 approved projects through Adams Run, Johns Island, Ravenel, Edisto Island and McClellanville will be a part of the county’s Greenbelt programs. The projects will aim to preserve greenspace, improve wildlife habitats, mitigate flooding and protect other natural resources.  

“The Greenbelt Program remains one of Charleston County’s greatest success stories, protecting the natural landscapes that define our region while expanding opportunities for residents to enjoy them,” Kylon Middleton, Charleston County Council chairman, said in the release. “With every acre we preserve, we strengthen our quality of life today and safeguard the beauty and character of the Lowcountry for generations to come.” 

The projects contribute to 26,000 acres the greenbelt program has helped since beginning in 2004. 

Charleston County said the approved projects and details include:  

• Montgomery Tract Rural Conservation Easement 

• • 311.8 acres located off Rutledge Road in the Town of McClellanville 

• • $460,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $1,064,000 applicant match 

• • The project builds on conservation efforts in the Santee Basin Area and is contiguous or near other protected lands, creating an extensive wildlife hub and scenic views entering Charleston County 

• • Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust 

• Atlantic Creosote II Conservation Easement 

• • 1,129 acres located off Highway 17 and Rutledge Road in the Town of McClellanville 

• • $922,500 in Greenbelt funds with a $2,477,500 applicant match 

• • The property is contiguous with the 1,445-acre Atlantic Creosote Tract in the Francis Marion National Forest, which was acquired with Greenbelt funds in 2020 and contributes to an expansive wildlife corridor. 

• • Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust 

• Palmetto Terrace Park 

• • 23.9 acres located off Glifton Road in the Town of Ravenel 

• • $276,600 in Greenbelt funds with a $76,800 applicant match 

• • The property will be used as a public park, featuring passive nature observation areas, a picnic shelter, pervious parking, and a boardwalk through the freshwater swamp. The boardwalk will also serve as a pedestrian connection between a future affordable housing development and the park. 

• • Applicant: Town of Ravenel 

• Betsy Kerrison Nature Trail Phase V 

• • 10.7 acres located off Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island 

• • $1,614,150 in Greenbelt funds with a $2,468,000 applicant match 

• • The applicant has completed the acquisition of Phases 2-4 of the Betsy Kerrison Nature Trail project. Phase 5 will be the final parcel, serving primarily as a natural buffer from the higher-traffic areas, and will include low-impact walking trails and public access. 

• • Applicant: Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy 

• Edisto Island Museum Rural Conservation Easement  

• • 9.6 acres located off Hwy 174 and Chisolm Plantation Road near the Edisto Island Museum 

• • $85,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $117,000 applicant match 

• • In addition to limiting development of the site in perpetuity, this conservation easement will help to create additional public access infrastructure on the property. 

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust 

• Small Springs Scenic Buffer 

• • 1.5 acres located off Highway 174 on Edisto Island 

• • $55,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $28,250 applicant match 

• • This project will serve primarily as a scenic buffer along the National Scenic Byway with the potential for future public access in partnership with the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.  

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust 

• Macxy Farm Nature Preserve 

• • 51.7 acres located off Highway 174 on Edisto Island 

• • $994,550 in Greenbelt funds with a $755,450 applicant match 

• • Approximately 70 percent of the acreage will be open to the public, providing nature trails, environmental education opportunities, and gathering space. The remaining acreage will be designated for sustainable crop production and conservation-aligned agricultural efforts by local and beginner farmers. 

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust 

• Cedar Hall Scenic Buffer 

• • 3.1 acres located off Highway 174 on Edisto Island 

• • $65,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $33,171 applicant match 

• • This project will serve as a scenic buffer along the National Scenic Byway, completing the protection of a Live Oak tunnel. The Greenbelt Program has funded several projects directly across from this parcel,including the Keef-Kinlaw Scenic Buffer, Knox Kinlaw Conservation Easement, and Keefe Farm Conservation Easement. 

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust 

• Polk Flynn Rural Conservation Easement 

• • 136.7 acres on the corner of Highway 174 and Old Jacksonboro Road near Adams Run 

• • $340,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $635,000 applicant match 

• • The easement will protect from potential future residential development nearby. 

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust 

• Preachers Pond Rural Conservation Easement Greenbelt Project 

• • 103.1 acres located off Preacher Road near Adams Run 

• • $145,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $225,000 applicant match 

• • The property is contiguous with the Be Haven Conservation Easement, previously funded by the Greenbelt Program. 

• • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust