Nonprofit acquires 94-acre Johns Island property for farmland advocacy

A nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Lowcountry’s landscapes and waterways has acquired Grayson Oaks, a 94-acre Johns Island property. 

Lowcountry Land Trust’s purchase was intended to address South Carolina’s “agricultural land loss crisis,” according to a news release from Lowcountry Land Trust. The property includes farmland, wildlife habitat and scenic views, as well as an active farm under a lease to local regenerative farmers. 

“Protecting the Grayson Oaks property reflects our commitment to conserving working land and expanding access to natural spaces,” Natalie Olson, sea islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust, said in the release. “We look forward to seeing what the future of this property holds and hope it serves as a catalyst for continued momentum in land conservation on Johns Island and across the Lowcountry.”  

Funds for the purchase included $2.9 million from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, $600,000 from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and a property sale discount of $500,000 by the former landowner, according to the release. 

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The nonprofit plans to create walking trails and host events on the property while it serves as an active farm, the release said. The events include field trips and farm stands to educate about sustainable farming practices. 

Prior to Lowcountry Land Trust’s purchase, the plan for the property was to build more than 50 houses and a burn debris site, according to the release.