Work Commences on Lowcountry Land Trust Headquarters and Conservation Center in Charleston

Work Commences on Lowcountry Land Trust Headquarters and Conservation Center in Charleston

Historic progress is taking shape in Charleston, as work commences on the Lowcountry Center for Conservation. This facility will serve as the new headquarters for the Lowcountry Land Trust. The center, per a news release, will be situated next to the new Old Towne Creek County Park.

Boosting Land Conservation Efforts

The new development will serve as a linchpin for the Land Trust’s overarching mission focused on land conservation. The center will provide dedicated space for local conservation endeavors and enable community partners to collaborate. In addition, it will house the Trust’s education and outreach initiatives.

The Inspirational Vision Behind the Project

The project’s inception was driven by the vision of Emily Ravenel Farrow, a conservationist, historian, and equestrian. Farrow had a deep appreciation for her 55-acre suburban sanctuary known as Ashem Farm. She visualized the farm as the permanent home of the Lowcountry Land Trust, transforming it into an ambassador site for conservation that showcases its natural beauty.

With Farrow’s resounding approval, the Land Trust proposed the long-term stewardship and ownership of Ashem Farm to the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC). After successfully finalizing the sale of the property to CCPRC in September 2011, the Land Trust retained rights to four acres of Ashem Farm, which they bought in 2017. The remaining 51 acres will serve as the future home of the Old Towne Creek County Park.

Partnership with Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission

The partnership with CCPRC was a crucial step in the realization of this project. Kevin Bowie, the executive director of CCPRC, said that the commission shares a great partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust. As they are now about to become neighboring entities on one of the most stunning green spaces in the area, their bond is only set to strengthen.

Eye on the Future

Even as the Lowcountry Center for Conservation slowly begins to materialize, the Land Trust is already looking at the bigger picture. This new headquarters will meet the future’s needs and will become the pivotal space for launching the Trust’s education and outreach programs and convening partners in conservation and community.

A Pivotal Moment for All

The Lowcountry Center for Conservation’s groundbreaking ceremony reflects an important moment, not only for the organization but also for the alliances that foster successful local conservation initiatives. According to Ashley Demosthenes, president and CEO of the Lowcountry Land Trust, the new headquarters will honor Emily Ravenel Farrow’s legacy and offer an opportunity to expand conservation efforts and engage the community in meaningful ways.

About Lowcountry Land Trust

The Lowcountry Land Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving significant and vulnerable landscapes and ecosystems in South Carolina’s coastal plain. Their work helps to maintain the ecological, agricultural, cultural, and historical value of these sensitive areas, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the region’s rich natural heritage.