Conservation Easement
145.52 acres (0.27 acres marsh)
Funded by the Charleston County Greenbelt Program
The Edisto Island Community Recreation Area is a community conservation project that seeks to preserve farmland and wildlife habitat while providing the opportunity for the creation of necessary infrastructure for the residents of Edisto Island. The property was purchased by the non-profit, Edisto Island Youth Recreation (EIYR), with funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program in order to secure a location to build community recreation facilities for the residents of Edisto Island. As part of the conditions for the Greenbelt grant, EIYR donated a conservation easement on the property to EIOLT which designates and protects over three-quarters of the property as working agricultural lands, riparian wetlands, and wildlife habitat. The property is currently undeveloped and mostly consists of crop fields, which are actively farmed by a local farmer, and forested riparian corridors that provide valuable ecosystem services and support a wide diversity of wildlife.
A small portion of the farmland will be developed by EIYR to provide a gymnasium, playground, ball fields, walking trails, and other recreational amenities for the residents of Edisto Island. The Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission and Charleston County Library have partnered with EIYR to facilitate the effort and explore the possibility of building a public library on the site. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust is working closely with these partners to protect the conservation values of the property and minimize the environmental impacts of these much needed amenities for the Island.
Check out EIYR’s website and Facebook page to learn about their youth programs and how you can help volunteer!
Click here for more details and progress updates on the Community Recreation Area.
