Edisto Island Septic Improvement and Assistance Workshop
2024-03-20 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Jane Edwards Elementary School, 1960 Jane Edwards Road, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
The Edisto Island Open Land Trust is proud to announce that our Septic Improvement Program has relaunched and is now accepting applications. As water quality concerns begin to rise, we realize that failing septic systems can be a contributing factor. Bacterial pollution can play a major role in the closure of local shellfish beds, as they are associated with these water quality issues.

To address the issue of worsening water quality in our rivers and creeks, EIOLT partnered with Clemson Extension in developing the Edisto Island Watershed-Based Plan. The Septic Improvement Program is the first step within this plan, to educate Edisto Island Residents on regular Septic System Maintenance and to provide financial assistance for repairs to all Edisto Island residents who qualify.

Our first water quality workshop will
be held in the Jane Edwards Cafeteria on
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided.
This Program is administered by the Edisto Island Open Land Trust and funded by Coastal Community Foundation’s Healthy Harbors Fund, Charleston County’s Community Investment Fund, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as made possible by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Legacy Live Oak Ceremony and Reception
2024-05-05 14:00 - 17:00 | Indigo Farms, 2944 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Please join us under the oaks at Indigo Farm for a brief ceremony celebrating the Legacy Live Oak Park memorials and honorees
from the past year.

A reception with light refreshments will follow.
This event is free and we welcome everyone to celebrate
the connection between our lives and nature.
Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Indigo Farm
2944 Highway 174

Shifting Sands of the Carolinas: Coastal Geomorphology
2024-05-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Hello all!
You likely know that our coastlines are constantly being changed by the impacts of the tides, winds, and waves? But, do you know why, and how these changes are impacting our barrier and sea islands?
Join us at the Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, May 9th at 10:30 A.M. for a lecture on Coastal Geomorphology from Charleston to Edisto, you must be RSVP’d to attend this event. The talk will focus on the evolution of South Carolina coast from Charleston to Edisto Beach, covering the physical processes that affect coastal geology dynamics, historical records and trends, and modern drivers of change. Katie Luciano is a Coastal Geologist with the South Carolina Geological Survey, and will be leading this lecture and able to answer all of your questions about the migration of barrier islands.
Reservations are required as space is limited to only 35 people, so RSVP by email to deborah@edisto.org
See you there!

EIOLT at TurtleFest!
2024-06-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Edisto Beach Civic Center, 42, Station Court, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Artist Louise Britton working on a sponsored Turtle for The Edisto Island Open Land Trust in 2022
The Edisto Island Open Land Trust will be tabling at the 3rd Annual TurtleFest & Turtle Tide Art Reveal! This amazing event, hosted by the Edisto Chamber of Commerce, is wonderful for families to bring in turtle season with fun, exhibits, arts & crafts, live animals, food vendors, and more! Mark your calendars for Saturday June 1st, 2024.
Our Education Outreach Team will be tabling at the event between 10AM and 1PM- stop by our table to hear about all that we are doing on Edisto and how you can get involved!

I Love Edisto 2024 Online Auction
2024-10-18 17:00 - 2024-10-20 17:00 | SC
October, 18th at 5pm to October, 20th at 5pm
Amazing experiences and one-of-a-kind items!
Please register on GiveSmart if you have not already and please peruse the preview of this years items.

EIOLT Annual Oyster Roast
2024-11-10 12:30 - 17:00 | Sand Creek Farms, 3101 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Edisto Island Open Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Pre-Party 12:30 – 2 PM
Oyster Roast Starts @ 2 PM
Sand Creek Farm
3101 Highway 174

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

Title Sponsor:

Pre-Party Sponsor:

Tom Austin Author Talk
2025-02-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Edisto Island Library, 1589 HWY 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Join Tom Austin, Director of Land Conservation with EIOLT, as he discusses his newly released book, The Flora & Fauna of Edisto Island and the Lowcountry Sea Islands! We’ll explore some of the most fascinating and overlooked plants and animals of the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

Water Quality Workshop
2025-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Jane Edwards Elementary School, 1960 Jane Edwards Road, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Water plays a huge role in all of our lives on Edisto Island. But, did you know, 70% of Edisto Island’s creeks are contaminated with fecal bacteria pollution? That’s not good!
The Edisto Island Watershed Plan identified failing septic systems as a likely major cause of bacteria pollution and excessive erosion as another widespread issue. But the Plan also has solutions for these issues.
Join us at this workshop to learn what we all can do to fix this!

Pollinator Gardening with Roots and Shoots Nursery
2025-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Grow your own “field of dreams.” Have you ever dreamed of a flutter perfect pollinator garden in your own yard? Some say “Plant it and they will come.” Yet, you feel stymied by questions of what to plant, where to place your garden and how to maintain it?
Dave Manger, owner of Roots and Shoots Nursery, is here to answer all your pollinator gardening questions! He’ll introduce you to a stunning lineup of pollinator-friendly plants that will bring your garden to life with vibrant blooms and buzzing visitors. Not only will you enjoy the beauty of flowers, butterflies, and bees, but you’ll also be creating essential habitat for these important creatures. And the best part? Many of these plants return year after year, making your garden both beautiful and low-maintenance!

Great American Cleanup
2025-03-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Presbyterian Church, 2164 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Keep Edisto Beautiful is hosting a volunteer roadside clean up event, and we need you!
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.
An RSVP is required to help ensure we have enough lunches and equipment, if you would like to attend please contact Kimberly at kim@edisto.org

30th Anniversary Party
2025-04-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Bay Creek Park, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
EIOLT is celebrating 30 years, and we are having a party! Join us April 5th at Bay Creek Park on Edisto Beach. There will be food, drinks, music, and more! Spend the afternoon celebrating with us, and learning more ways we can work together to preserve the future of Edisto Island. This event is open to the public, all ages invited.

Exotic Invasive Plant Management Classroom Presentation followed by "hands-on" field day
2025-04-22 09:00 | Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Invasive weeds are the second-greatest threat to biodiversity and ecosystems after human-caused habitat destruction. -SC Native Plant Society
Lurking in many of our landscapes are presumably “lovely” plants that have escaped and are wreaking havoc on our ecosystem. Just who these bad players are and how to help contain them will be presented by our Clemson University Cooperative Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Team. Join us for a brief overview of the environmental threat of invasive plant species in our SC Coastal Zone. The indoor presentation will be followed by a hands-on field day. Techniques of physical species removal control and targeted herbicide use are to be presented. After the presentation, we will head to the untamed fields behind the Hutchinson House to tackle some invasive species and practice our new control techniques.
Bring a snack and a water bottle! Gloves, long sleeves and long pants are recommended.
Space is limited if interested please email Kimberly at kim@edisto.org to reserve your spot.

Author Talk With Tom Austin
2025-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Colleton Museum, 506 E Washington St, Walterboro, 29488, United States
Join us for an author talk with Tom Austin. Writer of The Flora and Fauna of Edisto Island will be at the Colleton Museum to sign and discuss his new book.

Living Shoreline Grants with Susanna Hopkins
2025-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Join the Education Outreach Committee of the EIOLT for a presentation on the “Living
Shoreline Community Assistance Program” sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and NOAA.
Susanna Hopkins, the Resilience Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy will bring her
expertise to share information about this new grant for coastal communities.
The Living Shorelines Community Assistance Program application is now live and available to
SC coastal residents who qualify, Grants provide fully permitted and professionally designed
living shorelines to prevent erosion and restore salt marsh on private and community
properties.
Living Shorelines protect communities from shoreline erosion from waves and storms and
stabilize marsh edges by promoting marsh growth. They are low maintenance and be easily
repaired after storms. They relate marine habitat for oysters, crabs, shrimp, fish birds and
other wildlife.

Environmental Learning Center, Tuesday, August 26 at 10:00 AM
Space is Limited Please RSVP by following Link. As a friendly reminder if you book a spot and something comes up please let us know so we can make sure to have your spot filled by someone waiting. Thanks!
https://signup.com/go/ALbfcdM

Follow this link to learn more about the grant program. scor.sc.gov/TNC-CAP

I Love Edisto 2025 Online Auction
2025-10-24 12:00 - 2025-10-26 15:00 | SC
October, 24th at 12pm to October, 26th at 3pm
Amazing experiences and one-of-a-kind items!
Please register on GiveSmart if you have not already and please peruse the preview of this years items.
Check out the items for preview here:
https://EdistoAuction25.givesmart.com/

EIOLT Annual Oyster Roast
2025-11-09 | Sand Creek Farms, 3101 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
SOLD OUT!

____________
Edisto Island Open Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Pre-Party 12:30 – 2 PM
Oyster Roast Starts @ 2 PM
Sand Creek Farm
3101 Highway 174

What’s In Our Water? Tracking Bacteria and Turbidity to Better Understand Water Quality across Edisto Island
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:30 | St. Frederick Catholic Church, 544 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Join the Edisto Island Open Land Trust Education Committee on Tuesday, December 2 at 2:00 PM for a presentation on water quality on Edisto.
This event will be held at the Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, 544 Highway 174, Edisto Island.

“What’s In Our Water? Tracking Bacteria and Turbidity to Better Understand Water Quality across Edisto Island”

Dr. Amy Scaroni, Assistant Professor at Clemson’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, will be joined by Brynne Summer, master’s student in Clemson’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, and Dr. Stefanie Whitmire, Assistant Professor at Clemson’s Baruch Institute.

Their research team has been conducting water quality sampling in numerous creeks and waterways surrounding Edisto for nearly two years. The research has amassed a lot of data that is now being studied and aggregated. The research team is ready to share some preliminary results with Edisto residents. Water quality affects everyone and this is a unique opportunity to discover what it could mean for all of us.

Tom Austin, Director of Land Conservation with EIOLT, will also give an update on the Septic System Improvement Program and how homeowners can apply in 2026 to repair a failed septic system.

Store Creek Corner Open House
2026-01-15 15:00 - 19:00 | Store Creek Corner
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the open house. We were thrilled by the turnout and encouraged by the support, questions, and thoughtful ideas shared about the future of this property. Hearing possibilities ranging from office and event spaces to community gathering areas and educational outreach reinforced how much potential this site holds. As many of you saw and discussed, we’re still in the early stages—addressing important behind-the-scenes work like the removal of former gas tanks from the old store, environmental remediation, and structural assessments. These foundational steps are critical as we honor the building’s layered history and thoughtfully plan what comes next. Your input helps shape that path forward, and we look forward to continuing the conversation as this place evolves.

Presentation title: South Carolina’s Critical Role in the Survival of the Whimbrel, an Arctic Nesting Shorebird
2026-01-29 14:00 - 17:00 | Presbyterian Church, 2164 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Join us to learn about a recently discovered animal migration spectacle. Half of the estimated population of Hudsonian Whimbrel, a type of curlew, are roosting at night on a small island in coastal South Carolina during the spring. Felicia Sanders will explain the significance of this discovery – the largest known concentration of the species in the world – and current tagging research that allows us to follow Whimbrel from South America to their nesting grounds in the Arctic.
This is a free Presentation no RSVP required.
Presbyterian Church 2164 HWY 174

Fossils Under Our Feet with Ashby Gale
2026-03-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Edisto Island Library, 1589 HWY 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Discover the process of fossilization and the wide range of animals found in South Carolina’s fossil record.
Paleontologist Ashby Gale will explain why fossil deposits are found where they are, interpret evidence from the fossil record to uncover past climate patterns, and explore the mechanisms that drive fossilization.
Throughout the presentation, he will share fossils collected from the Lowcountry, giving the audience an up-close look at Charleston’s prehistoric past.
Guests are encouraged to bring a few fossils for identification after the presentation!

Legacy Live Oak Ceremony 2026
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Store Creek Corner
Please join us under the oaks at Historic Store Creek Corner for a brief ceremony
celebrating the Legacy Live Oak Park memorials and honorees from the past year.

A reception with light refreshments will follow.
This event is free and we welcome everyone to celebrate
the connection between our lives and nature.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Historic Store Creek Corner
1442 Highway 174
Edisto Island, SC 29438

Residential Solar Presentation for Edisto Beach and Island
2026-05-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
We’re excited to invite you to an upcoming educational presentation at the Edisto Learning Center on May 8 at 10:00 AM:
Join us for an informative session led by four full-time Edisto residents who currently have solar panels and battery systems installed on their homes. They’ll share their firsthand experiences, insights, and what it’s really like to live with solar on Edisto.
This is not a sales presentation—there will be no sales representatives present, just honest, real-world perspectives from your neighbors.
Space is limited to 30 attendees, so registration is required. Please be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
We look forward to having you join us!
RSVP HERE https://signup.com/go/PVyiRow

Creative Giving Workshop
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00 | St. Frederick Catholic Church, 544 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Join us on May 13th at 1pm for a free luncheon where you will have a chance to hear from seasoned financial planner, Clay Thornton. This will be a casual and interactive opportunity to get your questions answered and to learn more about the myriad of ways you can reduce your personal tax burden while helping the charities you love.
Simply RSVP , so we know how many folks to prepare for. This workshop will cover a variety of topics, including; gifts of personal property, real estate, life insurance, bequests, and of course QCDs or Qualified Charitable Distributions/IRA Charitable Rollover. Clay will share his expertise and help better understand how you can benefit from supporting the organizations you love the most.
RSVP HERE- https://signup.com/go/KNZJMmw

EIOLT Oyster Roast 2026
2026-11-08 | Sand Creek Farms, 3101 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC, 29438, United States
Tickets go on sale fall 2026

____________
Edisto Island Open Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Pre-Party 12:30 – 2 PM
Oyster Roast Starts @ 2 PM
Sand Creek Farm
3101 Highway 174
