Charleston County, South Carolina – Nearly a dozen new greenbelt projects in Charleston County will get approximately $5 million in Transportation Sales Tax funds.
The Charleston County Council approved Thursday night to distribute the monies as part of the fiscal year 2026 summer application round. The project’s goal is to conserve green spaces, increase wildlife habitats, reduce flooding, and protect the region’s 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,” stated Council Chairman Kylon Middleton in a press 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.”
According to county authorities, the approved projects include multiple conservation easements, the Macxy Farm Nature Preserve, Palmetto Terrace Park, and Phase 5 of the Betsy Kerrison Nature Trail.
The county has approved the following projects:
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
The Charleston County Greenbelt Program was established in 2004 and is supported through the Transportation Sales Tax. Since its establishment, the initiative has worked to protect almost 26,000 acres for parks, green spaces, and conservation across the county.
