JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. – Nearly 100 acres of upland and marshland on Johns Island will soon be restored and opened to the public, thanks to a project led by the Kiawah Conservancy. The initiative aims to transform the land into a community nature space with trails, learning areas, and cultural features that celebrate Lowcountry heritage.
Land Acquisition and Restoration
The conservancy acquired three adjoining properties over the past few years with support from private donations, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, and the Charleston County Greenbelt program. Some of the land was previously used for commercial purposes but will now be restored with native trees and plants.
“You would be able to see the expanse of the marsh that this property is preserving,” said Sean Cannon, Restoration and Enhancement Specialist at the Kiawah Conservancy. “It’s a really beautiful area … we’re restoring it to have more native trees and native plants. We’re really hoping to make this beneficial for the community.”
Plans for Public Access
The conservancy’s vision includes:
Walking trails with scenic marsh views
Educational signage to highlight local ecosystems
A learning center for community and educational events
Sweetgrass basket stands to support and showcase local artisans
Native gardens to preserve regional plant life
“This is going to be a big community space,” Cannon explained. “We want people to enjoy nature here, which is why so many people love coming to the Lowcountry.”
Timeline and Public Involvement
Though still in the permitting phase, the conservancy hopes to begin the first phase of development in 2024, which would include trails and parking areas. Portions of the property could be open to the public as early as next year.
The organization also offers guided tours throughout the year and will host a public informational session on September 8. An RSVP is required, as space will be limited.
