The Kiawah Conservancy is once again inviting the community to take part in one of the Lowcountry’s most treasured cultural traditions — sweetgrass harvesting. After a successful season in 2024, the Conservancy’s sweetgrass fields on Johns Island are thriving and ready for another round of harvests in 2025.
Honoring a Rich Gullah Tradition
Sweetgrass basketmaking is a centuries-old art form passed down through generations of Gullah artisans. It’s not just a craft but a living piece of cultural heritage deeply rooted in South Carolina’s coastal identity. The harvesting of sweetgrass is a vital step in preserving this tradition.
By volunteering, locals can directly support this legacy and help ensure that artisans have the resources they need to continue their craft.
2025 Harvest Dates and Volunteer Information
The Kiawah Conservancy has scheduled two harvest days for this season:
August 29 (Thursday)
September 11 (Thursday)
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
This early morning slot is considered ideal for harvesting, as the temperature is cooler and the grass is more manageable.
Volunteer Duties Include:
Bundling sweetgrass
Cutting stalks carefully
Moving and loading harvested grass
Organizers note that volunteers play a key role in keeping the tradition alive. Their help not only supports the harvest but strengthens the connection between the land, its people, and its history.
What to Bring and Wear
Volunteers are advised to come prepared with:
Closed-toe shoes
Long sleeves and pants
Bug spray and sunscreen
Plenty of drinking water
The exact location of the farm will be shared only with confirmed volunteers to protect the privacy of the landowners.
Sweetgrass Distribution Days
After each harvest, the Kiawah Conservancy will host Sweetgrass Distribution Days in partnership with local organizations. During these events, the freshly harvested sweetgrass will be distributed to Gullah basket makers at the Sweetgrass Pavilion in Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
Distribution Schedule:
August 24, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 11, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
These events are open to the public, offering a rare and meaningful opportunity to observe the connection between conservation efforts and Gullah artistry.
Why Sweetgrass Matters
Sweetgrass is a native coastal plant that plays a key role in traditional basket weaving, a craft recognized for its beauty and deep cultural importance. Each harvest not only supplies essential materials but also symbolizes the strength of community, continuity, and care for tradition.
The Kiawah Conservancy’s efforts to engage volunteers in this process reflect a wider movement to protect and uplift Gullah culture through hands-on participation.
The 2025 sweetgrass harvest is more than just an environmental initiative — it’s a chance to step into a living tradition. Whether you’re bundling stalks at dawn or witnessing the joy of artisans receiving fresh sweetgrass, your involvement matters. By volunteering or simply attending a distribution day, you’re helping to preserve a unique part of Lowcountry heritage for generations to come.
