Connecting people to nature in ways that matter
An opportunity for generations to come
On September 1, 2024, the doors to the breathtaking Coosawhatchie Wildlife Management Area (WMA) were opened, marking a milestone in protecting our region’s special places. This expansive 10,750-acre area, which stretches across 36 miles of river and creek frontage, had been inaccessible to the public—until now.
Over the past four years, dedicated partners, including the Open Space Institute and the Nature Conservancy, worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Together, they acquired and then transferred the land to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to be enjoyed by all.
When we visited the site with members of the Jasper County Council, one councilman shared a personal memory. He had spent countless hours fishing in these creeks as a child, and now he beams with pride, knowing that his grandchildren will have the same opportunity to explore these waters and create memories of their own.
Connecting people and land
This new protected property is more than just a beautiful place. It connects people to nature in ways that matter to everyday lives. It also shares a border with a 2,064-acre property known as “Buckfield.” Last year we worked with the family to protect this important property through a conservation easement. Together, these areas form a thriving protected landscape where our community can enjoy trails, hunting, fishing and so much more.
Did you know that this region is home to some of the most important wildlife habitats in the Southeast? From the humble Gopher tortoise to the majestic eastern diamondback rattlesnake, these creatures now have a place where they can thrive. In the last five years alone over $100 million in federal, local and state conservation funding has gone into protecting our backyard.
How Do I Get There?
Directions: Coosawhatchie is located in Jasper County. From Columbia or Charleston, Take exit 28 (Coosawhatchie) from I95 and take right. At stop sign, take a right on Hwy 462. Drive about .5 mile and turn left and continue on Hwy 462. Drive approximately 1.7 miles and turn right onto Stock Farm Rd. The entrance is 1.14 miles on the right. The check station will be located about a mile into the property.