South Carolina’s First & Oldest Land Trust

The Open Land Trust is South Carolina’s first and oldest land trust working to preserve open spaces, natural habitats and rural communities throughout the Southern Lowcountry.

1970 - First Property Acquired

First parcel on bay street acquired by bank loan by Marguerite Waterhouse Henderson Broz, Betty Logan Waskiewicz and John Trask, jr.

April 29th 1971 - Chartered as First Land Trust in the State

Secretary of State of South Carolina granted the charter recognizing the Beaufort County Open Land Trust the first land trust in the state.

1980 - Sea Island Seasons Cookbook First Published

Over 75,000 copies have been printed.

1989 - Bellamy Curve

Bellamy Curve property purchased as the next scenic vista project. Houses are removed at a later date to open view of the Beaufort River.

1991 - Adds Executive Director
OLT hires Cindy Baysden as its first executive director.
1995 - First Conservation Easement

OLT received its first conservation easement on Parkers Ferry Plantation.

1998 - Bay Street Bluff View

Homes removed from Bay Street bluff to open up view

1998 - Purchased St. Helena Market

OLT purchased St. Helena Market preventing it from becoming a gas station.

1999-2007 - Lemon Island
Through conservation partnerships over 400 acres on Lemon Island corridor are preserved.
2002 - Oyster Factory Park Protected

OLT protected Oyster Factory Park for public use.

2009 OLT Offices Move to 1001 Bay Street
 
2010 - OLT Is Hired as the Contractor for the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program
 
2010 - The Green is Preserved

The Trust was honored to partner with best-selling author and local resident, Pat Conroy to help preserve the land that inspired so many of his great works. Thanks to his support, the generosity of many in the community and the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program the Green will be enjoyed as open space for generations to come.

2016 - Receives Accreditation

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awards OLT with first time accreditation.

2017 - Office Relocated to Crystal Lake Park
 
2018 - Whitehall Park is Protected

2019 - Conservation Easement on Solar Farm

OLT is the first land trust in South Carolina to hold a conservation easement on a solar farm.

2021- Permanent Office at 905 Charles Street

After renting for 50 years, the OLT purchases a “Forever Home”.

Support Our Work

Annual supporters receive biannual mailings and monthly e-newsletters about the work at the Open Land Trust; supporters also receive early invitations to community events, including field trips.