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 as the first land trust in the state.

1980 - Sea Island Seasons Cookbook First Published

The Sea Island Seasons cookbook was created and produced by several dedicated volunteers and has been a long standing source of revenue for the Open Land Trust. The book features a variety of recipes from southern ladies of Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands. It is currently in its tenth printing with over 72,500 books sold! As Francis Griswold, author of A Sea Island Lady, eloquently states in the Cookbook’s greeting: “That whole magic seacoast is a priceless inheritance. A return to Beaufort is a fond dream always, and now more than ever, is a reminder of many things, including the enduring truth of our responsibility to preserve and further the best of our heritage.”

The Sea Island Seasons can be purchased here.

1989 - Bellamy Curve

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

1991 - Adds Executive Director

OLT hired 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 were removed from Bay Street bluff to open up the 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 were preserved. The public can enjoy this land, called Widgeon Point Preserve, via a 0.7-mile hiking loop. This nature trail travels through pines, palms, and oak trees, with views of the Broad River from several vantage points.

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

A local family worked with the Open Land Trust to raise funds to preserve their land in the Point, a historic neighborhood in downtown Beaufort. OLT partnered with best-selling author and local resident, Pat Conroy, to preserve the land featured in many of his great works. Thanks to the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program and the generosity of many community members, the Green will be enjoyed as open space for generations to come.

Visit the Green at Laurens Street in Beaufort to take in the town’s history and enjoy the neighborhood’s beauty.

2016 - Receives Accreditation

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

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

2019 - Conservation Easement on Solar Farm

OLT became 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 purchased 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.