Congaree Land Trust permanently protects 174-acre family farm in COWASEE Basin

June 25, 2025

Congaree Land Trust (CLT) announced the permanent conservation of 174 acres of land in Sumter County. This newly protected property is a significant addition that further protects the ecological integrity and rural character of the COWASEE Basin, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and natural heritage in central South Carolina.

The Alston Farm is devoted to managed loblolly pines, providing both sustainable timber resources and crucial habitat for native wildlife. Its protection marks another key step in CLT’s ongoing efforts within the COWASEE Basin; the key conservation area and priority landscape encompasses approximately 315,000 acres of diverse ecosystems around the confluence of the Congaree, Wateree, and Santee Rivers.

This vital conservation project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of dedicated landowner Rowland Alston, the Congaree Land Trust, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, The Conservation Fund, and the Midlands Area Joint Installation Consortium (MAJIC). The MAJIC program is designed to protect military operations by preventing development that could interfere with nearby installations, while also preserving important natural and working lands like the Alston Farm.

“In my profession and through my travels, I’ve witnessed a steady shift from rural landscapes to urban development — more land being lost to buildings and roads every day. I believe it’s vital that future generations continue to have access to green and natural spaces like these,” said Alston. This conservation easement is particularly meaningful for Alston, as it is his second with Congaree Land Trust and it directly connects to additional conserved land that has been in his family since 1735, a property that was a part of a 600-acre land grant from King George II. “I want land protection to be part of the legacy I leave behind,” Alston added.

The significance of this project, and the dedication of individuals like Rowland Alston, was highlighted by Raleigh West, Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, who stated: “Rowland Alston spent a career inspiring generations of South Carolinians to do more with the land around them. We’re honored to support the protection of his farm — the second conservation easement he has closed — and hope that it inspires others in his community to follow suit.”

With the protection of the Alston Farm, CLT continues to advance its mission of conserving the natural and cultural resources that define the Midlands. This addition strengthens the growing network of protected lands within the COWASEE Basin.

About Congaree Land Trust

The Congaree Land Trust (CLT) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving the natural and scenic lands of central South Carolina. To date over 100,000 acres have been conserved, representing 221 individual conservation properties across 15 counties. Conservation easements help protect the natural areas that sustain our state’s natural resources, provide clean water & wildlife habitat, and define our way of life.