County Council approves Greenbelt funding to protect more than 900 acres countywide

Last night, Charleston County Council approved over $11.5 million in Transportation Sales Tax funding for Greenbelt projects that will protect more than 900 acres throughout the county.

The 5 approved projects, part of the FY26 Winter Application Cycle, will preserve greenspace, improve wildlife habitats, mitigate flooding, and protect the area’s natural resources.

“These Transportation Sales Tax investments reflect our long-term commitment to protecting what makes Charleston County so special,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin. “Together, these projects will preserve the landscapes that define our community, expand public access to the outdoors, and help ensure these places remain part of our county for generations to come.”

The approved projects are detailed below.

1. Historic Store Creek Corner
   • 2.54 acres located on the historic corner of Store Creek on Edisto Island
   • $835,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $1,521,530 applicant match
   • The project will serve as an extension of Store Creek Park. It will improve public access to the Store Creek waterway, expanding opportunities for community recreation and greenspace.
   • Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust
2. East County Recreation Site
   • 79.9 acres located off Highway 17 North in the Town of Awendaw
   • $4,000,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $5,851,625 applicant match
   • The property will be used as a public park providing a variety of passive and active recreational activities and amenities, while expanding CCPRC’s operational and programming footprint in the East County area.
   • Applicant: Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
3. Willow Oak Tract Expansion
   • 0.70 acres located off Old Pond Road on Johns Island
   • $89,300 in Greenbelt funds with a $25,000 applicant match
   • This project involves the acquisition of a frontage outparcel adjacent to CCPRC’s recently acquired Willow Oak and Simmon’s Creek parcels. Together, these properties will form the future Simmon’s Creek County Park, featuring full public access to walking trails, greenway connections, interpretive elements, educational programming, and public access to Simmons Creek.
   • Applicant: Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
4. Humbert Woods
   • 97.1 acres located off Humbert & Branjess Road on Johns Island
   • $3,630,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $1,280,500 applicant match
   • This project would protect most of one of the largest remaining undeveloped tracts on Johns Island. A 5.8-acre portion will be subdivided for a separate affordable housing project, and the remaining 97.1 acres will be preserved for full public access with walking trails, a small parking area, and designated picnic space.
   • Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust
5. Dill Property
   • 724.58 acres located at 1163 Riverland Drive on James Island
   • $3,000,000 in Greenbelt funds with a $18,508,500 applicant match
   • This conservation easement will protect in-perpetuity a property with ecological, cultural, and historical significance, while also providing limited public access. The property is owned and managed by The Charleston Museum as a wildlife refuge and restricted educational sanctuary.
   • Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust

The Charleston County Greenbelt Program was created in 2004 and is funded by the Transportation Sales Tax. Since its creation, the program has helped preserve more than 26,000 acres for parks, greenspaces, and conservation throughout the county.

Learn more at www.greenbelt.charlestoncounty.org.