Expanding the conservation of Fairfield Plantation

Lowcountry Land Trust announced the permanent protection of an additional portion of Fairfield Plantation—an ecologically rich and historically significant property located on the South Santee River at the gateway to Charleston County along both sides of U.S. Highway 17.

The expansion of Fairfield Plantation’s conservation easement adds 254 acres to a growing network of protected lands in the Santee Delta, reinforcing a nearly unbroken landscape of preserved forests and wetlands. This area now connects with over 350,000 acres of public conservation lands, including Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, helping to shield the region from increasing development pressures.

Originally protected in 2013 with a 480-acre easement through Lowcountry Land Trust, the landowners returned in 2024 to protect even more of the property. Their continued commitment highlights the power of public-private partnerships and landowner stewardship in preserving the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural heritage. Support from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program helped make this achievement possible.