Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust to host annual Woods & Waters at Historic Blessing Park
October 28, 2026
Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust will host its annual Woods & Waters event on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1–4 p.m. at historic Blessing Park in Huger, SC, bringing together conservation supporters and community members for an afternoon of bluegrass, BBQ, oysters and celebration along the Cooper River. Tickets are available here.
This year’s event offers guests an opportunity to experience the nearly 630-acre Blessing property as it begins a new chapter as a future Berkeley County public park. Located within the Cooper River Historic District, the property was acquired through a partnership between Berkeley County and the Open Space Institute and will ultimately create new opportunities for public recreation and access to the Cooper River landscape.
“Woods & Waters is our signature annual event with a purpose — getting people out on the landscape, touching grass, and enjoying nature. This year’s event will be a special treat as we celebrate not only our country’s 250th anniversary, but also, the huge success story of land protection along the Cooper River. We’re also raising a toast to one of Berkeley County Greenbelt’s early success stories,” says Chris Vaughn, Executive Director of Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust.
Blessing’s documented history dates to 1682 and reflects centuries of Lowcountry history. The property includes approximately one mile of waterfront along French Quarter Creek, wooded landscapes, historic structures, archaeological resources, and a historic African American church and adjoining cemetery.
The property also represents an important piece of the larger Cooper River conservation story. For more than three decades, landowners, conservation organizations and public partners have worked to permanently protect nearly 60,000 acres along the corridor, creating an almost uninterrupted 30-mile stretch of protected land along the river’s East and West branches.
Woods & Waters serves as Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust’s annual celebration of conservation in the Lowcountry. This year, guests can enjoy bluegrass music, BBQ and oysters by Dutchman Catering, beverages, and an afternoon connecting with others who share an appreciation for the lands and places that define the region.
Proceeds support Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust’s work to permanently conserve forests, wetlands, waterways, historic sites, family farms and open spaces throughout Berkeley County and beyond. Since 1992, the organization has helped protect more than 50,000 acres and more than 40 miles of river frontage.
Woods & Waters 2026
When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 | 1–4 p.m.
Where: Blessing Park, 101 Blessing Lane, Huger, SC 29450
Tickets: $85 adults | $25 children 12 and under
Information and Tickets: https://www.lordberkeley.org/woods-and-waters
About Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust
Since 1992, Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust has worked to conserve the natural environment, cultural and historical sites, and productive lands that anchor the community’s sense of place. Through permanent land protection and partnerships with landowners, communities and conservation organizations, Lord Berkeley has helped protect more than 50,000 acres of South Carolina’s farms, forests, waterways, historic sites and open spaces for future generations.
