Lowcountry Land Trust permanently protects Holmes Tract, strengthening a growing conservation corridor on Johns Island
March 3, 2026
Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to conserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, announced the permanent protection of the Holmes Tract, an impactful, six-acre property on Johns Island. The tract strengthens connectivity between conserved lands, protects sensitive wetlands that flow into Bohicket Creek, and retains the rural character of a growing Sea Island.
The new, fully donated conservation easement supports an existing 96-acre corridor of conserved land along Plow Ground Road, now protected by three separate landowners working toward a shared conservation outcome. The Holmes Tract also contains three acres of pristine forested wetlands that feed into Bohicket Creek and support improved water quality for both public and ecological health.
These impactful six acres and the neighboring protected parcels reinforce the Urban Growth Boundary, which Charleston County and its residents define in the Comprehensive Plan as a means of managing growth by directing development to areas with existing infrastructure and limiting it in rural areas by protecting land. Landowners of all property sizes who work with Lowcountry Land Trust to safeguard land in this location will keep Johns Island rural, reducing congestion, maintaining Sea Island resiliency, and upholding residents’ quality of life.
“This is a great example of how individual landowners can make a lasting difference,” said Kate Parks Schaefer, chief conservation officer for Lowcountry Land Trust. “We are deeply thankful to Mr. Holmes for his desire to preserve and protect his family’s land for future generations and his dedication to strengthening the connections between wetlands and protected lands that benefit both the environment and the surrounding community.”
While the Holmes family fully donated the conservation easement value, funding from the Donnelley Foundation helped cover the project’s due diligence costs. This partnership between landowners, nonprofits, and family foundations showcases the positive outcomes that result from collaboration and creativity in conservation.
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ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST
Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 165,000 acres since 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful land trusts in the country. Its work includes the stewardship of privately owned land and iconic public places, such as the future Angel Oak Preserve—a 44-acre passive park and living museum in partnership with the City of Charleston. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
