Young’s Farm protected forever

Lowcountry Land Trust announced the permanent protection of a 225-acre working agricultural property owned by Rita and Melvin Young in Dorchester County.

Located just outside the Town of Saint George, Young’s Farm represents the first conservation easement in the county supported by both the South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program.

In addition to preserving valuable farmland, the conservation of Young’s Farm helps sustain the region’s agricultural heritage through a long-standing partnership with a large-scale local farmer.

The protection of Young’s Farm also strengthens neighboring conservation efforts by connecting with a significant restoration project within Polk Swamp, a once-thriving cypress and tupelo swamp that Hurricane Hugo severely impacted.

The Youngs sought to protect their land amid increasing development pressure, and their decision helps safeguard the dwindling inventory of high-quality farmland in Dorchester County. This new easement offers a hopeful spark for additional conservation interest in the region, particularly in areas historically underrepresented in permanent land protection.