The Beaufort County Open Land Trust is excited to welcome Lisa Lord as its new Stewardship Director. Mrs. Lord joins the team after five years at the SC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy managing an extensive conservation easement program and several Conservancy Preserves which protected and/or restored unique and extraordinary habitats.

Prior to working at The Nature Conservancy, she worked as the grounds manager and naturalist at Yeamans Hall and gained a wide variety of practical experience in wildlife and forest management.

Mrs. Lord received her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Master of Education in Biology, from Auburn University. She is an avid butterflier, and has a passion for the landscape of the Lowcountry and working with private landowners on natural resource issues.

The Trust is thrilled to have Mrs. Lord’s extensive environmental and land protection knowledge and experience to help lead the organization as it celebrates its continued success!

The Beaufort County Open Land Trust is excited about the recent acquisition of Garvey Hall Preserve, in southwestern Beaufort County, through its Rural & Critical Land Preservation Program. This acquisition provides a great opportunity to protect water quality, as well as substantial wildlife and avian habitat.

This 82 acre scenic riverfront parcel could provide passive recreational opportunities and paddle sport with waterfront access to the New River. Located in close proximity to several other conservation projects completed by Beaufort County through the Rural & Critical Program, this purchase will help to preserve the high level of water quality in the New River.

The Garvey Hall parcel offers a chance to build off of recent conservation projects in the area, and increase protection of rare upper headwater habitat. With the adjacent property in Jasper County already protected -­- as well as 180 acres directly north -­- the Garvey Hall parcel would leverage that protection while benifitting current trail projects and protected lands in New Riverside.

A substantial conservation matrix will begin to take shape in this area, protecting the sensitive systems from further degradation while providing existing residents with high quality recreational and aesthetic experiences. The Seller, recognizing the high recreation value of the property, will deed restrict approximately 5 acres of the property, for the construction of recreational amenities: bike racks; canoe/kayak racks, etc.

By now, you should have received your 2013 membership envelope in the mail.  If not, please call our office at 843.521.2175 to verify that we have your contact information in our system correctly.  If you would like to renew now (or join if you are not already a Land Trust member), click HERE.

Your tax-deductible membership contribution helps keep our diverse conservation initiatives funded. So please don’t delay any longer. Make your renewal contribution today.

It is the renewed support each year of concerned people like you that allows us to preserve the best of our natural heritage for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for your support!