What's Happening

Today, we are excited to announce that Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust has renewed its land trust accreditation - proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, we are committed to conservation excellence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s clay shoot at Back Woods Quail Club. It was a beautiful morning for shooting and fellowship all while supporting the ongoing work of the Trust.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Oyster Roast at Cypress Gardens!

It was a beautiful spring day to tour the Revolutionary War battlefields in Berkeley County. One we see it and understand it, we will work to conserve it. We hope today our guests learned and now have the motivation to conserve special places.

Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust is Applying for Renewal of Land Trust Alliance Accreditation

Donors, partners, current and former board members and supporters came together to celebrate Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust’s 30 years of conservation work in the Lowcountry on Saturday, November 5th. It was a beautiful evening filled with celebration of the good work accomplished and determination to continue the work of the Trust for future generations. Chris Vaughn, Executive Director, shared “ A quote that always grabs me, and I think speaks to the noble nature of our cause comes from John C. Sawhill who was president of the Nature Conservancy, ‘ A society is defined not only by what it creates, but also by what it refuses to destroy .’ Thirty years ago the Charleston Region was a very different place, and certainly the same will be true in another thirty years. What kind of Lowcountry will future generations experience? Will our river corridors be stunning? Will the water be safe to drink and swim in? Will we still have outstanding fisheries and abundant wildlife habitat? Will our historic sites be protected and accessible? Will family farms still be in the family? Jim Rozier said it best when he said, ‘ These lands and waters are more than shades on a map; they are what makes our home our home. Saving them is tantamount to saving the heart and soul of our community .’ Friends, we know who we are , we know what we’re a part of and we have momentum. We are poised for success as we begin our next thirty years. Let’s get it done!”

The Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust celebrated the public opening of the historic Fort Fair Lawn, the most pristine, intact, original Revolutionary War fortification in South Carolina this weekend. Over 1,700 people have already visited the Fort! This weekend’s public opening of Fort Fair Lawn, coincided with Colonial Days, hosted by the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center, Old Santee Canal Park, and Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust. Following acquisition in 2016, the property has undergone extensive archeological work, a park master planning process, and trail construction. “Acquiring Fort Fair Lawn took many years of effort by our staff, community leaders, and those who fully understood its significance. Securing the fort and surrounding acreage was critical to ensure that this unique, historic property remains protected forever,” remarked Chris Vaughn, executive director, Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust. “This public opening celebrates the improved accessibility to the site and opens the door for the community to walk in the steps of history.” Improvements to the 80-acre site include 1.75 miles of gravel walking trails, boardwalks, park benches, a gated trail connection to Old Santee Canal Park, and direct access to the fort structure. In 1780, the British had the momentum as they defeated the partisan American forces in a string of battles and skirmishes throughout Georgia and South Carolina. They had already captured the city of Savannah and were poised to take Charles Town—one of the wealthiest in all the American colonies. But after a decisive rout at Sullivan’s Island four years prior, the British opted to avoid a direct naval assault on the city and instead planned to lay siege to it. Their plan to siege Charles Town required securing the Cooper River, which served as the principal transportation route to the backcountry, a supply route and means of escape for the Patriot army. In April 1780, the British routed American cavalry and infantry stationed in Moncks Corner and established their headquarters at Fair Lawn Barony – the only home constructed by a Lords Proprietors’ family. The home was located about one mile away from the last navigable point on the Cooper River at Stoney Landing. There, they constructed Fort Fair Lawn to guard the landing and fortify their position at the head of the Cooper River. The British held this position until late 1781, when they withdraw their troops to Charles Town. “Of the more than thirty forts constructed during the American Revolutionary war in South Carolina, only two remain in their original condition: the Ninety-Six National Historic Site and Fort Fair Lawn,” commented Doug Bostick, CEO, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. “The significance of this site has led it to be a gateway for the statewide Liberty Trail. In addition to the interactive Liberty Trail app that was launched this Spring, we look forward to providing additional onsite interpretation to help these stories come to life.” Moncks Corner-based, Home Telecom, provided a generous gift to support the interpretation. Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb joined community leaders to celebrate the opening. “Berkeley County boasts a rich history, and Fort Fair Lawn is an iconic piece of that local and national history we are so greatly honored to commemorate and celebrate today,” Cribb remarked. “Seeing all of these community partners unite for this monumental initiative is a true testament to the depth of dedication and passion we all feel in wanting to remember those that paid the price fighting for our Independence.”

Grounds of historic rice plantation now permanently protected wildlife preserve.

From Biggin Church to Mepkin Abbey to Fort Fair Lawn….we covered it all! The Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust in conjunction with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and Berkeley County hosted three Berkeley Battlefield Tours in April. Our tour guide, David Reuwer with SCBPT, was entertaining and informative and the company was delightful. Thank you to the Berkeley County Museum for hosting breakfast and sharing the new Revolutionary War Exhibit with us! Thank you to everyone who joined us to explore the Patriots' victories and defeats on Berkeley County battlefields. Mark your calendar for our last tour of 2022 on Friday, October 14th!