Conservancy has stood as a quiet but steadfast guardian of the Sea Islands. During this time, the Conservancy has protected almost 4,000 acres of forests, marshes, and hummocks— living sanctuaries where bobcats prowl, deer linger in the shadows, and egrets carve white arcs across the tidal creeks. Beyond land protection, our work includes restoring marshes and reestablishing native plants, ensuring these fragile ecosystems remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
In 2023, the Conservancy focused its attention on one of Johns Island’ s most traveled ribbons of road: Betsy Kerrison Parkway. This stretch embodies the rural character of Johns Island and stands as the green threshold to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands; its character shapes a sense of place unique to all three islands.
With the Keep Betsy Beautiful campaign, the Conservancy launched an ambitious effort to preserve not only land but also the spirit of the islands. Thus far, the campaign has protected nearly one hundred acres, including the old Rosebank farmstand and two neighboring properties. This expanse of maritime forest and marsh, dotted with hummock islands, forms a living corridor for wildlife and a vital buffer against the pressures of a rapidly changing landscape.
Left: A bird’ s-eye view of the Betsy Kerrison Nature Area as it looks today. Top: Signs marking the future site of the Oyster Shell Recycling Center and noting permanent protection of this area. Bottom: Neighbors and community members share their ideas at a workshop, helping shape the vision for the Betsy Kerrison Nature Area.
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