Congaree Land Trust

Registration is now open for our 8th Annual Game & Garden Soirée! Join us on Thursday, April 3rd from 6pm-9pm at Junction 800 in Columbia for a night of delicious food, music, and community. Our signature event brings together some of the region’s top chefs who will prepare an incredible array of locally sourced bites. Along with great food, enjoy live music from Carolina Bluegrass Style,?and bid on unique items in our silent auction — all while supporting Congaree Land Trust’s mission to protect central South Carolina’s treasured landscapes. Secure your tickets today by visiting https://lnkd.in/eQWkz85c. This event is made possible through the support of our presenting sponsors, Jim Hudson Automotive Group Columbia SC & Augusta GA and First Citizens Bank.

This morning, the?South Carolina Land Trust Network?hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast at the State House. Our team was proud to join 17 other land trusts from across SC to meet with legislators and discuss the critical role of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, and the work they help us accomplish. We are thankful for the chance to demonstrate how land protection positively impacts the districts our legislators represent and the entire state of South Carolina.

Today, we are welcoming the most recent addition to the CLT team! We are thrilled to have Sarah Stewart join us as Conservation Director. Sarah is from Charleston and is a trained wildlife biologist and natural resources professional, with degrees from Clemson University (B.S.) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (M.S.). She joins us from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, where she worked at the intersection of private lands protection and wildlife conservation through the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program. She is excited to bring this perspective to her work at CLT and dive into protecting land throughout the Midlands. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, reading, and is slowly turning her backyard into a wildlife and pollinator haven. Join us in welcoming Sarah in the comments!

Join us in welcoming our Spring 2025 interns to the CLT team! Holly is a second-year student at the University of South Carolina. She is majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Mass Communications, and is working toward the goal of a career in environmental journalism. When she is not in school or working, Holly likes to draw and spend time with her cats. Emma is a senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. An honors student, she is pursuing a career in Cyber Law and is excited to learn everything there is to do with the legal process. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, backpacking, and kayaking whenever possible. We are looking forward to an exciting and productive semester with Holly and Emma!

We’re hiring for the Spring 2025 semester! Join the team at Congaree Land Trust and help protect the land we cherish. We are looking for two motivated interns: Communications and Outreach Intern – Assist in marketing CLT’s message, vision, and conservation efforts to our community, raising awareness about the importance of protecting land in the Midlands. Land Protection Intern – Get real-world experience working with an accredited non-profit conservation organization, engage with landowners and conservation partners, and support impactful conservation outcomes at the project level. If you’re currently enrolled in a local college or university at the Junior-year level or higher and are eager to gain valuable experience in the nonprofit sector, visit our website to learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ey3usnHn #hiring #internship #columbiasc #conservation

We are looking back on the incredible progress we’ve made together in 2024, and the journey we’ve shared in protecting the lands that make our community so special – none of which would have been possible without your dedication and support. The stories we have shared over the past few weeks serve as a reminder of our deep connection to this land and are a testament to the power of community. They highlight why this work is so important and why we must continue to act now to protect the places we love. As 2024 comes to a close, we ask for your help in making this year the most impactful one yet. Your year-end gift will allow us to accelerate our conservation efforts and protect even more precious land in the future. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. We are deeply grateful for the role you play in our work. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us protect the heart of South Carolina. We hope you will continue on this journey with us by visiting congareelt.org/donate-now.

Congaree Land Trust and South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism are celebrating the conservation of more than 135 acres of land that will be added to Lee State Park. This initiative was made possible with funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Lynches River Conservation Fund through the Central Carolina Community Foundation and Open Space Institute. Managed by Lee State Park, this new tract will enhance the recreational, educational, and outdoor green spaces available to residents and visitors in Lee County. Read more about the new addition here: https://bit.ly/3BCZEuW

“We need to create an environment where we can thrive. That means being thoughtful about how we develop our land and the impact that has on our future. The work that CLT does helps protect the land that will continue to support businesses, communities, and families in the long term.” - Sharon Bryant, First Citizens Bank At Congaree Land Trust, conservation and financial stewardship go hand in hand. For board member Sharon Bryant, the decision to join CLT came after an unexpected conversation with Executive Director, Stuart White. What began as a typical business conversation quickly turned into a deeper discussion about protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. Little did she know, that conversation would lead her to a new chapter of her career—and to a cause she is now passionate about: land conservation. Read her story here: bit.ly/SharonsCLTStory

November 15th is National Philanthropy Day! Today, we want to take a moment to honor the generous community that helps us protect our land and preserve our natural spaces for future generations. We are forever grateful for the donors, volunteers, and members who support our organization's mission. Together, we’re making a lasting impact. #NationalPhilanthropyDay

From the very start of her employment at CLT, Mary has been a champion for our mission, working to protect and conserve our precious landscapes, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of the Midlands that we hold dear. Under her stewardship, we’ve made significant strides in land conservation, creating partnerships and inspiring our community to join us in this vital work. Her dedication and wisdom will be greatly missed at CLT! As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish her all the best in her retirement. Please join us in sharing your favorite memories and well wishes in the comments!