Press Releases


Contact Info


November 17, 2009: Nature Conservancy Celebrates 40 Years in SC
This year, The Nature Conservancy is celebrating its 40th year as a leading conservation presence in South Carolina.


Kristine Hartvigsen
803-254-9049, ext. 12, khart@tnc.org

November 17, 2009: Governors Form South Atlantic Alliance
The governors of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida recently signed a pact to collaboratively manage and protect coastal resources.


Mary Conley
843-937-8807, ext. 20, mconley@tnc.org

October 05, 2009: $1 Million Grant for Scenic Black River
The Nature Conservancy received word on September 10th that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) voted to support a $1 million funding request to protect habitat along the Black River in Georgetown County.


Maria Whitehead
843) 709-8663 mwhitehead@tnc.org

July 28, 2009: Shellfish Reefs at Risk
“Shellfish Reefs at Risk” Analysis Shows Habitat Loss has Widespread Impacts for Ecosystems and Economies, Identifies Solutions for Bringing Oyster Reefs Back from the Brink.


Joy Brown
843-937-8807, joy_brown@tnc.org

April 15, 2009: Half-Moon Outfitters raises $4,500
On March 25th, 26th and 27th in Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC, Half-Moon Outfitters hosted the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stops. All three shows had record numbers of attendees ¬ totaling over 1500 participants. All proceeds from these events go to The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina. This year, $4500 was raised ¬ the highest amount netted from the annual event to date.


Melinda Ottaviano
mottaviano@tnc.org (803) 254-9049 X16

April 07, 2009: EARTHGRAINS® BREAD
EarthGrains bread today announced it will make a $100,000 contribution to a leading international conservation group, The Nature Conservancy, to support the protection of the world’s lands and waters.


Melinda Ottaviano
mottaviano@tnc.org (803) 254-9049 X16

April 07, 2009: Choose or Reuse™
Earth Fare Draws the Line – Paper and Plastic are On the Way Out!


Melinda Ottaviano
mottaviano@tnc.org (803) 254-9049 X16

March 18, 2009: $1M Grant for Protection along the Waccamaw River
The Migratory Bird Commission awarded a $1,000,000 grant to The Nature Conservancy for acquisition of 580 acres along the Waccamaw River. The grant, submitted in August 2008 through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grant program, supports the protection of important wetlands for the benefit of migratory waterfowl and other priority species.


Maria Whitehead
Winyah Bay & Pee Dee River Basin Project Director (843) 709-8663 mwhitehead@tnc.org

December 22, 2008: Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge makes significant gains in acreage through a strategic land acquisition partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Waccamaw NWR will grow from 18,620 acres to over 22,500 acres by as early as January 2009. The Haulover tract, a 1,292-acre parcel which is the largest acquisition this year, will close this December.


Maria Whitehead
Winyah Bay & Pee Dee River Basin Project Director (843) 709-8663 mwhitehead@tnc.org

November 25, 2008: FMNF Protection
The Nature Conservancy has purchased four tracts totaling 1,116 acres from International Paper Company for $6,445,000. The tracts, located in Charleston and Berkeley Counties, protect critical upland and wetland habitat as well as buffering existing protected lands of the Francis Marion National Forest, Santee Coastal Reserve and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.


Michael B. Prevost
843/887-4380 mprevost@tnc.org

November 24, 2008: Conservation Partners Protect 641 Acres
The Nature Conservancy, Pee Dee Land Trust and conservation partners protected more than 640 acres of environmentally and historically significant lands in the Plantersville community in Georgetown County, SC, this week. The Nature Conservancy secured funds from a wide array of sources in order to purchase these conservation easements. Pee Dee Land Trust agreed to hold and monitor the conservation easements in perpetuity.


Maria Whitehead
(843) 709-8663 mwhitehead@tnc.org

November 12, 2008: Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award
The South Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce that Joe Williams of Spring Island will receive the organization’s highest honor at a November 12th celebration. The Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award is reserved for those individuals who have made outstanding, long-term contributions to the mission of The Nature Conservancy.


SC Chapter
(803) 254-9049 southcarolina@tnc.org

September 18, 2008: Nine Times Preserve
The South Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy and Upstate Forever today announced the establishment of a new nature preserve at one of the most biologically significant properties in the Southeast, the Nine Times Preserve.


SC Chapter
(803) 254-9049 southcarolina@tnc.org

September 02, 2008: Savannah River Preserve Flourishes
Did you know that the Savannah River swamp is a formidable natural formation complete with centuries-old cypress trees, oxbow lakes and endless pockets of wilderness? It’s true that the South Carolina side of the Savannah River comprises this aforementioned habitat that boasts a wonderful biodiversity.


Jeff Dennis
JBDinSC@yahoo.com

August 28, 2008: Attack Mounted on Pesky Water Hyacinth
Nature officials fear fast-growing water hyacinth will clog up waterways and damage ecosystems if left un-checked. So for the first time, The Nature Conservancy, state and federal officials and private landowners are combining forces to stop the plant.


SC Chapter
803-254-9049 southcarolina@tnc.org

August 28, 2008: Norfolk Southern Makes Largest Conservation Gift in SC History
12,488 acres placed under conservation easement in Dorchester County, headwaters of the ACE Basin


Willie Haynie
Will Haynie Executive Director Lowcountry Open Land Trust 485 East Bay St., Charleston, SC, 29403 (843) 577-6510

July 24, 2008: Greenbelt Fund addition
Information about Charleston County's Greenbelt fund's latest purchase


Sarah Hartman
843-937-8807 x11 shartman@tnc.org

March 06, 2008: Banner Year for SC in 2007
Last year TNC protected 28,600 acres in the state, an area about the size of Greenville and Spartanburg combined. The group secured purchases and easements in nearly all of its priority landscapes. From the Blue Ridge to the Lowcountry.


Mark Robertson
Phone: (803) 254-9049
E:mail: mrobertson@tnc.org

January 23, 2008: Haulover Tract Press Release
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the 1,292-acre Haulover tract in Georgetown County from Normandy Corporation. An additional 1,362 acres of adjacent protected land will remain in private ownership. The Nature Conservancy worked with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in implementing a large Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easement on both properties – totaling 2,654 acres.


Melinda Ottaviano
Phone: (843) 709-8663
E:mail: mwhitehead@tnc.org

December 12, 2007: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center
Conservation Groups and United Methodist Church Protect almost 2,000-Acre Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center near Caesars Head State Park.


Kristen Austin
Phone: (864) 233-4988
E:mail: kaustin@tnc.org

August 30, 2007: Stumphouse is Saved!
Thanks to your support and the hard work of other concerned South Carolinians, The Nature Conservancy and our partners have successfully protected almost 1000 acres at Stumphouse Mountain. Of the $4.3 million needed, more than a million dollars in private funds were raised in just three months, creating a new Heritage Preserve in Oconee County.


Kristen Austin
Phone: (864) 233-4988
E:mail: kaustin@tnc.org

July 13, 2007: Conservancy Granted Major ACE Basin Conservation Easements release
The Nature Conservancy has been granted a conservation easement on the 1,800-acre Old Combahee Plantation within the northern Beaufort County region of the nationally-acclaimed Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin. The easement was granted by Loring Enterprises, LLLP and the Loring Trust of Napa, California.


Matt Nespeca
Phone: (843) 937-8807
E:mail: mnespeca@tnc.org

July 13, 2007: Stumphouse Mountain receives $300,000 Challenge from Anonymous Donor
The Stumphouse Mountain and Issaqueena Falls Project received another important boost, when an anonymous donor committed $300,000 toward the purchase of the historically and naturally significant lands in Oconee County.


Kristen Austin
Phone: (864) 233-4988
E:mail: kaustin@tnc.org

June 18, 2007: Stumphouse Mountain and Issaqueena Falls Project
A partnership of conservation organizations and government leaders from Oconee County unveiled today the Stumphouse Mountain and Issaqueena Falls Project, an initiative to establish a Heritage Preserve and a protected natural area of regional and statewide significance in Oconee County. If successful, the Project will consist of almost 1,000 acres. The total to protect this important site is $4.3 million. The press conference was held at the Oconee Heritage Center in downtown Walhalla.


Kristen Austin
Phone: (864) 233-0232
E:mail: kaustin@tnc.org

March 15, 2007: Go Wild for Nature
The Nature Conservancy, an international nonprofit conservation organization protecting more than 118 million acres of land worldwide, announces Go Wild for Nature, a day to see, do and explore for all ages. This event will be held on May 5, 2007, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Webb Wildlife Center, owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources, in Garnett, S.C.


Melinda Ottaviano
Phone: (803) 254-9049 X16
E:mail: mottaviano@tnc.org

March 15, 2007: Deal to protect more than 500 acres in Lancaster County, South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy have completed a deal to protect more than 500 acres in Lancaster County, South Carolina, south of the Charlotte metropolitan area. The tract adjoins Forty-Acre Rock, a South Carolina Heritage Preserve.


Sarah Hartman
Phone: (843) 937-8807 X11
E:mail: shartman@tnc.org

March 15, 2007: A Global Perspective: From Asia to Antarctica: Why does biodiversity matter?
Lecture brings top scientist and naturalist to South Carolina. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina, Furman University and Duke Energy, the lecture is on Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 pm at Furman University Center’s Burgiss Theater.


Monte Parsons
Phone: (803) 254-9049 X13
E:mail: mparsons@tnc.org

February 20, 2007: More Than 53,000 Acres of Land Protected
Last year, the Conservancy’s South Carolina chapter and its partners completed 16 projects, ensuring protection of 53,137 acres across the state. This includes a landmark acquisition of more than 39,000 acres of working forestland, recreation lands and wildlife habitat from International Paper, property known as Woodbury and Hamilton Ridge tracts in the Savannah, Great Pee Dee and Little Pee Dee River areas.


Mark Robertson
Phone: (803) 254-9049 X15
E:mail: mrobertson@tnc.org

August 03, 2006: Conservancy Acquires Key Tract Buffering Historic Church
The Nature Conservancy has purchased an ecologically and historically significant 100-acre tract in eastern Charleston County. The tract is within the Conservancy’s Sewee to Santee landscape project area, a vast region surrounding the Francis Marion National Forest, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and the Santee River Delta. The Conservancy purchased the property, located across from the St. James Santee Church (ca. 1768), from P. O. Mead III for $600,000.00.


Mike Prevost
Phone: (843) 887-4380
E:mail: mprevost@tnc.org

March 29, 2006: Conservancy Accepts Conservation Easement
Conservancy Accepts Conservation Easement on Strategic Tract in Williamsburg County. Property supports one of the largest and most diverse longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood communities in the Southeast and provides important habitat for federally endangered species.


Matthew Nespeca
Phone: (843) 527-2557
E:mail: mnespeca@tnc.org

March 28, 2006: Announcing Landmark Conservation Project
A groundbreaking new conservation deal has ensured that nearly 39,000 acres of working forestland, recreation lands and wildlife habitat in South Carolina will be protected.


Mark Robertson
803-254-9049, ext. 15
E:mail: mrobertson@tnc.org

February 23, 2006: Peachtree Rock Celebration March 25, 2006
The South Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of Peachtree Rock Preserve as well as its designation as a Heritage Trust Preserve. On March 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Preserve, hikes and barbeque will highlight the day. The public is welcome!


Melinda Ottaviano
Phone: (803) 254-9049 X16
E:mail: mottaviano@tnc.org

November 08, 2005: New Board of Trustees Announced
New Members Welcomed to Board of The Nature Conservancy’s South Carolina Chapter


Mark Robertson
Phone: (803) 254-9049
E:mail: mrobertson@tnc.org

September 15, 2005: The Nature Conservancy Granted Significant Conservation Easement Adjacent To National Forest
Congaree-Carton Limited Partnership has granted The Nature Conservancy a conservation easement on a 465-acre portion of Fairlawn Plantation in Charleston County.


Mike Prevost
Phone: (843) 887-4380
E:mail: mprevost@tnc.org

June 10, 2005: Invasion Threatens the Beauty of Our Southern Blue Ridge Mountains
Invasive species are sweeping across the three-state Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment region, with potential to permanently alter the natural beauty and diversity of this globally important region.


Kristen Austin
Phone: (864) 233-4988
E:mail: kaustin@tnc.org

April 14, 2005: The Nature Conservancy Purchases 1,620 acres in McCormick County
The Nature Conservancy has purchased land in McCormick County for inclusion in the Sumter National Forest, Long Cane District. The land is bounded by Sumter National Forest on three sides and has 3.8 miles of frontage on Stevens Creek.


Sarah Hartman
Phone: (843) 937-8807, ext. 12
E-mail: shartman@tnc.org

February 28, 2005: Freshwater Mussels: The Silent Keepers of America’s Rivers
The Nature Conservancy is striving to protect South Carolina’s freshwater ecosystems by working with numerous partners to restore and maintain clean river systems throughout the state. One way to do this is by promoting healthy mussel populations in our waterways.


Eric Krueger
Phone: (843) 937-8807, ext. 16
E-mail: ekrueger@tnc.org

February 01, 2005: The Nature Conservancy Protects More Than 14,000 Acres in 2004
Using a variety of land conservation tools, The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina protected more than 14,000 acres, with a land value of $31 million, in 2004.


Mark Robertson
Phone: (803) 254-9049
E-mail: mrobertson@tnc.org

December 23, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Purchases Jeremy Island, Expands Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Conservancy acquires major tract within one of the largest contiguous stretches of protected coastline on the East Coast.


I Ling Matthews
Phone: (404) 253-7246
E-mail: imatthews@tnc.org

December 09, 2004: The Nature Conservancy, Brookgreen Gardens Embark on Ecological Restoration Effort
Partnership protects and restores natural diversity of Waccamaw Neck.


I Ling Matthews
Phone: (404) 253-7246
E-mail: imatthews@tnc.org