TNC Protects 2,000-acre Family Farm in Laurens County

The property is forever protected from development and remains in private ownership.

June 01, 2025 | Laurens County, South Carolina

An aerial image of a farm with green fields, verdant forests and a red barn. — Creekland Farm A 2,000-acre conservation easement in Laurens County South Carolina. © Green Eyes Aero

Media Contacts

Jennifer Howard
Steward Terra Communications
Phone: 8437094192
Email: jen@stewardterra.com

Greenville, S.C. – (June 6, 2025) The Nature Conservancy today announced the largest conservation easement in Laurens County history with the permanent protection of the 2,000-acre Creekland Farms property. The family-owned farm remains in private ownership and will be managed for forestry, agriculture and recreational uses, as the landowner desires; and is forever protected from development.

A map of upstate South Carolina, including a yellow portion of subject property and dark green federally protected lands adjoining the property. — **A map of the Piedmont (Creekland Farms) property** The dark yellow portions represent the farm and the adjoining protected federal lands are represented in dark green. © TNC

“As the third fastest growing county in the Upstate, the fields, forests and waterways of Laurens County are under tremendous growth pressure,” commented Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director.

"Thanks to the long-term vision of a generous local family, this property is now protected forever.”

Over multiple generations, the family raised champion Hereford and Polled shorthorn cattle, Rhode Island Red chickens and thoroughbred horses in an idyllic setting that joins the 170,000-acre Enoree District of the Sumter National Forest.

The landowner noted the continued growth in the area and the farm’s proximity to Columbia, Spartanburg and Greenville as factors that influenced their commitment to keep their family farm rural.

“Placing private land under the permanent protection of a conservation easement is a way for a family to make sure their values carry forward forever,” commented Katherine McWilliams, director of land protection.

Protecting large properties like this one from development helps balance future growth with the need to maintain clean air and water and wildlife habitat.

Katherine McWilliams

director of land protection

Arial view of a forested green area with a lake and a road running alongside the forest. — Creekland Farms, Piedmont SC A green, verdant forest surrounds a lake, bordered by a road. © TNC

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

News from South Carolina

A blue sky frames a stand of tall pines surrounded by grasses.

TNC and Open Space Institute Expand Historic Coosawhatchie River Conservation Effort

Conserving the Buckfield Property in Hampton and Jasper counties will contribute to the creation of a 12,000-acre stretch of protected land in fast-growing coastal South Carolina.