Lowcountry Land Trust celebrates opening of conservation center

MORNING HEADLINES | Charleston environmental advocates are celebrating the opening of the new Lowcountry Center for Conservation in West Ashley.

Built with reclaimed cypress and heart pine, the building is said to be a love letter to nature and conservation. It sits on a piece of historic property at Ashem Farm passed down for generations before being dedicated to the Lowcountry Land Trust for preservation.

Officials say the center will provide a much-needed permanent space where environmental advocates and educators can work together. Whether it’s protecting rural lands, waterways, or wildlife — it can be done from in the heart of an urban growth area.

The opening comes just after this week’s announcement of a new president and CEO for the Land Trust. Matt Williams will take the helm of the conservation organization on Sept. 15, succeeding longtime leader Ashley Demosthenes.

After a six-month nationwide search, Land Trust officials said he has extensive experience in conservation and a demonstrated vision for accelerating the protection of critical Lowcountry landscapes, according to a news release.

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In Friday’s issue of the Charleston City Paper

CP OPINION: Slow down on MUSC overlay district. “So what’s the big rush on this proposed Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) zoning overlay district? We understand the need for some flexibility to upgrade facilities throughout MUSC — and are particularly heartened by word of a new and improved Hollings Cancer Center.”

CP CARTOON: Stegelin: Black and white
CP CARTOON: Ariail: Now he’s on the streets

CP NEWS: Supreme Court’s Jackson set for talk on Sept. 2 in Charleston. A fresh voice has emerged and is maturing on the U.S. Supreme Court. It amplifies dissents, and in doing so, injects common sense, while also lending a new layer of transparency to the court.

CP ARTS: New North Charleston mural festival is Sept. 11-14. The Charleston area has always been characterized as a colorful place. Now, a few visionary community members have come together to kick that color up.

CP MUSIC: Thorogood, Destroyers to rock Charleston Music Hall. George Thorogood says his band’s current tour is The Baddest Show On Earth. You can judge for yourself Sept. 5 when the band shakes the Charleston Music Hall.

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Is Charleston’s legal system failing domestic violence victims? The tragic murder of a woman who police say was killed by her ex-boyfriend while he was out on bond for kidnapping her has sparked outrage and questions about how domestic violence cases are handled in the Lowcountry.

New TV show is set in Charleston but shot in Ireland. Is this the new norm? Five minutes into the fiery opening of “The Rainmaker,” USA Network’s newest TV series, fans are treated to some familiar sights: downtown Charleston, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the glassy, geometric Morrison Yard Office.

Where is it safe to swim this Labor Day? Know the risks. As Labor Day weekend approaches, many are making plans to enjoy the water, but experts are urging caution, as swimming may not be safe in some areas.

Emergency sandbags coming to erosion ‘hotspots’ on Isle of Palms as city plans renourishment.

Charleston County deputies remind public of Narcan stands after overdose spike. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the community of Narcan stands following a spike in overdoses across the county.