You may already know all about the Angel Oak and how its history spans half a millennium. As Charlestonians, we’re a part of this local landmark’s past, present, and future.

We’ll go out on a limb + say you may not know about Angel Oak Preserve — a project featuring a public green space surrounding Angel Oak Park on Johns Island that’s currently in the planning + public feedback stage.

Check out this map of the property lines. | Graphic provided by Lowcountry Land Trust

The project is intended to:
🌳 Provide a publicly-accessible landscape
🌳 Conserve the Angel Oak’s integrity
🌳 Protect the surrounding ecosystem
🌳 Spread out foot traffic at the park
🌳 Honor the rural + cultural context of the land

Almost a decade of community outreach has gone into plans for the preserve. The Lowcountry Land Trust, local partners, and the Save the Angel Oak initiative acquired 35 acres surrounding the live oak which will make up the green space.

Lowcountry Land Trust chose Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects to design a comprehensive plan with the help of Robinson Engineering. The planning process, which launches this summer, will include public meetings and surveys. We could see a complete design by early next year, knock on wood.

Public meetings kick off June 9 at 7 p.m. + June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at John’s Island Regional Library. Come prepared to share what you want to see at the preserve and be ready to learn more about Lowcountry Land Trust, the Angel Oak, and how you can help.

Before you make like a tree and leave, sign up for the Angel Oak Preserve newsletter and take the survey.