102 acres on Johns Island split between a nature preserve and affordable housing

The Lowcountry Land Trust has purchased Humbert Woods, a 102-acre property on northern Johns Island. Ninety-seven acres will become a nature preserve. The remaining five acres go to Sea Island Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing.

The land had been zoned for more than thirty homes. Funding came through the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, an Opportunity Fund and the Charleston County Affordable Housing Land Acquisition Fund. Matt Williams is CEO of the Lowcountry Land Trust. John Rhoden runs Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, which has worked on Johns Island since 1978. Joe Boykin chairs Charleston County Council. Homes and trails are both still in early planning.

Only about 8 percent of Johns Island is permanently protected. Deals like this one quietly decide what the island looks like in twenty years.