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Conservation

is our mission

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy was created to ensure the conservation vision for this amazing piece of land in the heart of the Lowcountry.

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy was founded in 2003 with a mission of protecting the lush maritime forests and winding tidal creeks that define the spectacular geography of the land that is home to Palmetto Bluff. By maintaining the ecological and environmental integrity of the lands at the confluence of the May, Cooper and New rivers, we’re able to ensure that the ancient maritime forest, brimming with live oak and palmetto, is almost exactly as William Hilton saw it 400 years ago. The Conservancy is the keeper of the natural and historical world of Palmetto Bluff and the organization responsible for educating everyone involved in the development of a new piece of property.

OUR CONSERVANCY DIRECTOR

Meet Jay Walea.

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COME SEE FOR YOURSELF

Ensuring our vision

of conservation stays intact

Land Management

It all starts with the land

Defined by three historic rivers and set amid 20,000 acres, Palmetto Bluff is secluded in the truest sense, and that is surely one of the reasons this land remains so pristine today.

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Research & Education

Increasing our understanding

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is dedicated to increasing our understanding of the natural and cultural environment of the Lowcountry.

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History & Archaeology

On-site archaeologist

History is the fabric of our community, and with the help of an on-site archaeologist, Dr. Mary Socci, we study artifacts that reveal the fascinating details about previous occupants of the area.

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Events & Outreach

Ambassadors to each resident and guest

With a vast outdoor classroom at our fingertips, Palmetto Bluff Conservancy team members are ambassadors to each resident and guest, introducing them to this landscape in ways large and small, structured and informal. Tours, classes and workshops, programs, research and field trips are all available to facilitate this environmental learning process.

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Conservation / Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run 2023: A Celebration of Endurance, Nature, and Community

A Recap of the 2034 Buffalo Run The Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run celebrated its 10th anniversary on Sunday, December 11, 2023, drawing in a record-breaking crowd of over 500 runners. The event, nestled in the heart of Palmetto Bluff's 20,000 acres of natural sp...

Dec 2023

Conservation / From The Ashes

Story and Photographs by Joel Caldwell I am driving through the predawn dark, trying to find the office of Jay Walea, the longtime Director of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. It’s a warm morning in late May, my windows are down, and I’m listening to that pecu...

Nov 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023

Conservation / The Bluff - Turkey Trot

When I ask Jay Walea, the director of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, why he loves hunting turkeys, his response is quick and confident, as if the importance of the turkey was paramount. “A lot of people can go out at the right time in the season and make a tu...

Mar 2023

Conservation / Stewarding This Great Land

Stewardship: The art of taking care of something, such as an organization or property Steward: A person who takes care of something, such as an organization or property The simplicity of these definitions belies their importance. The Palmetto Bluff C...

Jan 2023

Conservation / Species Profile: Seminole Bat

Description Seminole bats (Lasiurus seminolus) are a medium-sized bat, measuring around 4.5 inches from head to tail with a wingspan of approximately 12 inches. They weigh between 8-15 g with females a little larger than males. This is about the sam...

Nov 2022

Conservation / Biking For Conservation

Palmetto Bluff resident, David Sebastian, has embarked on the trek of a lifetime - a 3,000-mile cross-country bicycle ride from San Diego to Palmetto Bluff. Riding solo, the six week journey will raise funds for two nonprofits close to David’s heart, one of wh...

Oct 2022

Conservation / In the Field: August Spotlight Survey

Every year in August, on nights with no moon, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy conducts its annual Spotlight Survey. This survey is designed to provide an accurate estimate of Palmetto Bluff’s white-tailed deer herd. It is quite an undertaking. Conservancy staff...

Aug 2022

Conservation / Palmetto Bluff Preserved: Cataloging Artifacts Found at the Bluff

History is the fabric of our community, and with the help of our on-site archaeologists, Dr. Mary Socci and Katie Epps, we’re expanding what we know about those who came before us. And as you can expect, with over 20,000 acres, this research takes time. ...

Aug 2022

Conservation / Explore the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge

Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge: A Visitors Guide When it comes to going outdoors and enjoying nature, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge provides the ideal setting. It is a natural oasis that offers a wide range of activities and a number of op...

Aug 2022

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