Aiken Land Conservancy is proud to announce the successful purchase of 25.1 acres that will permanently expand Boyd Pond Park, one of Aiken County’s most popular public parks. The newly protected property will be known as the Dufour Community Forest, honoring the family who previously owned the land and worked with ALC to ensure its future as a public and ecological resource.
Located immediately east of Boyd Pond Park, the Dufour Community Forest represents a significant expansion of protected land—enhancing connectivity, buffering existing parkland, and safeguarding a landscape that might otherwise have been lost to development. Once fully integrated, the property will function as a natural extension of the park and will be managed as part of Boyd Pond Park through a lease agreement between ALC and Aiken County Government.
Shaped by Community Input
Community input played an important role in shaping this project. ALC hosted an on-site public feedback session and conducted an online survey to gather community input on potential future uses of the property. That feedback is informing a Community Forest Plan currently in production, which will guide both land management and the thoughtful installation of amenities such as trails and interpretive signage.
Once completed, the Community Forest Plan will be shared publicly for comment, ensuring continued community engagement as the vision for the Dufour Community Forest takes shape.
A Place for People and Nature
In the years ahead, the Dufour Community Forest will be a resource for outdoor recreation and school groups, while also supporting habitat restoration and long-term ecological management. Together, these efforts will strengthen the health of the upland forest system and contribute to broader conservation efforts in Aiken County.
Powered by Partnerships
This project would not have been possible without strong collaboration at every level. Aiken County Government provided critical financial support for the acquisition and will manage the property as part of Boyd Pond Park. Additional funding support came from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, while the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Forest Program provided most of the acquisition funding and covered many due diligence expenses.
We are deeply grateful to our local, state, and federal partners—and to the Aiken County community—for supporting this project from the beginning.
What’s Next
Planning is already underway for an official dedication event to celebrate the opening of the Dufour Community Forest to the public. More details will be shared in the coming months.
With this acquisition, Aiken Land Conservancy is excited to help grow Boyd Pond Park and ensure that more land remains open, accessible, and protected for today’s community and for generations to come.