The Aiken Land Conservancy is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 29.8 acres south of Montmorenci through the completion of The Pond Conservation
Easement. This project recently closed, ensuring the conservation of a biologically significant property within ALC’s 302/78 Corridor Strategic Focal Area.
The property features approximately 12 acres of remnant sandhill habitat. This natural community supports at least seven wildlife species listed on the South Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), including the pileated woodpecker, Eastern kingbird, Eastern meadowlark, Eastern wood-pewee, and brown-headed nuthatch. The property includes and buffers an impounded tributary of Upper Three Runs Creek, helping to ensure consistently clean input into one of the most significant waterways for aquatic insect diversity ever documented.
The landowner has already begun efforts to restore the sandhill habitat through the reintroduction of prescribed fire, demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term stewardship. The easement was made possible through a grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, with additional support from Sustain SC’s Land and Water Action Platform to help cover some of the landowner’s front-end costs. Most importantly, this project reflects the landowner’s dedication to protecting this special piece of Aiken County for generations to come.
ALC looks forward to continuing to work with neighboring landowners to conserve the ecological and historical treasures of this corridor.