Chapman Bridge Oconee Bell Preserve

• Location: Old Chapman Bridge Road, Salem, SC

• Size: 238 acres

• Habitat: Hardwood forest, creeks, rolling hills

• Public Use: hiking only

• Partners: South Carolina Conservation Bank, Oconee County Conservation Bank, Wyche Family, KTHEP Program, Greenville Water

• Year Protected: 2020

Following the successful protection efforts of the Boones Creek (2019) and McKinney Creek Preserves (2019), another property went on the market in the same vicinity. When we visited the property, it was immediately clear Naturaland Trust would have to get to work again. Known as the Chapman Bridge Preserve, the property is only separated from the McKinney Creek Preserve by a Duke Energy power line right-of-way. The 238-acre parcel contains stunning and healthy populations of the iconic plant as well as mature hardwoods, a striking stream, and countless wildlife game trails traverse the property.

When Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee were formed, as much as 85% of the habitat for Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) was permanently lost. These plants exist only in these watersheds and do not leave the confines of their historic range. Scientists worry that lack of genetic diversity will make these iconic plants vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Populations in adjunct and southerly colonies like these may contain the gene pool necessary to make this plant more resilient to environmental changes and therefore may be critical to the long-term survival of the species. We have been urged by state biologists and Clemson professor Patrick McMillan to act on any chance we had to protect these plants and their habitat. On the 238-acre Chapman Bridge property, tens of thousands of Oconee Bells thrive.

With only a short time to raise funds, Naturaland Trust was able to secure grants from the SC Conservation Bank, the Oconee County Conservation Bank, and a donation in honor of Brad Wyche. Although well-short of our goal by the time our purchase contract expired, we could not risk losing the property to development or mismanagement. Naturaland Trust decided to borrow the remaining funds needed to cover the costs of this landmark acquisition. Throughout the summer and fall of 2020, we reached out to donors and secured the remaining funding through the Keowee Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Program and Greenville Water.

And a special thank you to: the Horton Law Firm, Stone and Associates, CBS Surveying, Pat McNamara, and ECS.