Short Branch

  • Location: Greenville, SC

  • Size: 218 acres

  • Habitat: Mature hardwoods, streams, rivers, forests

  • Public Use: Pending

  • Partners: SC Conservation Bank

  • Year Protected: 2024

The Mountain Bridge Wilderness is a phrase our founder coined in 1974 to create momentum and collaboration around protecting the expanse of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the bridge between the two protected watersheds, the Poinsett Reservoir, and the Table Rock Reservoir.

For 50 years, we have continued this effort to protect waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and streams for the public within this ecologically unique and biodiverse region of South Carolina. Short Branch is emblematic of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and is a unique opportunity.

Short Branch, a stunning 218-acre valley between Cedar Mountain and Terry Creek, is adjacent to thousands of acres of protected land. To the north is the Greenville Watershed, which is protected by a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy. To the east is a block of protected land totaling more than 200 acres that Naturaland Trust has assembled over the last three years with help from the Conservation Bank, the County, and private donors. This block connects mature forests with the North Saluda River and is soon to become a Heritage Preserve managed and owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources. To the west, is the Cliffs Valley, a high-end development that has sought to acquire Short Branch for many years.

Short Branch sits in a valley and includes three man-made ponds, miles of headwater streams that course through a mature hardwood forest, and a granitic outcrop that likely hosts unique and rare plants. We have contracted with the Native Plant Society to conduct a robust survey of the botanical life found on the tract and will know more when spring arrives. One of the dams is considered to be a high hazard by DHEC because of the homes located downstream, which is why the owners have kept the ponds at a low level for the last few years. Naturaland Trust plans to remove the dams or, at the very least, breach them to restore the hydrological function of the streams and remove the risk associated with dam failure.

Originally, the property was listed for sale for $3,500,000. After discussions with the sellers, they decided they preferred the property to be protected in perpetuity and agreed to sell at the appraised value of $1,310,000. SCDNR is also applying for a Forest Legacy grant, which they expect to receive in the fall of 2024. SCDNR will purchase Short Branch, Cedar Mountain, Cedar Mountain Expansion, and Dividing Water from Naturaland Trust.