Infrastructure

Field Station Classrooms

A view of the Field Station Classrooms.

The College has two state-of-the-art Field Station Classrooms on the property, which are made possible by a million dollar matching grant from the Spaulding Paolozzi Foundation. The stations, one located near the three pond area and the other in the higher ground of the northern hardwood forests, are each 3,500 square feet and enable students and faculty to conduct field research, classroom teaching and laboratory work under one roof. To quote one faculty member "the stations are exponential game changers in the school's educational capacity."

Rice Trunk Gate Installation

After much research and consultation with our forestry management and water management partners, a rice trunk gate was successfully installed to replace a failing aluminum gate between the saltwater pond and the Stono River marshes. In addition to the technical advantages, the rice trunk gate installation reflects the virtues of good stewards of the land. Rice trunk gates improve water flow management of the ponds thus enhancing marine and bird life at Stono Preserve. We also embrace and honor our rich cultural history with the use of these historic rice trunk gates. Thank you to our partners at the Lowcountry Land Trust, Travis Folk of Folk Land Management, Sam Carlton of American Forestry Management and Wood Brothers Construction for a successful installation.


The nature trail at the Stono Preserve.

Interpretive Nature Trail

A 3.2 mile interpretative, educational nature trail incorporates many of the diverse ecosystems on the property, featuring spectacular viewing areas for John Henry Dick's beloved birds. The nature trail was made possible by a generous gift from the Post and Courier Foundation.



Barn Reconstruction

The original barn has been reconstructed and is now used for teaching and education. 



Dick's Studio

John Henry Dick's painting studio remains on the property as a stand-alone meeting facility.


Forestry Management Plan

A critical strategic partner, American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM), one of the largest forestry management consulting firms in the United States, has been working closely with the College on restoration of forests, fields and wetlands for Stono Preserve. Thanks to a generous grant from the Donnelley Foundation, the College of Charleston further partnered with AFM and the Lowcountry Land Trust to develop a comprehensive, long-term forest management plan for the property. AFM serves as the chief forester for the property.

Aborgen Re-forestation

In support of the comprehensive forestry management program funded by the Donnelley Foundation, ArborGen supplied 73,000 longleaf pine seedlings and other materials that were planted on more than 150 acres of longleaf pine forest.

The College of Charleston at Stono Preserve is private land and governed by a conservation easement over the entire property. The easement is very specific as to how the natural resources on the property may be used and accessed. Any photography of the property, trespassing onto the property, or harming of the flora or fauna within it is strictly prohibited and violators will be vigorously prosecuted.