Skip to main content

Stono Preserve Master Plan

College of Charleston
The master plan creates a conservationist’s classroom for students of marine biology, forest management, and historic preservation.
Illustrative drawing of Stono Preserve Master Plan at College of Charleston
Location
Charleston, SC
Size
881 acres
Completion
2010

In 1995, naturalist John Henry Dick bequeathed the historic Stono Preserve property to the College of Charleston Foundation. Before his death, Dick placed a conservation easement on the property with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust to protect its pristine 881 acres from future development. Ayers Saint Gross developed a comprehensive master plan to guide the restoration of the natural setting to create a conservationist’s classroom for the college. The master plan creates a living laboratory for students of multiple disciplines — from marine biology to forest management to historic preservation.

The plan honors the diverse ecology of the site. It preserves landscapes and vernacular structures and recommends educational and visitor facilities of minimal footprints on designated buildable sites. Trails follow guidelines for accessibility without compromising the existing terrain and habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife, using existing roads, the live oak allée, and a meandering connector path.

The team championed the concept of the site as an environmental laboratory, developed the master plan, and implemented the nature trail, its interpretative signage system, a meeting barn, and renovated John Henry Dick studio. 

Interpretive signage at key vistas teach students and visitors about natural and historic features, including archaeological sites and native Lowcountry habitats. With lightness and simplicity, the signs balance information with quiet, site-appropriate design.  

Stono Preserve provides the College of Charleston’s urban campus with access to a natural Lowcountry waterfront setting for research and experiential learning. The plan serves as a model for a purposeful and sustainable satellite campus, upholding the institutional mission in times of shrinking resources and space on core campuses.

Awards

2014

SCUP Excellence in Planning District or Campus Component Honor Award
 
Next Project

Stono Barn

College of Charleston
Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×