According to Ducks Unlimited (DU), the organization will now steward one of the most significant conservation easements in United States history. This monumental achievement, made possible by Cox Enterprises and the Cox family, permanently protects the nearly 4,400-acre Clarendon Farms in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, the easement sets a new national benchmark for private land stewardship by forgoing massive commercial and residential development opportunities in favor of long-term environmental health.
Ecological Impact and Connectivity
Clarendon Farms is described by DU as a “treasure” of the Lowcountry. The easement safeguards a vast mosaic of habitats, including:
- 40+ miles of river and marsh frontage within the Port Royal Sound watershed.
- Nine islands, including several hammock islands.
- 1,300 acres of upland forest and hundreds of acres of wetlands, ranging from historic rice fields to tidal marshes.
This project provides critical connectivity, anchoring an ecological landscape that connects the ACE Basin to the Savannah River. By adding these 4,400 acres to a previous 1,200-acre easement from 2009, the total protected area of Clarendon Farms now exceeds 5,600 acres. This expansion strengthens a wildlife corridor encompassing more than 20,000 acres of contiguous conserved land.
A Vision for Waterfowl and People
DU notes that the protection of these wetlands is vital for a variety of species, including:
- Waterfowl: Essential habitat for mallards, pintails, wood ducks, gadwall, wigeon, and both green-winged and blue-winged teal.
- Community Resilience: The land plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining water quality, providing flood storage, and strengthening coastal resilience against storm surges.
Leadership in Stewardship
“This project represents the very best of conservation in America,” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. He emphasized that the Cox family’s choice of stewardship over development comes at a time when the Lowcountry’s natural resources are under intense pressure.
Jim Kennedy, Chairman Emeritus of Cox Enterprises and a longtime DU volunteer, expressed his pride in the partnership, stating that DU has the “expertise to ensure Clarendon remains a protected part of the Lowcountry and benefits the environment for years to come.” Alex Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises, added that protecting such wild and natural places is “the most important thing we can do for the world.”
About Ducks Unlimited: Established in 1937, DU is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to conserving North America’s wetlands. This easement contributes to the more than 19 million acres the organization has restored or protected across the continent.