Preserving the Lowcountry: The Ashley River Sweep with Charleston Waterkeeper

At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the beauty of our grounds has always been tied to the health of the Ashley River.  We feel a responsibility to protect the ecosystem that has sustained this land for over three centuries. That’s why we teamed up with our friends at Charleston Waterkeeper last month for a Ashley River Sweep.

Sustainability isn't just something we talk about in meetings, it’s about getting out there and doing the work. During the sweep, the team and volunteers from Waterkeeper worked across our riverfront to clear debris and protect our local waterways. The results were both eye-opening and impactful, as the team collected over 17 bags of trash. From plastic bottles to micro-debris, we cleared a significant amount of waste before it could travel further downstream. By removing these pollutants, we are helping protect the local bird species, fish, and ancient cypress trees that call the Ashley River home. 

This river sweep is just one piece of the puzzle. At Magnolia, we are constantly evolving our sustainability initiatives to ensure we are better stewards of the land. When you visit us, you’re supporting more than just a garden; you’re supporting the preservation of a delicate and essential Lowcountry ecosystem.

We want to give a huge thank you to the team at Charleston Waterkeeper for their hard work! We look forward to many more sweeps in the future and continuing our mission to keep the Lowcountry pristine for generations to come.