Lowcountry Land Trust Sporting Clay Shoot 2023

Every fall, the Lowcountry Land Trust arranges a sporting clay shoot event. Participants get the chance to enjoy a professionally designed clay course that highlights the picturesque terrain of the Brosnan Forest.

This forest is situated on private land, which the Lowcountry Land Trust protects through a conservation easement. We spoke with John Payne, a real estate agent from Handsome Properties, to explore the event’s specifics and its generational impact.

How Did You First Get Involved With the Land Trust?

“I first got involved with the LLT when my parents put their country property, located in Colleton County, under a conservation easement. The creation of the ACE Basin by our late Senator Fritz Hollings was another inspiration from decades ago which helped me begin to see the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems throughout the state.”

Who Do You Know Within the Trust?

“The President and CEO of the LLT, Ashley Demosthenes, and I went to Porter-Gaud together.”

Why a Sporting Clay Shoot and Not Another Event? What’s Significant About a Clay Shoot?

“The LLT hosts many events throughout the year, including lunches, oyster roasts, and beach, and marsh cleanups, but what’s amazing about the annual clay shoot, in which I have participated over at least the past 8 years, is that it takes place on private land that one would not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.

The clay shoot has taken place on former plantations including ones located on the Ashepoo River, Edisto Island, and this year’s Brosnan Forest near the Francis Biedler. Shooters and guests not only get tours of the property but they are also treated to amazing workshops and food.”

What Do You Enjoy Most About the Event?

“Handsome Properties has been a sponsor of this event for many consecutive years, and we want to show our appreciation for the LLT and its commitment to preserving the Lowcountry’s undeveloped wonders.”

What is the Significance of Handsome Properties Being a Sponsor?

“Without the efforts of the LLT, unchecked development would be more rampant, and we would eventually lose the character that makes our region so beautiful and special.”

How to Get Involved

Engaging with the Lowcountry Land Trust offers a multitude of avenues for individuals to make a positive impact on conservation efforts. Importantly, one significant way to participate is through monetary contributions. By donating to the organization, you provide vital financial support that fuels their initiatives to protect and preserve natural landscapes.

Additionally, volunteering presents a hands-on opportunity to contribute. By offering your time, skills, and efforts, you become an integral part of the Trust’s activities. Beyond donations and volunteering, the Lowcountry Land Trust offers a diverse array of involvement opportunities.

These can range from participating in community outreach programs that raise awareness about conservation to engaging in advocacy efforts that support policy changes benefiting the environment. In essence, getting involved with the Lowcountry Land Trust is an invitation to become an active steward of the environment.

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, advocate, or explore other avenues, your engagement plays a vital role in safeguarding the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the Lowcountry region for current and future generations.