| | | Open Space Institute Expands Black River Park Network in South Carolina
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired more than 850 acres surrounding nearly five miles of shoreline along Black Mingo Creek in South Carolina. The property will be incorporated into the OSI-led Black River Initiative, a community-focused effort to develop a water trail and a network of 13 parks and other protected lands along a 70-mile stretch of the scenic Black River. The newly acquired property is home to cypress-tupelo bottomland swamps and endangered plant species and is a stopover site for numerous species of migratory birds.
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| | | OSI Protects Land for Schunnemunk Rail Trail
Ten miles of former railroad property protected by OSI in fast-developing Orange County, New York, have been transferred to the county. The more than 100-acre property is slated to become a new four-season recreational connector linking Schunnemunk and Goosepond Mountain state parks. OSI and county leaders are working together to create the Schunnemunk Rail Trail, which will also connect to nearby train stations, making it easy for visitors to hop off the train and start exploring. |
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| | | | Celebrating the Coosawhatchie
Now open to the public, the new Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area represents the culmination of collaborative efforts by OSI and partners to protect one of South Carolina’s most ecologically important Lowcountry regions. Comprising more than 10,000 acres saved by OSI and partners, the Coosawhatchie offers new and numerous recreational opportunities and safeguards more than 35 miles of waterway. |
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| | | | Overwhelming Support for OSI's O&W Trail
A recent community survey has shown that an incredible 95 percent of respondents support OSI’s plan to transform the fragmented former O&W Rail Trail Corridor and D&H Canal Towpath in NY’s Hudson Valley into a connected, 57-mile long shared-use greenway trail stretching from Kingston to Port Jervis. More than 1,100 people took the survey, sharing their thoughts on trail amenities and more. |
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| | | | OSI's Dr. Maria Whitehead Awarded Top Conservation Honor
Dr. Maria Whitehead, OSI’s Senior Vice President of Land for the Southeast, has been awarded the 2024 Pugsley Medal, the nation’s most prestigious honor recognizing outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of public parks and conservation. Erik Kulleseid, OSI’s President & CEO, applauded Dr. Whitehead, saying, “Maria is an inspiration—her love of the land and wildlife is contagious and drives us to be bolder and more inclusive.” |
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| | | | Highlighting OSI's Expertise at National Rally
At Rally 2024, a national conference held by the Land Trust Alliance, OSI’s knowledge and leadership were on full display. The conference, attended by 2,300 dedicated conservationists, offered numerous sessions led by OSI staff, with some attracting standing-room-only crowds. Staff led workshops on topics including land protection for clean water, utilizing carbon data for forest conservation, and grassroots climate resilience. |
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| | | | OSI Pursues Re-accreditation; Invites Feedback
OSI is applying for renewal of its accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance’s Accreditation Commission. As one of 460 accredited land trusts in the United States—out of more than 1,300 land trusts nationwide—OSI has maintained accreditation for more than 15 years, highlighting its commitment to excellence in land conservation and stewardship. A public comment period will be open until December 20, 2024. |
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