| | | SC's Black River State Park Comes to Life!
The Open Space Institute (OSI) joined South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina State Parks, and more than 100 friends last week to celebrate the start of a new chapter on the Black River: the opening of The Meadows at Black River State Park (BRSP), the first new site in the Black River State Park and Water Trail Network. BRSP is South Carolina’s 50th state park, its first riverine park network, and — at 9,200 acres and counting — already among its largest. The event marked the realization of an ambitious vision for the OSI-led Black River Initiative, which was launched by OSI and partners in 2021 to safeguard wild riverside landscapes, create public access for the first time in generations, save vital wildlife habitat, and shield downstream communities from flooding. Dive deeper in this new video, and read all about the joyous opening of The Meadows at the link below. |
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| | | | Guarding the Gateway to the Gunks
OSI recently secured one of the most visible viewsheds along New York’s Shawangunk Ridge, while also safeguarding wildlife habitat and clean water sources. In an effort which involved two decades of discussions between OSI and the landowners, and the Town of New Paltz’s first significant use of Community Preservation Funds, OSI has ensured a prominent entrance into the Gunks will remain undeveloped for the benefit of people and wildlife, forever. |
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| | | | Expanding Outdoor Recreation in North Carolina
Together with North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), OSI has greatly expanded public lands for recreation in Robeson County, just along the South Carolina border. OSI has transferred 2,500 acres it originally protected in 2022 to WRC, which will now ready the property to welcome visitors with exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and more — while maintaining the forests, wetlands, and waterways that are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. |
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| | | | Full Steam Ahead: OSI Secures Land for Ohio Rail Trail
More than seven miles of unused rail corridor just outside Cleveland have been secured for the future creation of the Headwaters Connector Greenway, thanks to OSI and partners. Once constructed, the linear park will link to an extensive rail trail network, offering new, off-road transportation options and bringing nature closer to communities. The project marks OSI’s newest achievement in its successful track record of negotiating complex rail conversion agreements throughout the Northeast. |
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| | | | Preserving Pennsylvania Land for an Entire Watershed
A grant from OSI has helped the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) strengthen protection for a stunning lake in eastern Pennsylvania—and all who depend on it. More than a mile of shoreline along Lake Jamie is now permanently conserved, safeguarding land vital to the Delaware River watershed, a source of clean water for more than 15 million residents and businesses in Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, New York City, and beyond. |
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