Nearly 500 acres of Awanita Valley Camp and Retreat Center in northern Greenville County are now protected through a permanent conservation easement purchased by The Nature Conservancy, the organization announced Jan. 8.
The easement is the culmination of an effort that began in 2023 by The Nature Conservancy with local and state funding partners to secure $1.4 million for the easement.
The easement places permanent restrictions on development for 484 acres of the faith-based camp off U.S. Highway 25 north of Marietta. It will also help preserve habitat for plant and animal species, which include 16 rare, threatened or endangered terrestrial species reported within two miles of the property according to TNC.
Protection of the property will also help preserve watershed conditions for the main stem of Gap Creek. The Gap Creek system is known to support the Rosyside dace, Fieryblack shiner and other aquatic species of interest.
The easement was funded by grants from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, the Upstate Land Conservation Fund, Awanita Valley, and donors to TNC.
Proceeds from the easement will help the camp to fund renovations on original buildings, continue to provide for their equestrian program and create inviting spaces where guests can immerse themselves in nature and have transformative experiences that deepen their faith.
“Our goal is always to make sure that we can provide a space in nature for others to come and grow in their faith and strengthen their relationships with their community,” Awanita Valley executive director Brent Wood said in the statement. “We want Awanita Valley to always be here for the community; thanks to this conservation easement, it will be.”
