JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) - Local conservation groups are reflecting on the progress they have made over the past year and what they can do to keep the momentum going in the future. Lowcountry Land Trust protected around 2,300 acres in 2024. The locations varied from the ACE Basin to McClellanville. These properties included areas that serve as wildlife habits, enhance water quality, and contribute to agriculture across the Lowcountry. "That 2024 was the year of community centered conservation. So, there are some years we protect an excess of 5000 acres, this year it was an excess of 2000 acres," said Ashley Demosthenes, president and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. One of the latest properties includes the Grayson Oaks preserve located on Johns Island. It will serve as a lease for local farmers and access for public green space. Each of the projects also hit on cultural, ecological, and historic aspects that are important to the location. Since 2021, Demosthenes said the organization's community conservation program has been growing. "A lot of community interest in working with Lowcountry Land Trust on places that matter deeply to them. We're bringing the resources to apply for the grant funding, to purchase the land or protect it in some way," Demosthenes said. "Then the community is taking ownership of it in some way. So it's really exciting to be in this partnership role with these community groups." Looking forward Lowcountry Land Trust aims to conserve over 170,000 acres by Dec. 2025. The quantifiable goal of 170,000 acres falls within Lowcountry Land Trust's strategic plan. The organization hopes to ensure that conservation efforts continue as land is being developed in urban and rural areas. "I mean because the population is growing, because development is a byproduct of that population growth - places are being lost. If we do not voraciously go after them and protect them with the community support, then those stories will be lost. The places themselves, the tangible resources that we know today won't be there anymore," Demosthenes said. The non-profit is expected to build its headquarters, provide more public access on Johns Island, and further along the Angel Oak Preserve within the coming months.