Annual Ashley River Cleanup with Charleston Waterkeeper
At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, conservation is at the heart of our mission. One of the ways we uphold this commitment is through our ongoing partnership with Charleston Waterkeeper for an annual cleanup event. Each year, volunteers and conservationists come together to remove an average of 1,000 pounds of debris from our marshes and waterways, helping to preserve the delicate ecosystems that make Magnolia such a special place.
Pictured here are 45 volunteers from Charleston Waterkeeper for a cleanup of the Ashley River marshes at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Despite the chilly weather, the volunteers worked tirelessly, removing approximately 1,300 lbs of debris, including tires, plastics, shoes, and styrofoam—our largest cleanup haul in recent years.
Marine debris is an ongoing challenge, as rising sea levels and shifting tides continually wash waste into our wetlands. Left unchecked, this pollution threatens the diverse wildlife that calls Magnolia home. Our marshes and tidal impoundments support a wide array of species, including alligators, wading birds, songbirds, waterfowl, and even nesting Bald Eagles. Our large rookery is a sanctuary for herons, anhingas, egrets, ibis, and other species that rely on clean waterways for feeding and nesting. Unfortunately, plastic and other debris can disrupt these vital habitats, posing risks such as ingestion or entanglement.
To combat this, Charleston Waterkeeper plays a crucial role in our conservation efforts, working alongside Magnolia and dedicated volunteers to keep our waterways clean. Their commitment to protecting local water quality and reducing pollution strengthens our shared mission to preserve the land, water, and wildlife of Magnolia.
Beyond cleanups, our conservation work extends to maintaining water quality and habitat health. We have undertaken long-term projects to manage water levels in our tidal impoundments, encourage native grass growth, and create a thriving environment for future generations. Despite our efforts, pollution remains a persistent challenge, as debris can still enter our waterways through the historic rice trunk systems that connect Magnolia to the Ashley River. This makes our annual cleanup with Charleston Waterkeeper even more critical in safeguarding our natural spaces.
Community action is a powerful tool in environmental conservation. By working together, we can help preserve Magnolia’s unique ecosystems and ensure that future generations can continue to experience its rich biodiversity. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Charleston Waterkeeper and the support of volunteers who share our vision for a cleaner, healthier environment.
If you’re passionate about protecting local wildlife and wetlands, consider joining us for our annual cleanup or supporting our conservation initiatives. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health of our waterways and the species that depend on them.
