2025 Ashley River Cleanup with Charleston Waterkeeper

We are thrilled to announce that Charleston Waterkeeper will return on February 22, 2025, for another cleanup at Magnolia. Their commitment to preserving our waterways and the ongoing partnership between our teams continue to strengthen efforts to protect the wildlife and habitats that make Magnolia so special.

On January 20th, 2024, we hosted 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.

With rising sea levels and intense tidal changes, debris washes up along our marshes, making cleanups like this one even more crucial. Debris accumulates quickly, threatening the delicate habitats of the marsh and its inhabitants. Magnolia is home to alligators and various birds, including wading birds, songbirds, waterfowl, and even nesting Bald Eagles. Our large rookery supports species such as herons, anhingas, egrets, ibis, and more. Rising tides bring marine debris that can disrupt birds' feeding and nesting areas. They can inadvertently ingest or become entangled in the trash, which harms both their health and the ecosystem.

At Magnolia, we are nearing the end of a two-year project to manage water levels in the tidal impoundments, promote native grass growth, and preserve and protect this vital part of our ecosystem for future generations. Although we strive to prioritize conservation and visitor safety, pollution remains a concern. With the water flowing directly from the river into the rice trunks, we know debris can still enter the impoundments. This makes it even more important to continue these cleanups, as they help prevent the wildlife from accidentally ingesting or becoming entangled in debris.

This annual cleanup is a powerful reminder of the importance of community action in protecting our rivers, marshes, and the wildlife that depend on them. We are deeply grateful to Charleston Waterkeeper for their ongoing partnership, the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to this cause, and the Magnolia team for their continued conservation work. We look forward to working together again in the future to safeguard the rich natural heritage of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.