Land & Water Rights on Johns Island

Johns Island is a key Sea Island that is home to Gullah culture, farming and migrant culture, and has since Charleston colonization been a staple location in providing food for Charleston citizens. But this island is loosing it's culture and resources fast as it is literally drowning due to out of town for profit developers who are not investing in the culture or life of long time residents. 

SIGN OUR PETTITION HERE: Petition · Mayor Tecklenberg: Stop Tecklenberg's Takeover/Annexation on Johns Island, Instead Support Community Project · Change.org

Did you know that 81% of Charleston city's growth development has been placed on Johns Island? Did you know that there is only one public access to water on Johns Island which is under the Limehouse Bridge?

Our strong migrant, farming and Gullah/Geechee cultures have always relied on local water sources as all people have, but times they are a changing, and now water access is only available to some rather than most. We are stepping up to change this and ask that you join us. This 26 acre property is located in the very center of Maybank Hwy and has 14 acres of beautiful fresh spring water ponds. We intend to purchase this property so that we can restore access to water for the public in a central location. This place will become a nature preserve and community/event center that focuses on our heritage, health, families, music and environment. We will provide necessary insurances, boats, kayaks, life jackets and growing facilities to accommodate the public need much like a park, but with the added benefit of creating a circular economy with the community. Workshops, environmental education classes, after school programs, herbal remedies, farm stands, and a heritage market are all opportunities we invite our community to engage and come create in at this space. We want our part of town to develop and grow with the locals truly at the heart of development interests rather than being steam rolled by the developers. We are of, by, and for the community that we live in. In an effort to be a true solution center where country meets the city, we will focus on what commonalities we have, while protecting a green space that is zoned industrial in the heart of the development corridor. Future plans include walk and skate trails, archery, gardening, outdoor theater, markets, food trucks, and workshop opportunities. Investing in our community is what we are doing together. Having a community source of fresh water, is important for our future. We attain to be a role model to growing areas, that we can have our growth and preserve a beautiful way of life for thriving communities too. 

Not so long ago, Johns Island was a place where you could take a walk, know your neighbors and access water and locally grown food.

HERE'S OUR COMMITMENT. WE WILL:

• PROVIDE a nature preserve and community/event center that focuses on history, health, families, music and nature.

• PROTECT this endangered habitat for animals, people and our collective future.

• FOCUS on the true farming, migrant and Gullah culture, storytelling and learning the rich history of this sea island.

• ENSURE our farmers keep their produce moving and that the wisdom holders and young entrepreneurs spread the living history of our elders into the future by creating circular economy opportunities.

Circa 11:11

Our efforts include a farm produce and local goods store/co-op, as well as children's programs, cultural-historic education, music events and prevention from further flooding and other solution offerings to Johns Islanders. We will create a community center gathering space and expansion of all programs with greater opportunity for circular economy as well.

This mission thru CIRCA 11:11 will provide:

• Public Access Nature Preserve/Park

  1) walking trails in a protected habitat

  2) Public Access to Water

  3) connective trail from residential to commerce areas of central Johns Island

  4) public park amenities, such as picnic areas, kayaks, fishing docks and play space

• Connection to Culture & History

  1) monuments of local heroes + lessons of cultural stories

  2) living history experiences in multi-cultural setting

• Farm Store = There’s a food desert in the farmland = we need local produce for local sustaining and health

  1) local market highlighting local produce and goods

  2) centralized location for access to local food and household staples

• Nature Programs = addressing our childhood and adult needs for quiet, natural play and non-developed space

  1) natural world confidence through fort building, archery, kayaking etc.

  2) wild and free time in nature with friends

  3) in cooperation with Growing Spirit Outdoor Programs

• Music Education and Experiences = music lessons and listening/dancing for all ages family fun

  1) small stage for musicians and regular gathering events

  2) regular meeting space for children’s jam groups and artistic expression

  3) in cooperation with Awendaw Green

• Land Development Needs = The city keeps building without proper infrastructure and flood plans

  1) this high forested land is the best protection against flooding for local home owners

  2) with endangered forests we will protect a colony of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers

  3) a balanced farm co-op and park in the center of the island keeps the feel of John’s Island alive