There are plans to lease Grayson Oaks to a local farmer, while also offering walking trails and events to the public. | Photo by Natalie Olson, Lowcountry Land Trust
In just a few months, Charleston County will have access to more green spaces and better-protected ecosystems, thanks to the Lowcountry Land Trust. The Charleston-area nonprofit announced more than $8.5 million in Charleston County Greenbelt funds for eight conservation projects.
Lowcountry Land Trust works with local leaders and landowners to preserve nature and protect ecosystems, cultural heritage + enhance public access to green spaces.
Fun Fact: The following eight properties are slated for permanent protection by June 2025.
Holly Grove |This plot will add 35 acres to Caw Caw Interpretive County Park in Ravenel.
Red Top Park | This park will be a permanent public green space in Charleston County’s historic Red Top Community.
Oscar’s Place | This stretch of land will protect ~50 acres on Johns Island.
Grayson Oaks | Protecting this 94-acre farm on Johns Island will help address South Carolina’s agricultural land loss issues.
Gingerbread House | Through Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 4-8 p.m. | The Charleston Place | Free | When you visit Santa’s second-floor workshop, be sure to see the life-sized gingerbread house.
“Ain’t Too Proud” | 7:30 p.m. | North Charleston Performing Arts Center | $67+ | Grab your tickets for this Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Holiday Sleigh Ride | Through Monday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Downtown Charleston | $70 | Climb aboard this festive 30-minute holiday experience which includes a caroling “sleigh” ride before returning to Santa’s Stable for hot chocolate + cookies.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Yoga in The Observatory | 10-11 a.m. | Hotel Bennett | $25 | Melt the holiday stress away with this 60-minute foundational vinyasa yoga flow in the rooftop Observatory.
Geechee Gyal | 11 a.m. | Sewee Center | Price of purchase | Meet Jennifaye Singleton, a fifth-generation designer and basketmaker, motivational speaker, storyteller, quilter, and author.
Beverly and Bruce show us what it means to be a lifelong learner. | Photo provided by Charleston Southern University
Who says learning has to stop at any age? Beverly and Bruce, a local married couple, are proving that it’s never too late to chase your goals. Together, they’re pursuing their doctorate degrees at Charleston Southern University (CSU).
CSU’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in leadership is designed not only for educators but also for professionals from all fields. It welcomes individuals from healthcare, the military, local government, private businesses, and more. The program helps you grow as a leader — no matter your background.
What makes CSU’s EdD stand out?
A curriculum that builds your skills by exploring diverse leadership models
A dissertation phase that lets students conduct research blending theory with real-world application
Opportunities to sharpen research, writing, and analytical skills
A unique course focused on ethics and character-based leadership
If you’re looking for a program that’s academically rigorous + rooted in strong moral values, CSU’s EdD could be the perfect fit for you.
The roads in Mount Pleasant soon will become a little safer for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Town received approval and $1.2 million for the Coleman Boulevard project + nearly $500,000 for the IOP Connector project. See the changes that will be made to the areas. (WCSC)
Civic
If your holiday decor includes a real Christmas tree or natural wreaths + garland, the City of Charleston will collect and compost them for free on regular waste collection days from Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Feb. 14. Be sure to follow guidelines to remove all inorganic decorations before composting.
Environment
Charleston Parks Conservancy announced Molly Hendry as the designer for the Colonial Lake Revitalization project. Hendry, an internationally recognized horticulturist and garden designer, specializes in Southern native plants and sustainable design. She’s tasked with designing three acres of gardens, with the project set to be finished by the end of 2025.
Kids
Time to close those textbooks — winter break begins on Monday, Dec. 23 for students in the Charleston County School District and classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6. If you need ideas for the time off, check out CHStoday’s City Guide to kid-friendly activities.
Fun Fact
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Job
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The holidays are here — and with them come extra expenses. Regain control of seasonal credit card debt with a 0% intro APR credit card. Experts scoped out this top option that offers a long interest-free period and earns up to 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months.*
Tech
If new phones are on your family’s Christmas list, you can switch to the Total 5G+ Unlimited plan and receive up to four free Samsung Galaxy A35 5G phones. Enjoy unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot with 12x faster speeds, all backed by “America’s Favorite Network.”Make the switch.*
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🎁 Don’t miss these last-minute gift picks
Including a cute necklace and a Kindle remote page turner. | Graphic by 6AM City
Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? Shop five great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping.
Layering initial necklace | $15.99 | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.
Magnetic portable power bank charger | $37.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.
Candle warmer lamp + Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle | $39.99 + $36.00 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.